PHOTOGRAPHY( THIS SPREAD): COURTESY OF THE STEEL YARD. to benefit from the Steel Yard’ s programs. It regularly links up with local schools to provide customized curricula, programs and camps for youth to learn different skills. And like most art centers, the nonprofit also offers several open enrollment classes where people of any skill level can come in and take a class. Some courses take just three hours( Ready Set Throw ceramics class) while others span a few days( Weekend Welding Workshops) or multiple weeks( i. e. Intro to Jewelry).

“ At some point, I want to have a map of the circuitry of everything we do, but it does feed into itself. I think curiosity leads people from one thing to the other because if you’ re in here for a ceramics class, you can wander down the hall and see people setting rings or welding. You’ re going to see possibility,” says Honda.“ Some will even take classes here and say,‘ Maybe I want to have a life as a fabricator,’ and then do our workforce program or an internship.”

But if you’ re still feeling intimidated, Patten has encouraging words.

“ If you’ re going to try something out, this is a welcoming place to do it,” she says.“ Our instructors are amazing and top notch in terms of how they think about teaching. It comes back full circle to this idea that people stay; there’ s a reason for that. I think it’ s a safe place to explore.”

There are also plenty of perks aside from honing your art skills. Think: it’ s a great social outlet( Honda met her best friend at a workshop), you get to work with your hands and be proud of what you made( ever heard of the‘ Ikea effect?’) and projects like these help

An instructor gives a demonstration during a youth course on blacksmithing.

develop and bolster critical thinking skills. And, perhaps best of all, the Steel Yard lets you work with art forms and media that can’ t be replaced by AI.

“ A lot of people come here and say this is Rhode Island’ s best-kept secret,” says Honda.“ That’ s great, but I don’ t want it to be a secret.”

Her hope is for more creatives from around the state to come in and give their various ventures a try and lend new voices and perspectives to the Steel Yard community. Especially now, when nonprofit arts organizations are taking major financial hits, the Steel Yard included. It’ s a big reason why Patten has returned as interim executive director: She secured critical funding for the Steel Yard during the 2008 economic crisis, so they knew she would be the right person to help them navigate the current climate.

She’ s working to obtain multiyear grants, but there are also many ways the community can step in and help.

“ Just getting people in the door is big: Come in and say hi and learn more,” says Honda.“ Taking a class is another great way people can support us. Or volunteering.”

You also can always do what I did and let an event at the Steel Yard be your gateway. While the organization has done away with the Iron Pour in years past, Patten says that fans of the fiery event should look forward to October.

“ It’ ll be our twentieth time doing it,” she says.

Perhaps I’ ll bring a new date and continue the tradition of finding love at( read: with) the Steel Yard.

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Receptions Kirkbrae Country Club Lake Pearl Wrentham Wannamoissett Country Club Wyndham Newport Hotel Aldrich Mansion Alpine Country Club Hope Events on Main Rhodes On The Pawtuxet Squantum Association Tennis Hall of Fame The Falls Event Center Mashantucket Pequot Museum

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Event Planning Cose Bella RI Wedding Group Party Rental Ltd.

Art & Framing Providence Picture Frame

Décor Rental Service Party Rental Ltd.

Jewelry Baxter’ s Fine Jewelry MRT Jewelers Ephraim Doumato Jewelers Hegeman & Co. Entertainment Luke Renchan Entertainment

Photography / Videography Luke Renchan Entertainment

Favors / Gifts Sweenor’ s Chocolates

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