Today we’d like to introduce you to Ness Kent.

Hi Ness, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I’m Ness Kent (they/them), an artist in New Orleans and the founder and Executive Director of Mess Arts—a slightly frenetic, deeply magical, community-driven experiment in creative expression, built on the belief that with community and art, we can do anything.

I grew up outside of Seattle, Washington- playing in the woods, digging holes, and picking berries. I later studied sculpture at RISD and received my BFA, diving into world-building—exploring what can be immersive, weird, and wonderful. After school, I worked in art fabrication, but large-scale making often felt solitary. I craved something more collaborative, dynamic, and alive- and fell into teaching and more importantly connecting with youth through art.

Drawn to the magic and community of New Orleans, I co-founded Mess Arts, a queer-led visual arts program focused on youth leadership, accessibility, and safe spaces. We provide sliding-scale arts education, where young people take the lead, ideas have no limits, and art is about joy, exploration, and connection—not perfection.

I see Mess Arts as a living, breathing sculpture, shaped by memories, joy, and the collective energy of a community that believes in the power of art to bring people together. While we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, at our core, we are an ever-growing creative experiment, proving that with more hands, more voices, and more magic, we can build something real—and make it matter.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

​​I wouldn’t describe my journey as a smooth road or a rocky one. To me, life is more like a river—sometimes it flows fast, sometimes slow, with bends and obstacles along the way- it really depends on our perspective and outlooks. One of my biggest challenges has been how people perceive me. I have Alopecia, an autoimmune condition I developed at 14, which means simply that I don’t have hair. It doesn’t define me, but in the outside world, people often assume I’m sick, ask invasive questions, or even touch me without permission. To be blunt, it can be exhausting and difficult to be in public spaces.
We live in a world with rigid ideas of “normal,” and my confidence in being bald or authentic to myself unsettles some people. Some have even asked me to cover up, as if my comfort in my own skin makes them uncomfortable. But to many people’s surprise, while difficult, my experience with Alopecia has shaped me for the better—it’s influenced my perspective on change, excitement for self expression and acceptance, my gender identity, and my deep belief in the importance of empathy. It’s not the condition itself that affects me most, but rather how the world perceives difference. I want to remind everyone that how we perceive differences in our world matters. In my life, I hope to challenge people to approach others with kindness and caring curiosity, not judgment. That doesn’t mean asking invasive questions—it means educating yourself, reading, learning, and embracing the idea that the world is full of diverse experiences we don’t always understand.

I think a lot about why I do the work I do in my career at Mess Arts. It’s a multifaceted answer. Part of it is creating the kind of space I wish I had as a child—a place to express myself freely with access to art. Part of it is being inspired by my young colleagues, making art together in our studio. But at its core, working with children teaches me, and the community at large, how to be more open and accepting.
Children have an incredible ability to live in the present. They lead with love, with magic, and with trust. Unlike adults, who often hesitate or struggle to believe in the good of others, kids see it first. They ask questions, but out of curiosity—not judgment. When I’m with them, I don’t feel like I have to explain myself or defend my appearance. They simply see me for who I am, and they accept me. At Mess Arts, we all get to create in a safe space where we are open and accepting of each other-regardless of one’s appearance, background, or experience. .

I truly believe that if more of us could learn from children—how to be kind, trusting, and empathetic—the world would be a better place. How can we learn to adapt the youths perspective in our day to day life in the adult world? Think about how kindness and empathy for others can have a profound ripple effect. Imagine a world where no one was judged for how they looked or how they chose to express themselves, where acceptance wasn’t the exception but the norm. That shouldn’t have to be something we only find in a room full of five-year-olds.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

Lately, I’ve been describing Mess Arts as an invisible sculpture—one we are all working on together. What sets us apart is that our work isn’t product-based; it’s about building something intangible yet deeply meaningful. This sculpture is made of memories, laughter, growth, exploration, and human connection. Mess Arts isn’t just a space for young artists—it’s a space of joy, a place where people know they can come and be accepted for exactly who they are. Here, self-expression takes any form, and art becomes a bridge for connection. Right now more than ever, community is everything, and I can’t think of a better way to nurture it than through making art together. Mess Arts is for everyone—and we are committed to providing that space with openness and kindness.

What I’m most proud of is how the youth in our program have become true stakeholders. They know their voices matter, and when they share ideas, we’re committed to making them happen. Their confidence, leadership, and excitement for the work are inspiring. Right now, I’m even collaborating with kids on designing our long-term vision for the program space—because this isn’t just a program for them, it’s one they are actively shaping.

I specialize in bringing people together, building excitement, and fostering deep community engagement. I believe everyone has something to offer—whether it’s a skill, an idea, or a resource—and together, we create something beautiful. I often describe it as a conceptual potluck for a kids’ party. The work we do is centered on the youth, but everyone involved is still at the table, contributing and sharing in the experience. Some bring the main dish, some bring napkins, but everything is valuable, and everyone gets to enjoy the food, community, and the party. The key is showing up, being transparent about our capacities, and working together.

When people unite, we build strength. When we commit to something greater than ourselves, we create power. And with that power, we make real change. Our shared efforts, collective imagination, and commitment to each other are what drive transformation. The more we embrace that, the more limitless our impact becomes.

Who else deserves credit in your story?

Caroline Jaap-C, my middle and high school art teacher, is like my art mom. She created a safe space for me to express myself and provided not only access to materials but also invaluable guidance. She shares creativity, love, and the occasional pep talk. Her support has been life-changing.
Kirkland Green, a glistening supernova, reminds me that as artists, we are invested in both our work and also ourselves. Like me, he is an empathetic sponge who believes in working toward a better future. It’s a privilege to work with him on the Mess Arts team and an honor to be his friend.

Aaron, Asa, Rey, Charity, Lyle, Naomi, Grant- these are my friends that have listened to me ideate, dream, and take on challenges. Given advice of navigation forward, held space, and reminded me of what we are trying to do as we move through time.

My Dad- even when my decisions seem wild. His unwavering support—despite not fully understanding my path—has been one of the most meaningful aspects of our relationship. Thank you for listening, for talking about Supertramp, critiquing recipes, and for your love.

My Grandma- for our days where we have coffee in the garden. She has shown me the importance of connecting with children and intergenerational spaces, especially through the kindness of sharing. She baked cookies for my 8 year old cousin and their whole bus every day for 2 years, because it brought her and the kids some extra smiles. She reminds me of the ripple effect of kindness.

Sabine, Nassira, Soleil, Harper, Lockett, Hassan, June, Aila, Wallace, Luna, Jogesh, and the many others in the Mess Arts collective inspire me daily. These young artists, aged 5 to 12, are my collaborators. Their curiosity, brightness, and ideas are what fuel the work we do and continue to be the inspiring forces behind the Mess Arts mission.

Liz Solms and the whole Mess Art board and Team for perseverance, time, and caring efforts.

Eric and Johnny for mentorship, love, and support.

All the community members, families, supporters, and artists who have listened to my silly, wild, and ecstatic ideas and brain wormholes over the years as the community sculpture forms. To everyone who has thrown more ideas and resources into the potluck and helped them come to fruition.

This work takes a village of people, and while there may be one person, or a small team representing the work done, it is no way the truth- it is an immense collaboration and community quilt- of resources, thoughts, minds, and physical tasks- done by each and every one of us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://messarts.org
• Instagram: @nesssss__ @messarts_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MessArtsNOLA/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ness-kent-77b45a27a/
• Other: https://vimeo.com/1050890639

Image Credits

Jeremy St. Romain, Joshue Timmy, Selwyn Figg