MESS ROOM
creating safe spaces for imagination and creativity
The MESS ROOM is an inclusive space for fun, accessible, and innovative artistic workshops. We create a welcoming environment where everyone can explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with others. Our open, collaborative approach fosters independence and peer support while breaking down barriers and reducing social isolation.
With over 30 years of combined experience, MESS ROOM Artists specialise in helping people with disabilities express themselves through inclusive activities and diverse communication methods. We have particular expertise in working with individuals with sight loss, ensuring accessibility for all.
We collaborate across sectors—with schools, community groups, and expert partners—to raise awareness, provide training and mentor the next generation of MESS ROOM advocates. As professional artists, we also develop unique commissions, curate exhibitions, and organise cultural events that promote inclusivity, equality and the extraordinary talents of our participants.
"The MESS ROOM approach is...if somebody says they would like to knit with yogurt, we just ask - what flavour would you like?"Wendy Daws
The MESS ROOM is more than just a room
We are a creative, inclusive organisation offering fun, accessible, and innovative artistic workshops for all. Our open, collaborative approach fosters independence and peer support, empowering everyone to break down barriers and reduce social isolation.
MESS ROOM is directed by Wendy Daws
With 20+ years of experience working with diverse groups, Wendy leads a team of artists dedicated to helping blind and visually impaired individuals express themselves in creative, engaging ways. Using inclusive activities, tactile materials, and adaptive communication methods, they empower participants to explore new artistic possibilities with confidence and independence.
Art is for all regardless of age, ability or background
MESS ROOM believes everyone can be a maker and be inspired by the creativity of others. We provide a safe, supportive space where individuals can create freely and gain confidence in their abilities. Our workshops and programs are flexible and person-centred, tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each group.
We work with local artists and community groups
We raise awareness, provide training, and mentor the next generation of MESS ROOM advocates. As professional artists, we create unique commissions and exhibitions that showcase the talents of our participants. We also organise cultural events and projects that champion inclusivity and equality for all.
In Partnership with Kent Association for the Blind
Follow MESS ROOM on Insta
For World Optometry Day, we’re taking a moment to recognise the vital role optometrists play in supporting eye health, early diagnosis, and ongoing care.
At The Mess Room, we work closely with blind and partially sighted artists, and we know how important access to eye care and regular check-ups can be. Optometrists are often the first step in identifying changes in vision and helping people access the support they need.
Creativity doesn’t rely on sight alone, but having the right care, advice and tools can make a huge difference in how people navigate their world.
We’re proud to champion creative spaces where everyone can explore, make and express themselves in ways that work for them - whether through touch, sound, movement or sight.
Today is also a reminder: if you haven’t had your eyes tested recently, it’s worth booking an appointment. Early detection can be key in managing many eye conditions.
#WorldOptometryDay #KentAssociationForTheBlind #EyeTests #KabArtGroups #BlindAndPartiallySightedArtists #AltText
Image description:
A smiling man sits at a table covered with a red-and-white checkered cloth in a bright, creative workshop space. He wears a grey hoodie and a smartwatch and is holding a small sculptural form made from masking tape, shaped into an abstract, curved figure. Behind him, the walls are filled with colourful artwork, including a large red textile piece with bold shapes and patterns.
20 Years of Creative Visions
This year, Wendy Daws, Director of MESS ROOM CIC, celebrates 20 years of volunteering with the Kent Association for the Blind. @kentblind
Over two decades, Wendy has worked alongside blind and partially sighted artists, supporting creativity, confidence and connection through art. In that time, we`ve seen (and felt) an extraordinary range of work - from tactile pieces to bold, expressive creations that challenge what art can be.
To celebrate this milestone, we’re proud to present an exhibition at Sun Pier House Gallery, bringing together a selection of artworks created over the years.
@sunpierhouse
20 Years of Creative Visions is a celebration of creativity without barriers, of making, sharing and experiencing art in ways that go beyond sight.
19th March - 18th April 2026.
