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I do not have a background in art, but rather in teaching and culinary arts. With over 25 years of experience in teaching and owning my own catering company specializing in grilled and smoked foods, I have always been passionate about sharing my knowledge and skills with others.

 

My journey with Mess Hall Arts began when I met Zan, the owner of Mess Hall, who hired me to cater an event for her staff in late 2023. She also encouraged me to explore my artistic side by painting at the event. Six months later, I found myself seeking more stability and she offered me the position of Studio Manager. Then in August 2024 I took over operations from Zan and became the Owner/President of Mess Hall Arts.

 

My wife Vanessa and I are the proud parents of three - daughter Finnik (7) who is neurodivergent, and twin boy/girl Maddex & Sutton (4).  As a parent of a neurodivergent child who uses art as a form of communication, I realized the importance of creating a space where everyone can express themselves through art. This inspired me to transition Mess Hall into Mess Hall Arts, offering a variety of programs such as summer camps, art classes, birthday parties, inclusive art classes, field trips, private events, and corporate team building activities.

 

While the original business was named Mess Hall, I wanted to give it a fresh identity. The decision to rebrand the company was not difficult, but I knew I needed to expand my knowledge in art education and teaching. I hired experts in the field, invested in educational resources, and had fun learning and experimenting with different art forms.

 

Mess Hall Arts was chosen with the vision of opening another location called Mess Hall Kitchens, combining art and cooking. Our mission at Mess Hall Arts is to foster creativity and self-expression, providing a welcoming space for individuals to explore and develop their unique talents.

 

The team at Mess Hall Arts includes individuals with diverse specialties and backgrounds. I recognize that I do not know everything so value teamwork and collaboration to achieve our goals. Our staff members bring expertise in pottery, acrylics, murals, digital art, wood carving, sketching, theater, crafts, and more. Additionally, we have team members with backgrounds in education, curriculum development, working with senior living and disabled communities, early childhood education, and running non-profits.

 

One of the distinctive aspects of our approach is our emphasis on open-ended curriculum, art projects, and crafts. We prioritize teaching techniques while encouraging artists to explore and create using their newfound skills. At Mess Hall Arts, you won’t see traditional “sip & paint” classes, as we believe that art should be a platform for freedom of expression, exploration, and perhaps even some self-discovery.

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