The Portal House.
A Creative Flex Space For Artist Mothers*
Art shouldn’t have to stop once we become parents. We remove barriers between mothers and their art by blending workspaces, on-site educational and enrichment classes for members’ children, art workshops, and a nurturing community. Think big, clear open tables, a private dance studio, a black box theater, unlimited coffee/tea/snacks, and quiet, uninterrupted work time all under one (eventual) roof! A home for artist mothers!
*This includes cisgender women, transgender women, non-binary parents, and anyone assigned female at birth who navigates the world with the lived reality of motherhood and creative fire.
Wait…tell me more!
The Portal House is a private, membership-based creative flex space devoted to nurturing the creative lives of mothers.
We are currently in a testing and prototyping phase, beginning in rented and donated spaces throughout Richmond, VA, and supported by a small team of volunteers (click HERE to volunteer!). Starting in March 2026, this phase allows us to listen, adapt, and build slowly, guided by the real needs of artist mothers in our community.
The Portal House invites artists to create their work inside a living, breathing, supportive house, one that understands the demands of motherhood, time fragmentation, and the need for both structure and care. This is a closed, intentional community where artists are witnessed not just in their output, but in their process.
After giving birth in 2021, I had forgotten I was an artist. I quickly developed postpartum depression, and I had NO idea who I was. I spent thousands of dollars (that I didn’t have) on a book-writing course. I launched an eating disorder coaching business. I ran around Manhattan teaching back-to-back hot yoga classes to prove I could be a mom and still work. Turns out I could also hallucinate.
Seven months after my daughter was born, I took my first pole class to help heal my PPD. This class reminded me of a truth that has stuck with me ever since: I am an artist. When I don’t create, I get anxious and depressed. Talking with other creative mamas about this, I realized I’m not alone.
Yes, motherhood is demanding af. We’ve found it’s easier to navigate while processing through art, together.
-Casey Urban | Founding Portal Mother
The Portal House Mothership launches in RVA in 2027
As a collective, we support artists in bringing work to completion. Through shared accountability, guidance, and embodied support, we support you in creating your work without sacrifice.
During this 2026, soft launch phase, all proceeds directly support:
The legal formation of our Private Members Association, and
Scholarships for artist mothers, ensuring access regardless of financial circumstance.
We offer artists the tools, connection, and emotional nourishment needed to finish meaningful work, come alive again with space to play, and build sustainable creative lives.
Every creative mother is a portal.
The house is what holds us.
Collective Presencing
Play
Integrity
Risk
Witness
Autonomy
— The Portal House Principles
Portal Pop-Up Co-Working + Art Classes For Kids
Donation-based pop-ups are scheduled this spring and summer at businesses around town. Our fabulous team of artist teachers will lead art-forward and critical thinking enrichment classes for children aged 3-13 while you get some precious, uninterrupted time to create in a nurturing space. Children must be potty-trained at the time of sign-up. We hope to offer classes for younger littles soon!
All donations support the Private Members Association formation, scholarships for artist mothers, and RVA space pilots.
In 2026, we are validating demand in our soft launch Q2, implementing changes in Q3, and prepping to open in 2027 in Q4.
Portal Mapping
Art by our first featured artist mother Ashley Oberholtzer
This is for artist mothers.
And the people who believe they deserve more support.
Join the Portal House list for updates, invites, and ways to get involved.
Click HERE to join our mailing list!
