In a city known for its acceptance of diverse arts, some artists find themselves still trying to prove their worth.

And though their canvases are human biceps, backs and other body parts, tattoo artists at the sixth annual Boston Tattoo Convention this weekend said their craft is a genuine art that should be more widely accepted.

“It’s time for people to recognize that tattoos are a true form of fine art, not just for bikers and white trash,” said Natan Lin, the convention’s founder. “Tattoos are beautiful.”

While last year’s convention attracted more tattoo enthusiasts to the Boston Convention Center, Lin said this year’s artists were the best he has hosted.

“Each year the bar is raised,” he said. “We get better and better, for sure.”

Lin said the convention’s goal is to shatter stereotypes associated with tattoo culture by attracting people from all walks of life, not just those inked from head to toe.

The annual convention, held at the Boston Center for the Arts, marks a significant transformation in attitudes toward body art in the Bay State. In 2000, a state superior court judge overturned a nearly 40-year-old law banning tattoos in the commonwealth not administered by a physician.

“Tattooing is an ancient art form which has been practiced in virtually every culture,” wrote Superior Court Judge Barbara Rouse in 2000, according to an Associated Press article from Oct. 24, 2000.”Tattoos demonstrate commitment to political and personal beliefs.”

Artists from across the country exercised their right to ink by setting up shops in the center to display their portfolios and different pieces of tattoo memorabilia. Many also set up stations for those eager to go under the needle on the spot.

Scott Coleman, a tattoo artist from North Hampton who won first place in the convention’s competition for best black-and-gray design, said that while reality shows like Miami Ink and L.A. Ink have helped usher tattooing into the mainstream, he first realized the art had become more widely accepted after he convinced his conservative father to get a tattoo of his own.

“[My parents] hated tattoos and didn’t even want to look at mine,” Coleman said. “They were blown away when I wanted to quit my job to become a tattoo artist. My dad said if the Red Sox ever win the World Series he’d get one and now he’s got one, on his forearm – and he loves it. He shaves his arm and shows it off.”

Paul Locker, a tattooed security guard staffing the event, said he used his breaks to browse the various artists before settling on his next tattoo.

“If I wasn’t working, I’d be right in that seat,” Locker said.”You know, this is a good opportunity to see a lot of professionals here.”

After receiving a sloppy tattoo on a whim during a spring break trip, Kim Coelho, a Boston-area resident, said she browsed the convention before going under the needle for a second time.

“The next time, I want to do a little more research,” she said. “I know what I want — a scorpion on my foot. It’s just a matter of finding it.”