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

Taken a few people for some classes here. My mom and few friends. Like this glass center more than…read moreothers around town. Super friendly staff also. The space is big

I took my mother here for her birthday. We did the girls night out class. We had Jesse and Sam…read more Bother were FANTASTIC & very knowledgeable about this art medium. We also had the pleasure of meeting the owner, who was so nice as well! They had refreshments out, and also a beautiful view of the river! In addition, this is a size inclusive activity, but it is hands on, so do be ready to sit and stand and hold/grasp, during the process. We will definitely be back!

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.

My daughter took art classes from Lisa all through high school. She is a wonderful teacher! She…read moreteaches technique in watercolor, oil, pen and ink, etc. Highly recommend!!

From the owner: This in-home studio is the perfect setting for Individualized instruction in drawing and painting…read more Student's age 5- adult of any ability level are welcome. Nationally awarded artist Lisa G Bailey works and teaches in most mediums: watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, pen, marker & oils. New students are offered a free consultation to plan a program that meets their personal needs. Private and small group (Max.8) weekly classes are offered throughout the year. Students learn the eight keys needed to become a successful artist: increase awareness, tune perception, stimulate & encourage imagination, enable self-expression, expand art vocabulary, understand fundamentals, practice technique and develop a person style. This studio offers a safe and allergy friendly environment where students can succeed while gaining self-esteem.

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.

Best place ever!! I remember when they first started many years ago!! I used to actually volunteer…read morethere for quite some time and had a lot of fun!! And went to there free art classes on Saturdays so much fun!!

PeaceLOve Studios is a wonderful non-profit in our community that helps people create peace of mind…read morewith expressive arts programs. Wonderful People.

I had such a great experience at Visual Shift Art Studio! I was greeted with incomparable…read moreenthusiasm by both Alyssa and her partner, Manny (Designer 151). Their space is so well put-together and I felt extremely welcome upon entering. After looking around at all the outstanding artwork and items on display for sale and chatting about what we could do, Alyssa and I began our art project. She has so many different options to choose from, I took advantage of the hypertufa pot project. She did a great job explaining the process to me and showing me how to properly make the pots by making one alongside me. This was no ordinary class, I was delving into a new form of art that I had never tried before and it all seemed so easy with Alyssa's help and willingness to teach. I can't wait to go back to Visual Shift with my friends and see what other projects are in store for us. Alyssa told me about paint nights that she would be teaching in the upcoming future and that is definitely something I would try out and encourage others to attend. I look forward to seeing this business flourish and would definitely recommend to any person who is interested in an exciting art experience! Truly a hidden gem in RI.

From the owner: Estate Garden Services & Custom Planters & Decor…read more Gardening services include design, plant purchasing, planting, pruning, plant care, weeding & seasonal container design.

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