About Us

MessArts is a 501(c)(3) non profit arts organization founded by of Mahala Miller (she/her) and Ness Kent (they/them). The collaborative pair met at Rhode Island School of Design and graduated in 2019. Mahala is a painter with a BFA in painting and a MA in teaching and learning. Ness is a potter with a BFA in Sculpture. They both are active artists as well as educators and have a passion for sharing their arts knowledge. 

Ness Kent
Executive Director, Co-founder, Teaching Artist

Mahala Miller
Chief of Operations, Co-founder, Teaching Artist 

Our Story

In 2022 we decided to put on a Spring Break camp for kids we knew through teaching with other organizations. The young artists had a blast exploring pottery, paper marbling, and making puppets! We realized this could be something we could continue to grow into a community arts program that expands outside of our living room, kitchen, and backyard. Putting on our first “Bywater Backyard Arts camp” gave us the opportunity to teach in ways we think are creatively beneficial, compelling to kids, and facilitate self-expression. What started as day camps during school vacations quickly progressed into recurring monthly youth classes as well as adult workshops and private lessons. During our first costume class, Zeke (5 yrs) asked us, “but why can’t we come to your house during the week too for class?” This idea had been echoed by other kids and parents. With growing community support and interest, we have had the ability to expand into MessArts.

We now have a designated teaching studio as well as year-round class offerings and events for all ages!

Join us at our studio and contribute to the MESS!