What a wonderful way to spend a cloudy or rainy afternoon in Providence, Rhode Island. Yes, it's a…read morevery warm way to spend the afternoon but you get over the heat very quickly when you see what you can create. Everything is explained fully and carefully and you are guided along a wonderful journey.

Terrific experience and really interesting and FUN! We were greeted very nicely by Vinnie but Ian…read morewas the star. He instructed and helped us each with what to do with patience and a great sense of humor. My friend and I each selected a beautiful ornament in the colors of our choice-who knew we had such talent. Well worth the price for a fascinating experience and can't wait to get my piece home to display it.

The service requested here was great a Cultural Placemaking bringing all different cultures…read moretogether. It was free of value for all different cultures to all enjoy festivities together in a peaceful atmosphere.

Variety of learning and cultural options A positive…read morecommunity influence Carries the torch for its crafts I take an extra measure of pride in Providence because the city is able to boast a feature as culturally relevant, vibrant, inclusive, educational, past-respecting yet forward-thinking, and contributory as The Steel Yard. Imagine, if you will, a light saber. Now shrink it, focus it, and make it a precision handheld device. Congratulations - in your mind's eye, you're now wielding a plasma cutter, which is a real tool you can learn to use and put to effective metal-working use after a workshop here - I did just that during a Weekend Welding Workshop and it was tough to wipe the grin off my face for quite a long time. While that might make for some of the coolest visual imagery to describe, the fact that metal grinders, MiG welders, age-old anvils, fine-gauge jewelry-making tools, ceramic works, and myriad other tools of the trade are waiting to be discovered and shared here is a great impetus to get people excited about the art and science of metal-working. The Yard recognized that and has worked hard over the years to forge the foundation, expand the awareness base, and reach out to the community - all experience levels, age ranges, and walks of life. The events here are a super draw for my family and me. The Halloween Iron Pour. The Ultimate Chef competition. The Steel Yard Cruise Night Car Show. I hear there have also been weddings here...which goes to show you don't need to be actively working metal to enjoy the Yard. That said, seeing some of the custom-chopped and augmented vehicles done on-site doesn't hurt one's appetite to grab some leathers and a visor, and get working. I received a request for donation to the Yard's efforts at the end of 2012 that moved to me action in a way that words hadn't called me to in some time. That was refreshing and invigorating; it was merely (at its essence) a request for support. And support we should. The Steel Yard is an anchor helping to revitalize an area of the city that needs it with its facility location; revitalizing a city that can use those services with its good public works, as with its creation of beautiful and utilitarian benches, garbage cans, and bike racks seen around town; revitalizing people's skill sets by providing constructive classes in a variety of disciplines at fair tuition costs, for multiple age groups; and mostly, revitalizing metal-working as a discipline that is useful, positive, artistic, and tending away from defunct and back toward common. For all of that, The Steel Yard deserves our support in keeping alive The Spark. Get involved and be about it - highest recommendation.

What a great little studio! Patti has been so patient with me, even though I can barely sew a…read morestraight line. I love that no matter whatever I want to make, Patti still encourages me, and seems truly delighted in my meager accomplishments. She is a true teacher, taking time to explain details again and again. She willingly shares details and knowledge from her lifetime of sewing, down to what kind of pin to use, to where to find the least expensive magnetic pincushion. Who knew? I've even learned how to make my own patterns! The atmosphere is always calm and focused, and I find it a welcome respite from my busy day to day life. Sewing has become a meditative practice for me now, which I look forward to every week. Patti is able to juggle every skill level in class, whether someone is just learning the bare bones basics, to the much more advanced. She's pretty well connected in the sewing world too, and hosts really interesting guest workshops. The studio is small and very tidy, with easy parking just outside the door. Classes are currently on a month to month basis, which is nice because it's not a huge commitment. I've seen students come for just a month, to get help on a specific project. Yep, she can do that too. And for the record, I've seen 2 men in class, everyone is welcome, West Side Sewing Studio is my little weekly getaway. I come home relaxed and focused, and I get to make cute stuff!

