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.

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.

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!

As a student here, I learned not only how to be a good bartender, but how to be the best one I can…read morebe. I took the week long night course with TIPS certification- And I feel as confident as ever in my skills. Of course, I still need practice- But I can get all of the practice I want here, with the place being open for free practice on Fridays. The opportunities provided by Bob and the company are incredible as well- I got a great deal on a starting kit for bartenders, and on the first day, I was offered a tip on a potential job. I love this place, and if anyone is looking into becoming a bartender for any occasion, I highly recommend the Innovative Bar Institute!

Awesome class...lots of good information. Bob is cool & makes the class fun. Can't wait to get…read morestarted. Enjoy !

Deb is an amazing coach and she has many tricks and tools to help you develop your painting with a…read morepress, such as joyful person!

Amazing school! Best teacher! Rae is the coolest and have so much knowledge! Definitely recommend…read moregoing!

Hands-down, best school you could ever go to not only are you gonna learn up-to-date bartending and…read moreMixology instruction, you are also going to gain hands-on experience. Raise amazing if you need or have a desire to get in this industry, our high school psychology is the place to go!

Hamilton House is an adult learning community for those over 55. There are a large number of…read moreexcellent opportunities for learning and sharing, including language classes, lectures on art and history, painting classes, dining with peers, special dinners and many, many other activities.