08/19/2025
Our turtle artists' dedication, creativity, and countless hours of donated time and talent made this project truly special. We could never thank them enough for their generosity. This opportunity was made possible in part by support from the Kansas Arts Commission, which receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, and the Legacy Regional Community Foundation. Thank you for your support!
Now that all the turtles have found their places around town, it’s time to meet the incredible artists who brought them to life — in their own words! Learn more about "Outlaw and his artist Nelson P Nelson"
"Outlaw Takes to the Trail: From School Spirit to Street Art"
By Artist, Jason (Nelson) P. Nelson
🎨🐢 Hey OUTLAWS! I'm Nelson P. Nelson, aka NPN, owner of NPN Tattoo and NPN Temporary Tattoos based in Wellington, KS!
I’ve lived in Wellington all my life. I'm a proud dad to Riley and Fisher, and now a grandpa (The GranDude) to Rowan (aka WiLLee P.)! While I’m not originally from Caldwell, I spend a lot of time in the area—fishing or hanging out at the cabin near Drury.
Art has always been a huge part of my life—whether it’s sketching, drawing, painting, airbrushing, or spray painting. Recently, I bought a building in downtown Wellington and am getting ready to open my very own tattoo shop (after some rezoning, painting, and elbow grease). Stay tuned—NPN Tattoo is opening soon!
👉 Wheat Fest 2024 sparked something big. I originally planned to do face painting or airbrush tattoos, but then decided to go with temporary tattoos—and wow, we did over 600 tattoos during the festival!
Word spread fast, and soon other towns and even states were reaching out. That’s how NPN Traveling Temporary Tattoos was born. We’ve already hit:
Caldwell Sumner County Fair X2
South Haven Fair X2
Wellington Fall Festival X2
Caldwell Stroll the Streets
Krampus Karnival
…and more on the way!
Both Caldwell and South Haven asked for custom South Sumner Outlaw Temporary Tattoos, so of course, I made it happen!
After hearing so much about the Outlaw, which became the inspiration behind my turtle design. And—surprise—my South Sumner Outlaw Turtle design was chosen!
Now, picking up a turtle in a Honda Civic? Not ideal 😅—Fisher had to remove the spare tire to fit the Outlaw inside! Then… on my way to get paint, a deer decided to skid across my hood 🦌💥. But I got it done.
Today, OUTLAW the Turtle proudly shines at the Caldwell Sports Complex, and I couldn’t be more honored.
💚 Thank you to everyone who voted for my design and let this “outsider” be part of something so meaningful. I hope he brings smiles for years to come.
🎪 Watch for NPN Temporary Tattoos at events near you!
🎉 And if you’re a licensed tattoo artist looking for a spot—we’re hiring!
📍 NPN Tattoo – Wellington, KS
🎨 Opening soon!
