STEEL YARDLINGS: ART & DESIGN FOR YOUNG MAKERS
CONCURRENT CHILDCARE FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN COURSES
The Steel Yard and The Department of Teaching + Learning in Art + Design (TLAD) at RISD are collaborating to offer free art and design classes for students 4 years of age and older, open to children of instructors, staff, and students currently enrolled in courses running during designated times. TLAD graduate students will guide hands-on and immersive art experiences scaled for younger learners, incorporating elements of Steel Yard courses . Enrolled students may bring their child to participate for each week of class, or as- needed: this offering is drop in, and at no extra cost to parents and care givers.
Our active making space will be open from 6-9:30pm on Tuesdays during the months of September-December, and Thursdays during January-May, during weeks that classes are running. Whether you are taking a multi-week course, or a one day workshop, we encourage you to bring your child (or children) to create at The Steel Yard.
Courses running parallel to our active making space are Intro to Metalsmithing, Intro to Wheel Generated Forms(S1), Forging a Stylish Hairpin(S1), Ceramic and Metal Jewelry, Watercolor and Welding, Forge your own Bottle Opener(S2), Ready Set Throw(S4), Guided open studio in Welding, Hooked on Blacksmithing(S2), Ready Set Throw(S5), Intro to Jewelry(S2), Intro to Wheel Generated Forms(S2), Forging a Stylish Hairpin(S2), Bugging out! Taster course, Metal Botanicals and Pour and Gather.
For questions pertaining to our active making space, please email nyala@thesteelyard.org.
About TLAD:
The Department of Teaching + Learning in Art + Design at RISD prepares graduate students for art + design teaching careers in schools, community arts organizations, museums, and higher education. During their course of study, TLAD students develop meaningful learning experiences for students of all ages through engagement with contemporary art and artists; equitable + socially responsible teaching practices; and culturally responsive pedagogies in art + design education.
TLAD faculty and student teaching artists are excited to partner with The Steel Yard to offer art + design workshops once a week for the children of parents/caregivers teaching or attending classes at The Yard (beginning Fall 2025.)
To enroll your child in this program, please fill out this form: Enrollment form.
FAQ:
Do I need to be here if my child is?
Yes! This program is for students currently enrolled in courses at The Steel Yard, in addition to instructors and staff.
Who are the folks taking care of my child?
The TLAD students are graduate level students for RISD who are studying art education. All students have a background check and have experience working with youth. TLAD students will be supervised by a TLAD professor.
How self-sufficient does my child need to be in order to take part in this program?
Currently we are only accepting potty trained children.
My child has a friend who wants to come. Can I bring them?
Children in the program must have a parent or caregiver enrolled in a class.