The Rainbow Workroom at Purring Oaks: A Creative Community Space in Benton Harbor, Michigan

The Rainbow Workroom: A Creative Hub Space in Southwest Michigan

If you’ve been feeling the pull to create again—but haven’t quite known where or how to begin—you’re not alone. So many artists, makers, and creative thinkers find themselves sitting on unfinished projects, half-formed ideas, or a deep desire to reconnect with their craft after time away.

The Rainbow Workroom at Purring Oaks exists for exactly that moment.

Located in Benton Harbor, Michigan, in the heart of Southwest Michigan, the Rainbow Workroom is a cozy, welcoming, in-person creative gathering designed to help people rebuild their artistic practice through community, curiosity, and connection. We are about two hours between Chicago and Detroit, making Purring Oaks an accessible destination for creatives seeking a warm, grounded space to gather and make things together.

A Creative Space for Artists, Makers, and the Creatively Curious

The Rainbow Workroom is open to artists of all experience levels, including beginners, returning creatives, and people who don’t quite know what they make yet—just that they want to explore. You do not need formal training, a finished portfolio, or a clear artistic identity to belong here.

This space is lovingly queer-affirming and inclusive, and we warmly welcome allies, friends, and anyone who values kindness, respect, and shared creativity. Our goal is to create a community art space in Southwest Michigan where people feel safe, supported, and inspired to show up as they are.

What Happens in the Rainbow Workroom?

The Rainbow Workroom is intentionally flexible and responsive to the people in the room. Each gathering may include different offerings, such as:

• Community skillshares, where artists share techniques, tools, or creative practices they love

• Clothed figure drawing sessions, with optional gentle guidance for those who want it

• Open studio time for drawing, painting, knitting, sewing, crafting, collaging, or experimenting

• Opportunities to share, trade, or sell artwork in a low-pressure, community-centered way

• Cozy corners filled with rainbows, plushies, soft lighting, and cats, where you can simply sit, knit, or hang out

Some nights are quietly focused. Some are full of conversation and laughter. All are guided by the belief that creativity doesn’t need to be rushed or perfected to be meaningful.

For Creatives Ready to Rebuild (Together)

The Rainbow Workroom is especially for:

• Artists who haven’t created in a while and want a gentle re-entry

• Creatives feeling isolated or disconnected behind screens

• People longing for in-person community and collaboration

• Makers who want to grow their skills without competition or pressure

• Anyone who believes that healing and growth happen best in community

We live in a world where so much of our creative life happens online. While the internet can be inspiring, it can also be isolating. The Rainbow Workroom is an invitation to step away from the screen and back into shared, physical space, where inspiration comes from being together, noticing each other’s process, and learning through relationship.

Sometimes all it takes is a new friend, a shared table, or a kind conversation to help us see our creativity again.

Community Is Resilience

At Purring Oaks, we believe that community is resilience. It is how we heal, how we learn, and how we continue creating even when the world feels heavy or uncertain.

The Rainbow Workroom is built on the idea that:

• Growth happens together

• Creativity flourishes in supportive environments

• Inspiration is all around us when we slow down and look

• Art does not need to be monetized or optimized to be valuable

This is a space where encouragement replaces comparison, and curiosity replaces self-judgment.

Accessibility and Care

The Rainbow Workroom is sliding scale and donation-based, and we do not turn anyone away for lack of funds. Accessibility, inclusivity, and care are core values at Purring Oaks.

Please note:

• Cats live on-site (consider allergies)

• The space is 420-friendly

• We strive to create a welcoming environment for people of all identities and backgrounds

Come Create With Us in Southwest Michigan

If you’ve been searching for:

• A creative community space in Benton Harbor

• Artist gatherings in Southwest Michigan

• Queer-affirming and ally-welcoming art spaces

• A place to reconnect with your creativity in person

We would love to welcome you to the Rainbow Workroom.

✨ Check our calendar for upcoming Rainbow Workroom nights and creative gatherings.
✨ Bring your curiosity, your unfinished projects, or just yourself.
✨ Together, we can make, learn, heal, and grow.

Because creativity is better when it’s shared—and together is how we succeed.