The Mess Studio
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| Elizabeth Cohoe, Sandi Dodds | Elizabeth Cohoe, Sandi Dodds, Martin Thomas |
Grant Amount: $2,500
The Organization
The Mess Studio offers provides opportunity for people to come, connect, and create art in a non-threatening atmosphere of love and acceptance. Bringing a diverse community together, The Mess aims to build relationships through art. Through community building, it strives to empower others to make healthier life choices. The Mess welcomes anyone who is interested in creating art and connecting with others. It operates in the lower hall of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Mess began in 2009 and now includes a pottery studio. The Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston has been a supporter for eight years.
All people who participate in The Mess activities are members. In addition to creating art, they help with running the program including refreshments and meals. The Mess provides opportunities to learn new skills, which contributes to healing lives that have been broken down. "Getting Messy" at The Mess restores dignity, self-reliance, confidence, and self-worth.
The Work Supported by the Grant
The grant will help to continue to strengthen the pottery program, including cost of firing, which is done off-site. New to the program will be a series of three two-hour instructional classes for up to six of the community members, provided by Amaranth Stoneware. The sessions will provide much-needed knowledge that will ensure the continued success of the pottery studio. Amaranth has recently asked to display in one of their stores the work of one of The Mess members.