Help Launch A New Queer Femme Maker Space & Studio!

What are you planning to make?

From the creators of Third House Events, Bad Fit, Inspiria, and Rhody Q…

Comes a collaboration so powerful, so glittery…

We are over the moon to announce that we are launching a new queer, independent, femme-led maker space and dance studio in the Creative Capital!

We are thrilled to be joining the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI. Hope Artiste is an award-winning mill restoration project and a hub of cultural activity fostering collaboration and innovation among a diverse community of creatives and professionals. Just minutes from downtown Providence, the Village is run by an all-women management team, and hosts a creative mix of art studios, live/work lofts, retail shops, light industrial workshops and professional office suites. 

We’re so grateful that Hope Artiste is invested in our residency, and look forward to establishing a studio that functions as an office, workshop space, maker space, burlesque & drag destination, dance studio, small gallery and intimate event space.

But, we need YOUR help to make this dream a reality! With your support, we’ll be able to:

Build a powerhouse studio : A place where artists can create, collaborate, and show off their work. Together, our collective has the tools, skills and resources to pump out original costuming, small to large scale visual art, photo and video shoots, wedding decor, custom bouquet construction, set building and design, makeup and hair styling, custom props, corset fittings and design, dance and theater rehearsals, and so much more. We will make our space publicly accessible for outside artists to rent studio time by the hour or via membership packages to bring their larger visions to life!

Set up our HQ : A welcoming front office where we’ll meet with clients, discuss creative projects, and help bring ideas to life through personalized consultations. In addition to being an arts and entertainment facility, we also host two independent companies that provide executive coaching, HR consulting, PR and marketing services.

Host thoughtful, unique events : From artsy soirées to workshops, theatrical performances, fashion shows and niche socials, we’re planning events with the intention of bringing our creative communities together for connection and inspiration.

Empower femmes and local underground artists : This studio will be an incubation space for our collective’s projects, as well as an inclusive space that elevates the talents of our local art scene, with special attention given to femmes and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As queer femmes ourselves, we know the challenges that come with seeking welcoming, equitable platforms to showcase our work, especially during a time where local venues are shutting down or raising their rents at an alarming rate. Want to create but not ready to perform or showcase? We love to facilitate educational experiences! We believe that anybody can be an artist, and will offer classes and workshops to support curiosity, new pursuits, and honing one’s craft across various disciplines.

Give back to the community : We are dedicated to harm reduction and mutual aid. We have a proven track record for supplying our events with harm reduction supplies, organizing socials for vulnerable community members and industry workers, and booking qualified educators for relevant trainings. We strive to use our platform to share mutual aid requests, and will always prioritize booking our marginalized comrades to display, vend or perform at our events. In ways particular to each of us individually, we are also members of the communities we serve. We do our best to listen first and act second.

With your support, we can turn our dream into a reality! Your donation will help us secure our space, cover move-in costs, and begin designing our grand opening (yes, you’re invited!). Every little bit counts!

Where is my investment going?

Funds raised from this campaign are directly supporting our first month's rent, security, building fees, and general move-in costs associated with getting an office/studio/maker space up and running.

Your contribution will give you early-bird access and discounts to a range of epic experiences meant to engage you actively in our work, from a limited edition art print by Creeps, to private events, exclusive gala access, couture fashion, dance studio rental, and more.

Our gifts to you:

Slay:

$5+

A shoutout on social media and early access to our booking calendar!

Main Character Energy

$50+

A handwritten thank you on a mini art print by Creeps!

Bimbo Queen

$100+

A handwritten thank you on a mini art print, plus one ticket to our grand opening party!

Jennifer Coolidge

$150+

A handwritten thank you on a mini art print + 2 tickets to our grand opening party!

Cardi B

$500+

All of the above, plus 1 private 90min burlesque class for up to 5 friends and a celebratory bottle of bubbles!

MOTHER

$1,000+

All of the above, plus a 1 year all-access membership AND dinner with our resident bimbos, featuring a private art show for up to 10 friends!

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Who are you?

We are four passionate artists, business professionals and community organizers with years of collective experience in the art world. From running galleries and festivals to curating a broad range of events; mastering the stage through performance, costume design, set dressing and thoughtful casting; generating prolific visual art collections and transforming domestic and commercial spaces into dream worlds– we are a one-stop shop for creativity and spectacle. Our team’s expertise in leadership, hospitality, marketing and public relations give us the tools to bring our vision to life — and now, we need your help to secure our physical space!

Our group is comprised of superbabes who have accomplished one or two things, nbd:

Photo Credit: dzcinematics

Thalia Lopez (she/her) is a digital marketing expert based in Providence, RI, and the founder and CEO of The Social Type Agency, a people-first marketing firm dedicated to helping local businesses thrive in the digital landscape. With over a decade of experience, Thalia has worked with some of New England’s most cherished brands, driving their online success. Her community-focused philosophy emphasizes that exceptional marketing starts with genuine care and flourishes through collaboration. She proudly identifies as a digital storyteller, weaving compelling narratives to connect brands with their audiences. Before establishing The Social Type, Thalia served as Vice President at an award-winning digital marketing agency in Rhode Island. Prior to that, she managed the hospitality department as an account manager at a Boston-based social media agency, leading innovative strategies for the region's top clients. Thalia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Marketing from Johnson & Wales University and a Hospitality Management certification from Worcester Tech.