West Side Studio is an amazing place to learn to sew in Providence. Patti the owner is a great…read moreteacher! I have been going there for over a year and I have learned so much. Patti is patient and encouraging. I highly recommend this studio to anybody who want to learn to sew. A true gem!!

Nick is a very warm and welcoming instructor. His sincere enthusiasm about art, teaching, creating,…read morethe studio, the other artists within the studio, Rhody Arts, and Rhode Island puts a person at ease when entering the new environment. I highly recommend taking a class or dropping in on a Sunday afternoon!

I took an ink class in the artist's studio and had a great experience. He's incredibly talented and…read moreclearly very knowledgeable, but also approachable and easy to learn from. The studio was well set up, materials were ready to go, and the whole class felt relaxed and fun rather than intimidating. I walked away having learned a lot and genuinely enjoying the process. Highly recommend if you're curious about ink work or want to learn from a skilled artist in a welcoming space.

I visited the Riker Art Glass Studio as part of a RISD weekend continuing education class. The…read moreclass was guided by William Riker and his apprentice. They had phenomenal talents and started with information on glass an a brief demonstration. Individually students were guided through making 3 pieces which were uniquely your own. The teachers provided encouragement with instruction and helped to cover up your blunders because we were all very novice. This definitely gave me a good taste for the potential of the 6 week course which I hope to take in the future.

Summer camp, art lessons, beautiful gallery space, host an event - The Jamestown Arts center is…read moregorgeous on the inside and out and serves many functions for the community. The space itself is incredible. It used to be a boat building workshop - every major studio and gallery space has big garage doors that can open right up to the outside. Talk about nature inspiration! Don't miss the current exhibit by Lisa Barsumian!

Recently attended the "Afternoon with Three Rhode Island Poets". There were two poet laureates,Tom…read moreChandler and Lisa Starr as well as the current RI state poet Rick Benjamin. Poet Jay Primiano, opened the event. This is a terrific space with art work and great light, small enough for a poetry reading and large enough for art, or film. The readings themselves were wonderful and there were light refreshments. Glad to discover this new adddition to the arts scene in RI!

This place is amazing. A truly magical place for musicians of all ages, abilities and goals. I…read morestarted coming to You Rock with a young man named Shawn who has Down syndrome. Sean the owner is a gracious host (plus he played in local ska heroes Big D & the Kids Table), his assistant Shanna is beyond helpful and kind with her time & the one teacher I interacted with Danilo is awesome too!! Shawn would have his lessons and improved greatly over his time there. We also got to watch young kids work on song writing, arranging and performing which was super cool to see!! I would recommend YOU ROCK for anyone that wants to play when if you have never tried before. They have summer camps for kids, adult classes, group classes, private lessons, recording studio, pod cast studio and even a performance area. Give Shanna a call or stop in and check it it for yourself!! A+++ great place, great people and a great mission to spread a true love of music.

I can't say enough good things about You Rock School of Music. I'm a public school music teacher…read moreand this is where I send my kids. Not only do they get an awesome music education, but it's truly a community experience there. All of the staff are knowledgeable and outgoing. I highly recommend

As a new mama, I cannot recommend the East Greenwich Cadence Academy more highly! They have the…read moremost profound sense of responsibility you could hope to find within a daycare facility. Not only are they unfailingly kind and patient, their team is deeply compassionate. As a worrier, I was incredibly anxious to leave my baby for the first time, but they were honest and forthright about their extensive safety measures and fastidious cleaning. And on the first (very emotionally charged day: for me, my daughter was thrilled to meet new people), they were more than understanding and encouraged me to stay as long as I needed. I am so grateful to this team and feel so fortunate that my baby is getting the love she deserves there!

Our infant and preschooler joined Cadence in EG about 6 months ago, and it's been wonderful! All…read morethe staff, including the floats who help out, are passionate, professional, and incredibly caring. We highly recommend Ms. Kim and Ms. Anhthu in the Infant Room and Ms. Taylor in the Pre-K room. They are fantastic! The kids are involved in so many activities that involve art, culture, music, and outdoor time. Leadership in EG is also excellent. It's a well-run place! They have an online portal for communication and daily updates. They supply diapers and wipes and offer meals/snacks. It's certainly a great perk! Thank you all!