About Us

MessArts is a 501(c)(3) non profit arts organization that offers high quality arts education, centering youth voice and leadership. Mess offers unique art experiences such as group shows, community art nights, and open studio—all on a sliding scale and scholarship basis, ensuring equity. At Mess Arts, process over product is highly valued, along with the community-building power of the arts! Mess Arts allows for the creation of safe and joyful space so young artists can express themselves freely, and actualize their own wild and wonderful ideas, creating a sense of empowerment within all who participate.

Our Story

Back in 2022, Ness Kent (they/them), Mess Arts Executive Director and Co-Founder, along with Mahala Miller (she/her), Co-Founder, started a backyard arts camp in their Bywater home. Both Mahala and Ness graduated from Rhode Island School of Design, and were seeking an avenue to share their own art practice and teaching methods to a variety of New Orleans youth in an accessible way. What started as day camps during school vacations, quickly progressed into recurring monthly youth classes as well as adult workshops and private lessons. Since then, Mess Arts has become a registered non-profit organization  in the 7th Ward, led by our director, Ness Kent. Mess Arts offers myriad programs ranging from Open Studio to Community Art Nights, and holds a unique place in the art landscape of New Orleans.

In 2026 we made the decision to pivot towards a free volunteer run mutual aid program model, focused on nourishing the community and providing accessible arts and youth leadership opportunities in the city.