As a maker, the power of collaboration has been both inspiring and integral to my practice. Below are some of the recent public art projects I have had the joy to lead and/or participate in within New Orleans.

St George Episcopal Church Tree of Life Mosaic- 2023

In 2023, Ness created, assembled, and led a tree of life mosaic public art project for St George Episcopal Church as part of a larger project to revive their courtyard and fountain. This Uptown outdoor mosaic is made of found glass and tile and was built over a span of 4 months leading up to install.

Community Kiln Building, Wood firing, and Ceramics- 2021 to present

In 2021, Ness worked alongside a community of potters to build a 20 foot atmospheric traditional anagama Woodfire kiln in Husser, LA. Our group is made up of 30 cross generational artists. We fire this kiln twice a year for 6-8 days straight, working together to manually fire the kiln and accumulate the proper ash build up to paint the pots with woodash over a period of days. Kiln process pictures below as well as some of Ness’ personal work from the firings.

Curation and Programming of Youth led group Shows

In 2024, Ness led a youth cohort in curation and project creation of the Inner World Group Show shown at the Front Gallery in Bywater.

“Inner World” is about saving the environment. Our artists think that the environment needs help. We have to stop pollution in the oceans and in the air, to do that we need to stop using fossil fuels and electronics. We have to stop hurting animals and all nature. We think that people need to do less talking about it and more doing about it. The Mess Arts Collective is composed of young artists ages 4-12. We believe it is crucial to show that kids can do what grown ups can do.

We are thrilled to share that our next youth centered show will be in collaboration with Antenna Gallery members, to be shown May 2026