In addition to her achievements, Thalia is recognized in the world of performance art as Lopez La Lopez. A celebrated burlesque artist, she has performed at festivals nationwide and teaches fan dance classes. She is also a passionate historian, curating one of the largest personal collections of burlesque artifacts in Rhode Island. She co-curated New England’s first burlesque history exhibit led by women and co-founded Rhody Q, an organization dedicated to preserving burlesque history and fostering community connections.

Thalia seamlessly blends creativity, leadership, and expertise in both her professional and artistic pursuits, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she serves.

https://www.socialtypeagency.com/

https://www.rhodyq.com/

https://www.lopezlalopez.com/

Photo by Creeps

Creeps is a multi-faceted artist based in Providence, specializing in painting, makeup, costume design and event planning. Drawing inspiration from horror movies, monsters, and the bold aesthetics of bimbo culture, she creates immersive experiences that blur the lines between art and performance. With a passion for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, Creeps invites audiences to explore the playful and often provocative intersections of beauty and fear in their work. 

https://www.instagram.com/spooky.juice/

https://www.instagram.com/creepsss/

Photo Credit: Melis Kooyomjian Kemp

Leyna McKenney is an Executive Coach and the Director of Human Resources at Mobius Executive Leadership, where she has been instrumental in shaping and driving innovative leadership initiatives since 2021. With over a decade of expertise in leadership training and a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Leyna has developed a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and a genuine passion for nurturing authentic leadership. Before joining Mobius, she worked in Client Services at Ariel, industry leaders in executive presence, where she managed key relationships with some of the firm’s largest clients, including Harvard Business School, Procter & Gamble, AbbVie, and the National Science Foundation, among others.

Combining her extensive industry knowledge with a lifetime of experience in the performing arts, Leyna incorporates techniques from theater and dance into her coaching, focusing on executive presence and body awareness. Leyna recognizes that these skills are vital for leaders, and she has seen firsthand through her work as both a coach and a human resources professional that they are imperative for executives who aim to engage, inspire, and connect deeply with not only their teams, but themselves. 

Leyna’s coaching philosophy underscores the essential need for the integration of personal and professional identities, which allows leaders to build credibility, motivation, and collaboration within a team. She champions a shift from conventional work/life balance to a holistic approach of work/life integration, empowering her clients, from companies such as Moderna and Amazon, to fully embrace their authentic selves in every aspect of their lives. Using this integration of the whole self as a framework, Leyna guides executives in refining their leadership styles, enhancing interpersonal skills, and adeptly navigating the complexities of modern leadership.

Follow her performer page at @ janedoeburlesque

Photo Credit: Melis Kooyomjian Kemp

Samantha Bryan (she/they) is a multifaceted professional based in Providence, RI, where she resides as an event planner, performance artist, and hospitality consultant. She spearheads Third House Events alongside her business partner, Leyna Mckenney.

Drawing from a lifetime immersed in theater, Sam infuses her event planning with a deep passion for live music and entertainment. Her inspiration draws from a diverse background that spans traditional theater and vaudeville. Her journey as a performer began with rigorous training in classical ballet, instilling in her a deep appreciation for movement and expression. Upon graduating from the ballet academy, she jumped life paths and attended Johnson & Wales University, graduating from their culinary program in 2007. Her artistic and disciplined background informs her meticulous approach to elevated client hospitality, where she consistently strives to foster welcoming, inclusive, and memorable atmospheres within her events.

https://www.thirdhouseevents.com/

IG @ bellegunz

Where did this project come from?

As frequent collaborators, we’ve made the decision to pool our resources into a central location, allowing for easier workflow and dedicated focus to our independent and joint projects. After months (and let’s be honest– years) of our crafts, paintings, construction and costumes reigning in terror in our personal homes, filling our cars with bags and boxes from constant hauling back and forth to venues, the anxiety of finding and fixing things from the chaos of not having a centralized working space, and the fatigue from digital meetings and WFH isolation, we’ve thrown in the towel and decided to invest in a space that supports the complexity of our professional needs. Recent events have almost always concluded with the four of us sitting in a greenroom after a show saying “hey we really need to get a space. This is a lot.” Well, here we are! Putting that need into action, at last. 

We are excited by the potential to streamline our operations and join the Hope Artiste community, knowing that our studio is located in a building that is also home to The MET, has four unique and accessible venues run by Hope Events, along with several other independently-run theaters, production studios, and workshop spaces. The time and energy regained from stressful transportation logistics and finding meeting spaces for consultations will be invaluable, and repurposed to doing what we’re most talented and passionate about.

What’s your plan, and what’s your schedule?

December 2024: Submit security deposit.

Jan 1 2025: Move in day + 1st month rent.

Jan 27: Books open for GoFundMe donor studio rental/service booking.

Feb 2025 (exact date TBA): Grand Opening Party!

Feb 3 2025: Books open for general public studio rental.

Feb 17 - March 3: Send donors a little art treat as gratitude <3

Why do you care?

Why wouldn't we care?? Our "why" is an ever growing, changing, and responsive call to action that includes:

The need for equitable spaces for radical expression.

Experiencing joy as an act of resistance.

The need for brave spaces for generating conversations and action for change. 

Our passion for creating spaces we want to be a part of.

Our response to a profound lack of city support for local and underground artists in Providence.

Dedicating our lives to our craft and facilitating the ability for others to do the same. 

Because art = political = personal.