This was our first experience here but we were largely underwhelmed. While this artist's studio…read moremight have once enjoyed some prominence, it struck us as little more than glorified after-school care...under the eye of a slightly crabby individual who, evidence suggests, has probably been doing this a decade too long. What can we say: at close to $200 for 8 classes, we expected more, especially when said classes are offered for young kids of 6 and 7. When money changes hands, one comes to expect a certain amount of flexibility from the staff and, above all, patience with young, energetic minds that may not immediately fit into rigid routines and methods. We wanted our child exposed to more art, not more rules. Budding artists need to get their hands dirty, to experiment, to try, and to fail. Sorry, but this isn't that place. Onward.

Both my children took the project based class for 7-10 year olds. They made a carousel out of wood…read moreand clay. What I really liked about the class was how structured it was and how much they learned about different art techniques. The children also learned about the history of the carousel. The class itself was structured, there were clear expectations and the teacher gave each child individual attention throughout. I was present for most of the classes and I felt that all the children were engaged and excited about their project. I would likely recommend the children's art classes at the Eastside Art Center.

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.

These people love children and it definitely shows! We attended a Girl Scout event here and my…read moredaughter loved it! I hope they do more events next year.

The empowerment factory is a wonderful place to learn about health and wellness. The teachers and…read morepresenters are top notch and the environment is delightful. Check out the health and wellness monthly talks coming this winter

Dew Claw Studios is truly a Rhode Island gem! John and Kris are such kind, welcoming people that…read moremake ceramics accessible to all skill levels! The classes are relatively affordable and generally filled with diverse groups of people. Whether you're looking to hand build or throw pots on a wheel, Dew Claw Studios is a great pottery studio!

A bad place for beginners. The owner is extremely nice and affable, but his inability to actually…read moreinstruct (particularly for the price of these classes!) is absurd. I initially signed up for a hand-building class and noted that the instructor seemed to enjoy socializing with studio "regulars" more than spending a lot of time truly instructing. Indeed, one day the entire class (instructor included) spent the ENTIRE class talking and no lesson was provided at all. This was of course bothersome, but something that I could work through since hand-building can be fairly intuitive/self-taught. Also, I was motivated to learn and this is practically the only studio in the area that offers these courses. However, I then signed up for a pottery wheel course, at which point the cracks began to truly show in terms of the instructor's limitations in the teaching arena. Certainly, the pottery wheel definitely requires a LOT of practice in order to become proficient. But if the majority of your class can't even CENTER a pot--the foundation of pottery wheel work-- by the 4th or 5th lesson (and are being taught by a few of the other class members who have somehow caught on), that truly indicates there's a problem. I attended several open studio sessions in an attempt to hone my skills prior to additional lessons, but again, the instructor would spend the entire time socializing with others working in the studio. You felt as though you were dragging him away from his chit-chat with studio regulars in order to get instruction that you were paying him for. Two studio regulars sitting beside me at my first open studio session finally took pity on me and taught me how to center, which is certainly not their job. But there you are. I stuck out the wheel course for perhaps 5 sessions, in the meanwhile the majority of other students in my section stopped attending. I finally joined them, as I could certainly think of better things to do on my day off than try to wrangle a pottery wheel with little-to-no instruction. I imagine Dew Claw is a fantastic place for those with a background in pottery who are looking to build on their skill-set. But whether they realize it or not, this studio is truly taking advantage of new students who pay a reasonable amount of money and spend a large amount of their time for little return.

Had a great experience painting and drinking here. The instructor, Kyle, was a fantastic at walking…read morethe class through the steps of painting the northern nights. Took around 90 minutes todo and the results were satisfying. Whole class seemed pleased with their results and enjoyed the lesson. They have a variety of wines and canned beers to choose from. Plenty of extra brushes and paints if needed. Will definitely return!

Very cozy venue. They host many different paint nights so you can definitely find something of…read moreinterest. The instructors are very helpful.

Jennifer is warm, welcoming, smart, sophisticated, approachable--the list could go on and on…read more Taking classes with her has been one of the most rewarding things I've done. I feel braver, more willing to take risks with my creativity. For me, this isn't just a "night out," this is a chance to grow--to dig in and explore parts of myself I hadn't seen before. #LifeLongLearning.

I signed up for an Acrylic Pour class and I was terrified. After attending a few art shows at…read moreJennifer's gallery, I was inspired and took the plunge. However, the last art class I took was an obligatory high school graduation requirement in 1995. So why was I doing this? Why did I dive in for an acrylic pour class that deals with resin and pouring paints? I can't even dye Easter eggs properly. I arrived and Jennifer was there to welcome me. She was warm and friendly. I met the instructor, Jim Bradley (whom I purchased art from previously). It was a two part series class; two Saturdays from 12-2 pm. All materials were provided, even aprons if we needed them. Between Jennifer's and Jim's encouragement, I created pieces of art that I was proud to show others. Through their energy and love for art, they led me to a place that helped me transform my art intimidation into creativity. There were nine others in the class (it sold out very quickly). We all had so much fun. I have since signed up for a Gong Bath, a Paint Nite with Angel Card Reading and my 6 year old attending a Paint with Paper class. Jennifer's background of art and teaching is a gift and it shows through her ownership at HeARTspot. Her class prices are very reasonable and as you can see...they keep you coming back for more. A true advocate in supporting the arts for all!

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.

The art club is so cool! The building itself is amazing and I love that they occasionally open it…read moreup to the public! I have been before and got a tour of the space from the former president of the club. This space is truly amazing! I went last night for an opening. The art is beautiful and they have a bar (credit card only). I had a nice glass of wine and spent some time with friends.

We go every year around the holidays to see the Little Picture Show. All the artwork in the show is…read moresmall format original works by local artists and the pieces are priced under $350. There's a good variety of different styles and mediums (jewelry, photos, paintings). A great spot to get a unique holiday gift and also support a local artist! The club itself is located in a very cool historic building. The period details are beautiful. You can get a drink in the lounge/bar area and hang out by the fireplace. They also offer art classes to the community which I haven't taken yet, so I can't comment on that. Definitely a unique spot to check out and a true gem of Providence history!