Bluffton School of Tattoo Artistry, (BSTA) hopes to open later this spring in a yet-to-be-announced downtown location, according to a franchise holding company setting up the school.

The school hopes to become nationally-accredited and associated with Tattoo America Accrediting, LTD. According to the school’s owners, headquartered in Ft. Collins, Colorado, from 20 to 35 students are expected to initially enroll in the 6-month program.

Depending upon its success, that number could increase to 45 students, based on current demand, according to Black Ink Today, an industry trade publication.

The school will operate year around, with a 6-month winter-spring term and a 6-month summer winter term.

Graduates will hold a Tattoo Guild Certificate enabling them to then take the Midwest Tattoo Licensure exam.

BSTA will offer discounts to local residents, as student practitioners must log 100 hours of training as part of the curriculum.

An information meeting, open to the public, takes place at 9 a.m., April 1, in a mobile trailer set up in front of the Bluffton town hall.