Skeemn To Bring People Together

In an era when digital 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 that opened in August 2024 is the latest venture from Moeckel Studios. Moeckel Studios was founded by Sonny Moeckel, his wife, Lisa, and their son, Bambi, in partnership with Skeemn Ent., a local artist collaboration led by founder Bendi.

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 for 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.”

Bendi, who has spent the last decade developing the idea for Skeemn Ent., was highly inspired by MTV culture — more directly, the ethos of Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory, a place where creative energy and professionalism coexist.

“We’re not going to get anywhere if we don’t do it together and support each other,” he said.

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 have full sustainability in 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 to art in the winter. He rents studio space to continue his artistic pursuits off the skates during the colder months.

“I’m addicted to all forms of self-expression,” he said.

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.”

Her paintings reflect her emotions and life events through often vibrant, evolving color palettes. She was introduced to the collective by both Bambi and Bendi and quickly found a home within the community.

As Spokane continues to grow its arts scene, The Artist Collective is quickly becoming more than just an event — it’s a movement, one 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 real sense of Spokane culture rather than just being stuck in their hotel rooms bored.” 

Photos and story by: Danyle D’Alene

For comments or questions on this story, please contact Danyle D’Alene at DanyleDalene@gmail.com.