Second Floor Studios

West River Arts is a brick-and-mortar arts collective located in West River Arts, a curated studio hub in New Haven’s Westville neighborhood. Formed in collaboration with fellow creatives and community pillars, Lotta Studio LLC, the high-end visual production boutique Mistina & Luke Hanscom co‑founded.

At West River Arts, Artists balance artmaking with entrepreneurship and community organizing to support and showcase emerging and established artists. The hub offers subsidized studio space, supports youth engagement and internships, and programs events that embody a full-spectrum model of “Artist Care” —mindful of mental health, financial empowerment, and creative connection.

In its seven years of presence in Westville, West River Arts has played an instrumental role in neighborhood revitalization—helping usher in new small businesses, cultural events, and partnerships like the Westville ArtWalk, Arts Market, and local festivals that spotlight the creative energy of the area.