Community artist Wendy Daws is no stranger to Voluntary Arts. In 2015, her art group won the Voluntary Arts Epic Award for Exceptional Work with Disabled People. Here, we spotlight the work Wendy does at The Mess Room in Kent, and why participants describe her accessible sessions as a "life-saver."

In 2017, Wendy set up The Mess Room with deaf artist Christopher Sacre at Sun Pier House in Chatham. They primarily work with deaf and hard of hearing, blind and partially sighted and supported adults. Wendy voluntarily runs an art group at The Mess Room in partnership with Kent Association for the Blind (KAB). Here, participants work with sculpture, drawing, painting, embossing and a range of other tactile mediums.  

Below, we recorded a series of audio interviews with Wendy and participants Janet and Norma, to explain why The Mess Room - and creativity - is an important part of their lives.


Listen: Wendy describes how accessibility is central to her art practice 

Listen: Janet feels very lucky to have found the group

Listen: Norma says it helps her when she is low

Get Creative Festival 2020
Wendy is running a Creative Journalling workshop as part of the Get Creative Festival 2020 on Saturday 16 May at Castle Hill Community Centre, Ebbsfleet. Find out more about this and other local events here. 

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Find out more

You can find out more about the work of Wendy Daws, The Mess Room and Sun Pier House here: 

Wendy Daws: www.wendydaws.co.uk
The Mess Room: www.messroom.org.uk
Kent Association for the Blind (KAB): www.kab.org.uk
Sun Pier House: www.sunpierhouse.co.uk