From divorce party to house art-y to safe haven: Lavender Studios’ inclusive hub offers a singular space
Lavender Studios is a community-driven creative space founded by Russ Hill: a digital creator, event coordinator, music maker, art collector, and community weaver. Over the past few years, Russ has transformed his house into a studio and meeting space, and the art community has taken off far beyond what he imagined.
“Not only have we had some big names swing by the studio for a presentation or performance, but we’ve had touring artists come in from LA to Orlando. How cool is that?” Russ shared.
So, what is Lavender Studios?
In Russ’s words: “Lavender Studios is a place where you go to learn about new artists, form connections, and take your art to the next level. We are an all-inclusive space for developing your brand, with free or low-cost programming to keep the arts accessible.
If you need headshots, help writing your bio or EPK, technology to record a demo, or opportunities to showcase your art, come to Lavender Studios! Simply put, if you are looking for your voice or community, we have a place for you.”
Russ shared that, “Lavender Studios is rooted in the Kansas City live music and DIY scene, where we saw firsthand how powerful it is when artists come together outside of traditional galleries and venues. Over time, Lavender Studios has grown into a hub for artists, performers, and community members who want a space that’s welcoming, affordable, and deeply supportive of diversity.”
Cam, a member of Lavender Studios, said, “Living in these times that we do, it is more important than ever for us to connect with an empathetic community outside of our usual bubbles. It is how we keep our souls alive and tuned into the love and color that exists in reality. Just as we exercise our bodies and minds, we must also exercise our hearts and souls.
This Kansas City community is filled with artists, musicians, poets, writers, actors, and all forms of artistic creators! They are what give life and color to our beautiful city. So, for me, Lavender Studios gives me an avenue to discover and connect with these artists, and my soul the opportunity to breathe, to listen, and to learn in a safe space.”
What is the space like?
The first thing that strikes you is just how much art Russ has collected from artists over the years. There are collages, paintings, wood carvings, prints– everything that you can imagine.
The second thing is the elaborate sound system that Russ has sprinkled throughout the living space. Initially, the gatherings were in the basement, but the stairway was quite narrow, so to make the space more accessible, Russ transformed his living room. There’s a mic for the musician, guest artist, and even an extra one by the piano, to accommodate all the creatives that walk in for their assorted sound needs.
Russ has a separate studio room with a keyboard and recording space, and a maker space for cups, stickers, and other small batches of paraphernalia for artists to create their own merch in an affordable way when they’re starting out.
Lastly, there’s a fridge stocked with drinks, and Russ usually has some baked goods in the oven to share with visitors, especially when there’s an event.
How did it get started?
The idea had been floating around for a while, but really took off when Russ organized a gathering to reconnect with friends and family after a divorce.
Russ said, “After my divorce, I was pretty lost for a while. I reached out to community leaders over at the WestiNd Connection, which is this great little queer inclusion and resource center in Independence. They reminded me that when we are lost or don’t know what to do next, we need to lean on our community.
I surrounded myself with their support and love, as well as many family and friends who came to my rescue to make sure that I didn’t have to do this alone. Later that year, I was ready to step into the new me and take control of my life again. I threw a divorce party and invited everyone I knew to come walk into this new era with me.
“The house was packed!” Russ shared, “We had live music, live painting, and fantastic food! We talked about our traumas, cried about our losses, and laughed about our missteps. It was community therapy and art!”
From that experience, Russ noticed that:
- “Almost all of my friends are artists or musicians, and when you get these groups together, there is always great conversation and compassion.
- Filling the house with people made it feel like a home again.
- I love sharing a meal with people. I don’t know what it is about food and friends, but it is so fulfilling.
- I should do this again.”
So that’s what he did.
Starting in January 2024, Russ organized a monthly get-together with artists and musicians. It was a house party but for artists, hence the name “House Art-y.” Then, Russ officially launched Lavender Studios in 2025 and introduced “Perspectives,” Sunday gatherings that highlighted a particular artist and musician, and made space for more conversations.
“I wanted it to be sort of like a podcast show where we interview artists,” Russ shared. “One of our focuses during our Sunday sessions is having an honest conversation about creating art and being an artist.
I’ve learned so much over the last few years by listening to other people. I wanted to make sure that people continued to have the opportunity to share their stories and connect with a community that prioritizes individuality, uniqueness, and authenticity.”
How has Lavender Studios impacted the community so far?
In the short span of a year, Lavender Studios has already begun opening doors for artists and community members alike.
Kitty, the artist behind BelligerentCrow Works, shared that, “Lavender Studios has been such an amazing thing to have in my life. It has introduced me to many other artists and musicians and opened up opportunities for me to do interactive live paintings all over the place! I’m forever grateful for the support, love, and care that Lavender Studios has shown not just to me, but to all the creatives in our area. It’s been a blast to grow and support other artists as well!”
Heath Church, an indie-folk singer-songwriter, is a regular attendee at the Perspectives talks. He says, “I believe the world is a better place when we inspire each other. Lavender Studios is a rare gem and a sacred space where creatives in our community share their art, music, and inspiration. Every week, I leave Lavender feeling recharged and excited to dive back into my own projects. Everyone is so kind and inspiring.”
What’s next?
Lavender Studios has a full schedule of Perspectives artists booked through March, and their first annual fundraiser, Bloomstock, which will bring back all the presenters and performers from last year’s events into one big musical extravaganza, is quickly approaching in January. And that’s just the start of 2026!
Russ shared, “Our short-term goal right now is to continue to fundraise and put on the best live living room sessions in KC! In the long term, we want to move out of the living room and into our own designated art space.
Our hope is to have a permanent space that is set up for creative events, live music, an art gallery, a recording room, a photo booth, a maker space for t-shirts, stickers, and other branding items, and zines, that we can share with our growing community of diverse and talented artists!”
The main takeaway?
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that Lavender Studios was built out of compassion and presence. As Russ says, “We don’t have the capacity to solve world problems or change how you feel about your parents, but we can be there for each other.
When we come together in a space meant for self-expression and creativity, you leave empowered and confident in who you are as a person. When we feel safe, we can create without boundaries. When we feel seen, we start to believe in ourselves, and if you need it, Lavender Studios can give you permission for you to just be yourself!”
