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
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The launch of 20 Years of Creative Visions.
2026 marks 20 years of volunteering from Wendy Daws with Kent Association for the Blind. Starting as an accidental Volunteer, Wendy establishes and develops creative spaces, groups and projects to support blind and visually impaired artists across Kent. Our 20 Years exhibition reflects that journey.
We had a great afternoon at the Riverside Gallery @sunpierhouse, full of tea and cake from No.64 Coffee & Brunch @no64coffeeandbrunch , surrounded by artwork created across the KAB art groups @kabartgroups in Chatham, Gravesend, Canterbury @the_Beaney, Bromley and Tunbridge Wells @theamelia_tw
Thank you to Councillor Nina Gurung and Georgia from Kent Association for the Blind, reflecting on the past 20 years and the impact of our work and development of the MESS ROOM, supported by an incredible team of Creative Practitioners and Artists that make everything happen. Thank you to everyone who came along. It was great to see so many familiar faces and remember those no longer with us.
20 Years of Creative Visions brings together artwork from across two decades, celebrating making, sharing and experiencing art in ways that go beyond sight.
19 March – 18 April 2026
Riverside Gallery & Café, Sun Pier House, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4HF
Open Thursday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Closed 3rd and 4th April
Free family workshop: Friday 10 April, 11am – 3pm
Photography by Gary Weston @spaghetti.weston
#20YearsOfCreativeVisions #KentAssociationForTheBlind #CreativeMedway #VisuallyImpairedArtists #AltText
Image descritpions:
1, A large group of people in a group photo in the Sun Pier House cafe, surrounded by artwork. A table in the foreground displays sketchbooks and materials.
2, A small group of people sit and stand in a cosy, creative space, listening attentively. One woman sits on a green leather sofa, holding a cup of tea, with a guide dog resting in front of them.
3, Wendy, in a red top, smiles as she cuts into a cake decorated with the number 20.
4, A close-up over-the-shoulder shot of a man holding a small sculptural face.
5, KAB artist, Kathy, reaching out to touch the black and white tactile artwork on the wall.
On Friday 13 March, we proudly launched Mess Room Creatives: River Medway Journeys at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham - and what a fantastic morning it was.
We were thrilled to welcome so many friends, family members, partners and supporters to celebrate the work of our artists. Thank you to Vince Maple (Medway Council) and Lynette Crisp (Chatham Dockyard), as well as lead artist Catriona Faulkner and MESS ROOM Director Wendy Daws, for sharing such thoughtful words on the day.
Mess Room Creatives artists have designed and crafted a striking series of pennant flags. Inspired by the River Medway and its rich history, each piece reflects themes of heritage, movement, connection and pride in place. Together, they form a bold and uplifting collective installation.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Chatham Dockyard, Medway Council, MidKent College and Medway School of Arts, this project celebrates inclusive creativity and showcases the extraordinary talent within our Mess Room community.
Special thanks to our photographers on the day.
These images have been captured by Ray Fothergill a Volunteer at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
@dockyard.chatham @medwayartschool @medway_culture @midkent_college
#MessRoomCreatives #RiverMedwayJourneys #CreativeMedway #HistoricDockyardChatham #UKSPF #InclusiveArts #KentArts #CommunityExhibition #AltText
Image descriptions:
1, A large group of people stand together inside a bright exhibition space at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham. They are arranged in a line behind a display table covered with sketchbooks. Behind them, a series of handcrafted pennant flags hang on the wall, forming a colourful installation inspired by the River Medway.
2, Two people are looking at the display of pennant flags. Bright pops of blue and red highlight the textures of water. Mixed media textiles, the works look incredibly tactile.
3, A wider shot of 8 people looking at the display of pennant flags. Each flag complements the other. They are all so different, but look harmonious together.
4, A picture of a very busy exhibition room, full of people.
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.
