My first studio was a spooky-charming old doctor’s office on Adams Ave in North Park, back in 2022. I found it the old-school way—calling every “for lease” sign I could find—before quite literally stumbling across it. The tiny, garage-like space had fake windows, no ventilation, and was scheduled for demolition in a few months. I didn’t fully realize it at the time, but that space became the birthplace of The Rainbow—and of a model I now call Vacancy to Vibrancy.

The concept is simple: inhabit empty, uninhabited buildings—often in limbo and slated for teardown—and transform them into temporary hubs of art, community, and creation. Each space is activated for a finite window of time, and then released, making way for whatever comes next.

After leaving that first space, I started looking for a new one. With the help of serendipity, manifestation, and a rekindled friendship, I landed what would become the first official version of The Rainbow at 2002 University Ave.

For the next 18 months, in the Risk Rock-muraled building, The Rainbow came to life—comedy shows, live music, paint throwing, glow flows, markets, and a growing creative community.

Now, The Rainbow calls a gallery-vibed spot right next to the North Park sign home. It’s the latest iteration, and I’ll be here for as long as the building allows. Each space I occupy has its own identity—the architecture, the location, the walls themselves shape what kind of art and energy can be there.

While the last space leaned more into events and high-energy experiences, this one has a slower beat to it. It feels more like a true art studio and gallery. And that feels right.