In this digital age technology often creates more isolation than connection, a new space in downtown Spokane is working to reverse that trend.
The Artist Collective, a monthly event series and creative workspace, is offering local artists a vibrant, collaborative place to build community and push culture forward.
Located in the historic Luminaria Building off Madison Street and Second Avenue, the studio—which opened in August 2024—is the latest venture from Moeckel Studios. Moeckel Studios was founded by Bendi and his company, Skeemn Ent., along with Sonny Moeckel, his wife Lisa, and their son Bambi.
Bendi, who has spent the last decade developing the idea for Skeemn Ent., was inspired by MTV culture—more specifically, the ethos of Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory, a place where creative energy and professionalism coexist.
Bendi’s interest in music began in high school. Over the past ten years, he built Skeemn Entertainment from the ground up—producing shows and organizing street markets. That work eventually led to the formation of a 12-person artist group, also called Skeemn, made up of creatives from across the region.
What began as a vision for a music studio evolved into something much bigger: a cultural hub for Spokane’s artists, musicians and creatives. From videography, visual art and screen printing to music production and fashion, the space acts as what Bendi calls “an operation of sorts”—a do-it-all destination for creativity.
Bendi prides himself on being a vital link in the local art community.
“My life mission is to connect people,” Bendi said. “Post-COVID, I think it’s more important than ever to buckle down and push culture.”
“We’re not going to get anywhere if we don’t do it together and support each other,” he added.
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Since opening in August 2024, the studio has taken very minimal commission from art sales, choosing instead to invest back into the space and its artists, with hopes that they will achieve full sustainability over time.
The Artist Collective hosts monthly exhibitions that showcase local talent in various mediums, offering creators a space to display, sell and discuss their work. The studio is also equipped with a recording booth for musicians, a screen printing setup, and rentable workspaces for artists who need a place to escape and create. Walking into the space, visitors are greeted by the scent of Nag Champa and the voice of Mac Miller echoing through the halls—a sensory nod to the collective’s laid-back, expressive spirit.
Dave Hill, one of the newest artists using the space, is a professional skater who turns his creative focus toward art in the winter.
“I’m addicted to all forms of self-expression,” he said.
He rents studio space to continue his artistic pursuits off the skates during the colder months and doesn’t seem in a rush to leave anytime soon.
“I like it here. I don’t have the surface space at home, so having a table makes it way better than painting at home,” he said.
Dave’s paintings are colorful and animated, with a unique style that stands out. He’s excited to see what the future holds for the gallery.
Danielle Weston, another featured artist, recently moved to Spokane from Chicago.
“I’ve always wanted to be featured in a gallery. I just never expected it to happen in Spokane,” she said.
As Spokane continues to grow its arts scene, The Artist Collective is quickly becoming more than just an event—it’s a movement centered on authenticity, collaboration and a reawakening of what it means to truly connect.
“I want to make this space a really strong cultural component of Spokane,” Bendi said. “”To the point when touring artists come in from out of town, they know that there’s this place close by that they can check out to get a sense of Spokane culture rather than just being stuck in their hotel rooms bored.””
Photos & Story/ Danyle D’Alene
Luminaria Building 154 S Madison St, Spokane, WA 99201
CHECK IT OUT:
July 3rd The Artist Collective ART SHOW 5-8pm 07/03
SKEEMN @ Spokane Knitting Factory “Myla Cree & Cassidy” Show 7/11
SKEEMN ALBUM DROP 08/23
Janeseed 