The Iron Will Behind The Steel Yard in Providence

Sparks fly at a blacksmithing class taught by John D. Harvey. Photography courtesy of The Steel Yard

I was first introduced to The Steel Yard in Providence on a first date back in October 2016. Having grown up in South County and only just recently acquired my first real job working in the city, I had no idea where the guy was taking me.

I remember thinking, “We’re going to a junkyard? Is this what ‘Dateline’ warned me about?”

Fortunately, there was no need to break out the pepper spray. Rather than luring me to a creepy abandoned scrap heap, my date brought me to a spacious courtyard where we joined hundreds of spectators for the Iron Pour, an annual event where large sculptures are brought to life with fire and molten metal. I can still see a massive dragon unleashing fire from its iron jaws as I clutched my hot chocolate. While those were the only sparks I experienced that night — the boy didn’t last — it was enough to ignite my lasting love for Providence’s creative soul.

An instructor oversees a student working on a bike. Photography courtesy of The Steel Yard

I’ve since attended a few more Iron Pours — the last being in 2024, complete with a towering praying mantis — but I’m ashamed to admit that a decade after my first introduction, I still didn’t know much about the event’s host. So, when the Steel Yard’s Education Manager, Nyala Honda, offered a tour of the space, I happily agreed. We met up with Interim Executive Director Drake Patten and Public Projects Director Tim Ferland on an uncharacteristically warm day in early spring.

Twenty-five years ago, two young creatives, Nick Bauta and Clay Rockefeller, bought the contaminated Providence Steel and Iron complex off Sims Avenue and converted it into a sustainable industrial arts resource for the community. Within a year, Patten was brought in as the first full-time director to help establish it as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Today, “the Steel Yard is, by definition, an industrial arts nonprofit,” Honda says as we head inside and gather around a clay-covered table. “Industrial arts can be a little bit ambiguous, but we do blacksmithing, jewelry, welding and ceramics — fields that can be production-oriented, but in this space are used for artistic means.”

The organization’s mission is to advance the industrial arts by giving artists, makers 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].”

Public Projects Director Tim Ferland in front of the Capron Park Zoo arch in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Photography courtesy of The Steel Yard

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.

“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.”

A Public Projects example at the Rocky Point State Park Fishing Pier. Photography courtesy of The Steel Yard

You don’t need to be an established artist 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.

Instructor Alison Brunn tinkers at a jewelry bench. Photography courtesy of The Steel Yard

“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 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.

The Steel Yard offers ceramics, blacksmithing, welding and jewelry making opportunities to people of all skill levels. Photography courtesy of The Steel Yard

“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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Art Appreciation

Local arts organizations that are worth a closer look.

WaterFire Providence. Photo by Juli Scalzi/IStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus

WaterFire Providence

MISSION: Inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city. how to help: Attend or volunteer at a full or partial WaterFire lighting downtown. 475 Valley St., Providence, 273-1155, waterfire.org

Courthouse Center for the Arts

MISSION: Provide theater, music, art and child development programs for children of all ages and abilities. how to help: See a local tribute show, become a member (and get advance notice of performances), or sign up the kiddos for an arts and crafts class. 3481 Kingstown Rd., West Kingston, 782-1018, courthousearts.org

The United

MISSION: Unite the community through arts and cultural programming. how to help: Attend a show or screening, or join the 1926 club, a membership that includes discounted film screenings and concessions, discounted space rentals, discounted live performances, invitations to exclusive events and more. 5 Canal St., Westerly, 388-8208, unitedtheatre.org

Warwick Center for the Arts

MISSION: Connect people of all ages and abilities to a variety of affordable arts and cultural experiences. how to help: Visit the gallery to see the latest display and sign up for any of the various classes, workshops and camps. 3273 Post Rd., Warwick, 737-0010, warwickcfa.org

Riverzedge Arts

MISSION: Use innovative applied and work-based learning strategies to teach art, design and critical thinking to the youth of northern Rhode Island. how to help: Encourage the young creatives in your life to apply for its arts workforce training program.  196 Second Ave., Woonsocket, 767-2100, riverzedgearts.org

AS220

MISSION: Provide locals with affordable access to galleries, performance venues, educational opportunities, residential spaces and work studios to help them achieve their creative potential. how to help: Catch a performance, check out an exhibit, participate in a dance class, and take advantage of its Community Studios art and design program. 95 Mathewson Street, Suite 204, Providence, 831-9327, as220.org

Art Night Bristol Warren

MISSION: Promote artists and arts organizations within the community, connect the arts to the community and generate social, economic and cultural growth for the community. how to help: Swing by and enjoy Art Night events — featuring gallery exhibits, artist studio tours, art-friendly businesses, live music, dance and theater performances, artist talks, demonstrations and more — from May through August. Various locations in Warren and Bristol, artnightbristolwarren.org

Artist Kevin Calistro works in watercolors during Art Night Bristol Warren. Photo courtesy of Art Night Bristol Warren.