Today we’d like to introduce you to Missy Reitner-Cameron.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Bunker SLO has been a passion project of mine since the first time I walked into the building.
There’s a kind of magic in the space that’s hard to explain—but when you feel it, you know. The building that now houses The Bunker SLO was originally built in the 1940s by Mr. Dixon as an agricultural plumbing supply company. Over the years it has lived many lives, serving as Luna Rustica’s warehouse, Whiz Bang’s office, and countless other things in between.
When the opportunity came up for me to take over the lease, I couldn’t say yes fast enough.
Before it even had a name, the building quickly became my favorite place to be. It was an escape—from my job, from family obligations, from the noise of everyday life—so I could get back to making art. What I soon discovered was that there were a lot of people just like me who needed a place to create, make noise, and feel free.
Out of that need, Version 1 of The Bunker SLO was born.
Slowly, more artists came looking for space, and The Bunker’s doors were open to them all. From painters to wood workers, jewelers to cake designers, graphic designers to collagers, The Bunker became a safe place for creators of all kinds.
Version 2 of The Bunker SLO became a reality after a major remodel in 2022, and we reopened in 2023 with a bigger vision. We wanted to create a more inclusive space—one that could serve not only as artist studios but also as a community venue with a café and event space.
Today, we host ten different art shows each year featuring local artists, along with countless music performances, spoken word events, comedy shows, and other gatherings throughout the year. Our café space is home to the local coffee shop Nautical Bean during the day until 2 p.m., and four nights a week it transforms again as The Undergrounds café opens for our evening events.
The Bunker continues to evolve, but at its heart it remains what it has always been—a place where creators can gather, experiment, and feel at home. Keep an eye our for V3 which includes an outdoor space for more hangout room for all.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
New businesses always face challenges, and for The Bunker the biggest obstacle has been developing systems and processes to keep everything organized. With multiple events and art shows happening, it can be difficult to track schedules, coordinate artists, and make sure each detail is handled properly. Creating a structure that keeps everything running smoothly has required a lot of trial and error.
There has been a significant learning curve in figuring out the best ways to manage all the moving parts. From planning exhibitions to organizing events and communicating with artists and guests, every step requires careful coordination. Over time, the team has been working to build processes that help keep everything on track so that each event and show can run successfully.
Like many new ventures, these challenges have also been opportunities to grow and improve. Each event provides insight into what works well and what can be refined, helping The Bunker continue to develop stronger systems that support its creative community.
We’ve been impressed with The Bunker SLO, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Bunker SLO is an art gallery, event space, and community hub located in San Luis Obispo. It is also home to two different cafés: Nautical Bean, which operates daily until 2pm, and The Undergrounds, open Thursday through Sunday from 4pm to 9pm. The Bunker regularly hosts rotating art exhibitions, with a strong focus on supporting and showcasing local artists by providing them with a space to display their work and connect with the community.
In addition to visual art, The Bunker serves as a venue for live events, including performances by both local and touring bands, comedians, dance performances and more. The space is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and cultural engagement within the local arts scene. The Bunker also frequently partners with local nonprofit organizations, helping them raise funds and increase awareness for their causes through events, exhibitions, and community gatherings. We strive to be the local communities favorite third space.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up in Los Angeles, I was surrounded by art of all kinds. The earliest form I remember is street art, and it remains one of my favorite types of artwork. Public art is for everyone—there is no barrier to entry. I find that incredibly important, because while not everyone can afford to visit a museum, everyone deserves the opportunity to experience art.
I have always been interested in art and, from a young age, felt happiest making a mess with crayons, paints, pastels, and really any medium I could get my hands on. As a kid, I spent most of my time outside, running around and playing with friends. Music was also a huge part of my life, and I was lucky enough to grow up in an area filled with live music. Growing up in a major city allowed me to meet people from many different backgrounds and cultures, which expanded my perspective and deepened my understanding of the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.thebunkerslo.com
- Instagram: @thebunkerslo
- Facebook: @thebunkerslo
- Other: https://www.theundergroundsslo.com/
