COURSE FAQ

COURSE FAQ

Everything you need to know about Steel Yard Courses

How do I get to The Steel Yard?
The Steel Yard is located at 27 Sims Avenue in Providence, Rhode Island. Courses are held in our studio building, the long corrugated studio located on our campus. Please walk through the parking lot to our main entrance in order to enter the studio building.

Who are your courses for?
Everybody, ages 15+! For beginners, our courses are a great chance to gain exposure to a range of industrial art forms in a safe and creative environment. Experienced artists, tradespeople, and contractors may take a course to broaden their skills, develop new work, or add to their portfolio. Regardless of your skill level or ultimate goal, there is nothing like the excitement of cutting through steel with a 6,000° flame or spinning a wet lump of clay into a new bowl.

Who teaches your courses?
Our instructors are all working artists and tradespeople who are deeply invested in their craft. As explorers and innovators, they haven’t forgotten the excitement of trying something for the first time and they enjoy sharing in the process of discovery.

How many students are in each course?
All of our courses are small, with an average of six to eight students per course. This is to ensure a safe learning environment for students, and so that everyone gets plenty of attention and encouragement

Do you have any age restrictions?
We do. Unless otherwise noted, all students must be at least 15 years old. Students under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign our Liability Waiver before they can participate in the course.

I have a child who wants to take a class, how do I make that happen and what can they expect?
Courses at The Steel Yard are open to folks ages 15 and up. Our courses are composed of students from all ages; it’s not uncommon to find a recent retiree working alongside a high schooler. During the summer, we have youth specific Summer Camps which are limited to ages 14-18. Summer Camp Instructors and staff at The Steel Yard receive youth-specific training and policies. If you have any questions, please reach out to courses@thesteelyard.org. 


By the first day of the class, youth under the age of 18 must submit a completed Liability Waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. Completed forms may also be brought to the first day of class. Under no circumstances may, students under the age of 18 begin a course until a Liability Waiver has been completed. Please submit to courses@thesteelyard.org 24-hours before the start of your course. 


After completing a course of at least 6 hours, youth may attend Community Studio Access for free, until they turn 18 or graduate from high school (whichever is later).


Can I register for a class with my child who is under 15?
For safety purposes, our courses have a firm policy of only allowing students age 15 and up. The only instance where there is flexibility occurs during our youth-specific programming, in which our instructors have additional support in teaching.


How should I dress?
For all courses, students must wear a pair of close-toed shoes like sneakers or boots (no sandals, no flip-flops, no peep-toe pumps). The studio is very big and not very well insulated, so dressing in warm layers is recommended during the colder months. Also, dress expecting to get a little dirty. Art is messy. In addition, students in metalworking courses must wear clothes made from either cotton or wool. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, fleece and nylon are not safe near an open flame. Pants are required and long sleeves are recommended. The studio is well stocked with heavy-duty welding jackets and Personal Protective Equipment, but if you have your own, feel free to bring it.

Is your shop ADA accessible?
Yes, our historic shop is fully ADA accessible. If you have any other concerns about the studios ability to meet your learning needs, or about your safety and accessibility, please contact education@thesteelyard.org in advance of enrollment.

Do I need to bring anything with me?
All tools, materials, and Personal Protective Equipment will be provided unless otherwise noted in the course description. If you have an extra-special pair of safety glasses or a favorite hammer, you certainly can bring it with you, but please remember to take it at the end of the night. The Steel Yard is not responsible for lost or damaged equipment. We do recommend that students bring a sketchbook or some paper in order to take notes or design your personal projects. Bring a water bottle to ensure that you stay hydrated throughout your time in the shop.If you are taking a course that meets during the daytime, like one of our weekend workshops, then you might want to bring lunch. We are also right around the corner from Federal Hill and Eagle Square, so there are a couple of sandwich shops nearby where you can grab something during the break.

Do you have more questions?
Email us at education@thesteelyard.org and we’ll do our best to answer them. Just don’t ask us sports trivia…we’re not so good at that.