Riverside Gallery & Cafe, Sun Pier House, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4HF
Open Thursday - Saturday 10am - 4pm.
Gallery open late Thursday, 26th March, 4pm - 8pm.
FREE family workshop Friday 10th April 11am -3pm
#20YearsOfCreativeVisions #KentAssociationForTheBlind #CreativeMedway #VisuallyImpairedArtists #AltText
Image description:
A bold promotional graphic celebrates “20 Years of Creative Visions” by the MESS ROOM. The background is predominantly red and white, with the MESS ROOM logo in the top left corner. Large red text at the top reads “20 Years of Creative Visions.” Below, a collage of circular photographs shows people taking part in creative workshops and proudly displaying their artwork. At the bottom, white text inside a red box reads: “Celebrating artistic achievement beyond sight.”
We had an extra chilled out Peer Arts session this morning exploring a number of different approaches to weaving. We’ve been putting our thinking caps on about a gentle introduction to our prompt ‘Tides’, which will be our theme for the MESS ROOM summer exhibition at Rochester Cathedral @rochestercathedral
Others were exploring painting, pipe cleaner sculpting and one artists had brought in their beautiful 3D, needle felted mushrooms.
#CreativeHealth #KentAssociationForTheBlind #TactileArt #CreativeMedway #VisuallyImpairedArtist
Video description: a series of short clips highlighting the activities of today’s Peer Art session. One artist is painting differing shades of blue acrylic into a textured canvas. Another is holding and demonstrating their monochromatic 3D felted mushrooms. While others were weaving meshy blue and green fabric into funky foam sheets. Marty the guide dogs lays like a waggly- tailed puddle on the floor.
We’re excited to share a bit about the feature on lead artist Catriona Faulkner from MESS ROOM Creatives in the new Local Authority article. @localauthoritynews
In the interview, Catriona talks about her practice as a hand-stitch assemblage artist, creating intricate works from carefully collected objects where every material carries meaning. Her work often reflects experiences of chronic pain, memory and resilience, forming layered pieces that invite viewers to look closely and uncover the stories within. As she explains, “Everything within my work means something.”
Catriona`s role at the MESS ROOM has been as lead artist for MESS ROOM Creatives, supporting a group of socially isolated adults to explore creativity in a supportive studio environment. Through the programme, she encourages experimentation with materials, storytelling through making, and building confidence through shared creative practice. Catriona has also been leading one of our Kent Association for the Blind Art Groups. @kabartgroups
MESS ROOM Creatives River Medway Journeys, a UK Shared Prosperity Fund project, is currently on display at The Historic Dockayard, Chatham @dockyard.chatham
The exhibition celebrates the River Medway - its history, symbolism and the connections it holds for the local community.
On display at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, The Namur Room.
7–31 March | Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 4pm
Read the full interview via the link below, and visit the exhibition to see the work created through the project.
https://www.localauthority.news/everything-within-my-work-means-something/
Photography by Gary Weston @spaghetti.weston
#RiverMedwayJourneys #MessRoomCreatives #CreativeMedway #CreativeMedway #AssemblageArt #UKSPF #ChathamDockyard
Image description:
A photograph of three women standing in the Crypt of Rochester Cathedral. Catriona is standing in the centre. She is wearing a bright pink, sleeved dress and has short black hair. Either side of her are fellow Mess Room artists, Libbie and Shona. All are wearing red Mess Room lanyards. This is during the exhibition launch of the KAB art groups show, Taking Flight.
Our recent workshops with the Kent Association for the Blind art groups @kabartgroups have been exploring the wonderfully tactile world of wet felting, led by artist Libbie Watson. @lwatson_design
Participants have been learning everything from felting terminology and techniques to the physical processes that transform loose wool into fabric. The materials themselves became part of the sensory experience, with the textures of mesh and bubble wrap adding another layer of discovery to the making process.
Felting is wonderfully physical, too. Rolling, pressing, and even throwing the wool helps the fibres bind together, bringing movement and creative health into the session.
Our KAB Medway group had a lot to share:
“I’ve learnt so many new things today about felting - I didn’t know throwing it would make it felt further!”
