RHODE TRIPS
and community members the tools and training they need to create and thrive.
“ One thing, I think, that makes us unique is we try to hold on to people,” says Patten.“ I think many nonprofits often do their work and people move on, but there are so many ways people can train and learn and be mentored [ here ].”
Ferland is a prime example: Twenty years ago, he worked as a fabricator for the Steel Yard and joined the first iteration of its workforce welding program. Since then, he’ s worked his way up from independent contractor to part-time employee to his current role leading the Public Projects department, which fabricates and installs custom projects throughout the state.
Take, for instance, North Kingstown’ s new bike racks, and benches, trash cans and other amenities across the bay in Bristol. During my visit, the department was working on signage for a new greenway in Providence’ s West End. Soon they’ ll start making pavilions for Knight Memorial Library’ s outdoor learning gardens.
The Steel Yard offers ceramics, blacksmithing, welding and jewelry making opportunities to people of all skill levels.
“ We’ re excited,” Ferland says.“ It’ s probably one of the biggest projects we’ ve ever done.”
Meanwhile, the Steel Yard’ s monthly and yearly residency programs give artists access to its 10,000-square-foot studio space, tools and community. Resident artists also exhibit their work, participate in events and sales, take courses and receive cross-departmental feedback.
“ They’ ll come in with a particular skill set, but when they’ re with others they’ ll start to share. Work can take a very different direction when you’ re working with someone who has a different mindset than yours— it’ s collaborative,” Patten says.“ And because we offer a second year( for residencies), that really gives people a chance to potentially deepen that interest in other areas.”
You don’ t need to be an established artist
KINGSTON CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTS
RHODE ISLAND’ S MOST TRUSTED, LOCAL ROOFER
JOIN US
SEVEN CONCERTS JULY 22 – AUGUST 2
INSTANT ROOF QUOTE
401-267-ROOF( 7663) PinnacleRoofingRI. com
NATALIE ZHU, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
SIX CONCERTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND FINE ARTS CENTER ONE CONCERT AT THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
For information or tickets call: 401-308-3614 visit: kingstonchambermusic. org
FESTIVAL SPONSORS
Pet Solutions for Containment • Avoidance • Behavior
800-225-0808
sales @ moriartysif. com www. moriartysfence. com
© 2026 Moriarty’ s Fence Company. © 2026 Invisible Fence, Inc. Invisible Fence ® and MicroLite ® are registered trademarks of Invisible Fence, Inc. All rights reserved.
54 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY I JULY 2026