What an amazing artist space!…read more The owners, Norv and Amanda, are possibly the nicest people ever, and have done a fantastic job redesigning this old factory building into a HUGE, elegant space for artists of all kinds. You can get your own space, or share open space with access to pottery wheels and a kiln for a minimal price. It's kind of like an artist's dream - the inspiring space, the friendly community, the freedom to work alone or in the company of others... And the gallery is beautiful, with huge ceilings and exposed brick, and striking work by the members. They have several shows a year, well worth seeing.

From the owner: We are a membership-based art studio (month to month art studio rentals and Open Studio art space…read morein the Providence area) equipped to meet the studio needs of artists who work in most medias. Make your creative time more enjoyable and productive by working at our studio. We have put a lot of thought and planning into building an Open Studio that provides artists an optimum working environment. Our studio, located in a beautifully restored historic mill, provides numerous amenities to full and part-time artists. Our Event Gallery hosts special events and art exhibits. Please contact for current schedule.

Nothing wrong with it at all I just thought it would be like a craft market but it's studiosread more

This place is amazing I never even new this place existed until I started working for gateways to…read morechange and took a few of my clients there for Day programming. Wow staff is amazing so friendly and helpful. Clients and myself really enjoyed our time there from making artwork to signing and practicing for plays. This place is a true hidden gem to the community. The little cafe they have is great and love how honest and helpful they are

My 13 year old recently attended a birthday party at Blue Door. Ample parking (in a mini-mall.)…read moreThey were prompt. My daughter left with one canvas she painted with instruction through BDA studio. She also received a goodie bag with a few things from blue door included. Overall a nice place, great alternative bday party option.

Blue Door Studio is a hidden gem located in an out-of-the-way strip plaza in Smithfield, RI. I…read morehighly recommend Claudia Venditto, the owner, who received a masters from RISD (WOW) and is passionate about art and teaching. This makes her an exceptional art instructor and you can see it in the work of her students! My daughter just started taking lessons from Ms. Venditto and I can already see a HUGE improvement in her techniques. There's a showcase at the end of the winter sessions (8 weeks total, 2 hours a week), but was able to take a sneak peak. I got the chance to introduce myself to the teacher today and talk to her a bit. She's warm, welcoming, and very easy to talk to. I also love the high level of professionalism of her business--very important to me. Online registration and payment are available online and confirmation is sent via email, which makes enrollment very convenient. FYI, she's currently a high school teacher in a different town and has to commute. Gotta admire her dedication! Luckily, we live close by. Students who get the chance to study under her are fortunate. Got my info from this article: http://m.valleybreeze.com/2017-05-31/observer-smithfield-west/blue-door-studio-expands-space-smithfield-move#.XD_EkaROmaM

I was gifted open studio time by my daughter and don't have the heart to tell her how her intention…read morefor a good experience was NOT achieved. The owner was inflexible and argumentative. She threw out my work which was handbuilt tiles (which takes time to dry evenly) despite being labeled, a follow up letter about this and therefore not ready to be bisqued. Not a feel good experience for me and nothing to show for my efforts. Stick to the wheel here.

Ellen is a wonderful teacher, as are all of them at Mudstone. The community is open and welcoming.read more

A simply gorgeous gallery…read more I was fortunate to have visited the Melanie Carr Gallery on its opening night, viewing a friend's art displayed in the exhibition "Cool + Collected." In alignment with the exhibition's theme, the gallery was minimally decorated so as to let numerous works of art on the walls be the focal points. The owner, Melanie, herself was walking around throughout the reception to talk to guests and to discuss the artwork being displayed. I moseyed around the gallery, chatted with Melanie and a couple of the artists whose work was being displayed for a little bit, and struck up various conversations with other guests viewing the same pieces that I was. All art displayed was for sale and Melanie created sheets with lists containing the name of the work, the artist, and the cost for each piece. There was also additional work by the artists featured in the exhibition in a smaller pull-out drawer cabinet at the back of the main gallery space, which was accessed by the some of the artists throughout the time that I was there who were chatting with guests about their techniques and inspiration. This rectangular-shaped gallery is perfect for showcasing art. The gallery really set up an ideal space in which others could freely move and talk with one another. There's also an abundant amount of wall space and there is a small refreshment area with restrooms right in the back. When I visited for the opening night, there was champagne and fruit-flavored water along with all sorts of candy--yes, candy!! Melanie wanted to do something different--not your typical fancy cheese that no one knows what it is. The candy was a hit with everyone, so Melanie definitely nailed it [again] there. She utilizes every bit of the gallery's space well. For this gallery, there are only two downsides. First, I found it a little difficult to get to. My GPS had me stop in the middle of a roundabout right near the gallery--this with the address of the gallery itself set. I hadn't been to this area of Essex, so I found it hard to navigate. Luckily no one was around to get irritated with my slow and hesitant driving, and I subsequently saw the gallery's bright colors and sign soon after I came into the roundabout; I just kept going around the circle to pull up into a space on the gallery's street. (The gallery is left out of the roundabout, just as a heads up.) Parking is definitely not the easiest, which is the second downside. There's only a few spots on the street right out front and no nearby lots (that I could see). It may take going around the block a few times and hoping to spot a vacant parking spot on a nearby street if you come at a busy time. It's a really nice, definition-of-New-England town, so a little walk about is probably quite excellent anyway. All driving and parking issues are worth supporting this local gallery and the local artists it showcases. I'm really impressed with this space and the people running it. I will definitely be back again and again because I love art and I love supporting local artists and galleries. I noticed that there will be new exhibitions coming soon, too. The Melanie Carr Gallery is a definite must-do for all art lovers and gallery dwellers, so go check it out!!

Not recommended. No customer service, rude employees. Be very careful when park in their parking…read morelot as they may tow your car unfairly and treat you badly on top of it. Really bad experience with the owner.

From the owner: We offer office space rentals for Artist and business owners.read more