“It’s about enjoying and experimenting with the process.”
Confidence has been growing across the group as everyone becomes more comfortable exploring new materials.
Next up, the group is excited to try felting around balloons to create bubble shapes and small 3D vessels - we can’t wait to see what they make.
#CreativeHealth #WetFelting #AccessibleArt #KABArtGroups #InclusiveArts #CreativeMedway #KentAssociationForTheBlind @kentblind
Image descriptions:
1, A group of adults sit around a large table in the MESS ROOM studio during a felting workshop. The table is set up with bubble wrap mats, rolling pins, cups, and felting materials. At the front of the table, Libbie stands and explains the felting process, gesturing with her hands while the participants watch and listen.
2, Small bundles of soft wool in bright colours, including orange, green, yellow, blue, and red, are arranged on black card squares. A red mug and containers of pens and tools sit nearby on the table. The loose wool fibres appear light and fluffy, ready to be layered and worked into felt during the session.
3, A close-up shot of some hands gently laying ontop of some bright orange fibres above their blue bubble-wrapped work station. A small yellow sunflower tattoo peaks out of the bottom of their blue-sleeved shirt.
In February, we spoke about Low Vision & Age-related Macular Degeneration.
This month (March 8–14) we focus on World Glaucoma Week.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide. It often develops slowly and without obvious symptoms, which is why regular eye tests are so important. Glaucoma typically appears as a gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, often described as tunnel vision, where the field of view narrows while central vision remains.
Through our work with blind and partially sighted artists, we’re constantly reminded that creativity isn’t limited by vision.
This World Glaucoma Week, we’re celebrating the artists who continue to create, explore and share their perspectives while we encourage everyone to look after their eye health and get regular eye tests.
#WorldGlaucomaWeek #AccessibleArt #CreativeHealth #VisuallyImpairedArtists #InclusiveArts #CreativeMedway #AltText
Image description:
A smiling man sits at a craft table while working on a mosaic artwork. He holds a pair of scissors in one hand and is surrounded by small coloured pieces of card and foam used to build the design. In front of him is a square mosaic picture of a dog made from small cream, brown and green pieces arranged on a dark background. The table is covered with red craft mats and scattered tools and materials
International Women’s Day 2026
Today we’re celebrating the incredible women who power the MESS ROOM.
MESS ROOM is proudly run by a team of freelance women artists, each bringing their own creative practice, perspective and passion into the studio. From illustration and textiles to tactile making, facilitation and creative health, every workshop is shaped by the lived experience, skills and generosity of the women who lead it.
In their own words:
“Being part of the MESS ROOM has built up my confidence in leading - and helped grow an amazing team of brilliant female creatives.”
“It’s a real pleasure to be part of such a powerful, positive team of inspiring women. I was welcomed into the fold with open arms.”
“The MESS ROOM has been such a big confidence boost for me. Creativity grows best in community.”
“I love working at the MESS ROOM because I’m surrounded by inspirational women who support one another with enthusiasm, creativity and generosity.”
“It’s wonderful to volunteer in a space that supports young women at the start of their careers - and to be part of an inspirational team of women.”
“When I wanted to explore learning outside the classroom, I had little idea what groups like this offer - enrichment for volunteers, emerging artists and those developing their practice. And it just so happens that, mostly, the leaders are women inspiring women.”
Happy International Women`s Day from MESS ROOM CIC.
Photography by Gary Weston @spaghetti.weston and Rikard Osterlund @rikardolino
#InternationalWomensDay #IWD2026 #WomenInTheArts #WomenSupportingWomen #CreativeCommunities
Image description:
A collage of photographs showing women artists and facilitators connected to the MESS ROOM. The images include smiling portraits of women of different ages and backgrounds, candid moments of creative workshops in action, and group shots inside gallery and heritage spaces. Some women are demonstrating techniques at tables, others are talking and laughing with participants. The overall feel is warm, collaborative and celebratory, highlighting creativity, community and women-led practice.
