Cold River Body Arts was founded in 2018 by Gene Gowen, a formally trained and educated Professional Body Piercer, with a decade of experience in the craft of Piercing.

Gene began his career serving a traditional Apprenticeship with veteran Piercer, Jeff Goldblatt, at Green Man Studio in West Hartford, CT. After completing his apprenticeship and advancing to the position of Head Piercer, Gene accepted a position with the well-known Haven Body Arts of Northampton, Massachusetts.

The most recent years have kept Gene busy working as Senior Piercer, Piercing Trainer, and Business Manager for an established New York based Tattoo and Piercing company with multiple locations across the state.

Over the span of his career, Gene has been fortunate to be invited as a Guest Piercer through Guest spots at reputable Studios across the country. From regular work in Boston and Oklahoma City, to Seattle, St. Louis, Brooklyn, and New Orleans, Gene has been privileged to work with a broad range of clients and respond to a wide range of Piercing interests.

Whether working on-site or while traveling, Gene has always sought to continue his education in his craft through working alongside Career Piercers and through the Association of Professional Piercers (a non-profit dedicated to the dissemination of safe Piercing information). In 2022, Gene is a 9-year Business Member of the APP, and Fundraising Coordinator for the Body Piercing Archives. Gene has been Piercing since 2010.

Cold River Body Arts believes in the standards of safe practices set by the APP, and is tirelessly committed to providing only the finest crafted Jewelry and Piercing Services available.

Supporting its standard of quality, Cold River is proud to offer the safest Piercing methods available, using the most up-to-date aseptic techniques. From simple Lobe and Cartilage Piercings, to advanced Piercing work for collectors of Body Modifications and adornments, Cold River provides a clean environment, safe for clients of all types and interests.