The Steel Yard Blog

IRON POUR!!!

2009-10-13T17:14:00.003-04:00

The Iron Pour
Friday, October 30th
Doors at 6 PM
Performance from 7:00 - 8:30
Admission: $7/volunteers get in free
Rain Date: Saturday, October 31st

Watch the Iron Guild fire up their furnaces for the 4th annual molten metal spectacular. In the past they've brought us fiery hearts, zombie kings, and glowing skulls. This year...pumpkin casting and a giant flaming Jack-O-Lantern!

Music provided by Empty House Cooperative.

Enjoy hot cider, doughnuts, and wood-fired pizza while you take in the performance. The event will also feature a bowl sale by the Steel Yard Ceramic Artist Cooperative.

Want to volunteer? Contact Jackson at jackson@thesteelyard.org.

Questions? Email us contact@thesteelyard.org. Or call the office at (401) 273-7101.

The Steel Yard
27 Sims Ave
Providence, RI, 02909
www.thesteelyard.org
(401) 273-7101

Ceramics Course for Students Ages 14-18

2009-09-29T13:41:00.007-04:00

The Steel Yard is proud to offer our first Community Course specifically for students ages 14-18.


In Eye of the Beholder, with Claire Wicks, students will learn will
examine our own creative urges to try to figure out what it is that
inspires us. We will be taking a brief look into the long history of
ceramic vessels that were made to impress, to awe, to confuse, and to
celebrate the technical as well as the symbolic meaning of culture. Large
and small in scale, these vessels have been made for millenniums to be
placed in sacred places, in exhibitions, and in homes. Students may work
in hand-building and wheel techniques and will also be exploring various
surface decoration methods. This class will allow students to create a
body of work that exemplifies their own exquisite visions. Class members
will not only focus on expressing themselves through art, but also through
their voices, via regular class and one-on-one discussions. This will be
an exciting experience, so come with an open mind and bring your creative
ideas! No previous ceramics experience necessary—this class is open to all
levels, but is only for students between the ages of 14 and 18. Materials
and tools will be provided. Enrollment in this course includes additional
monitored access to the studio on Sunday evenings from 6:30pm to 9:30pm.

Price: $255.00
Dates: 10/03 – 11/21
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (3 hours)
Class Days: Saturdays
Number of Classes: 8

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Website: www.thesteelyard.org

Registration is now open for the Steel Yard's Fall 2009 Course Season!

2009-09-15T16:31:00.002-04:00

The Yard is gearing up for another great season of building, cutting, bending, and throwing. In addition to our regular lineup of courses we have some really exciting new offerings.

In Hollowware with Patrick McMillan students will explore metalsmithing and learn basic raising, sinking, and fabrication in order to form their own vessels from copper sheet.

Students working with Heather Guidero in Casting: Jewelry and Other Small Objects will learn the art of lost wax casting, a great method for producing one-of-a-kind objects as well as a whole run of identical copies. This course is a must for anyone interested in starting their own jewelry business.

Eye of the Beholder is wheel and hand-building course just for 14 to18 year-olds. This new offering encourages students to look beyond simple cups and bowls and explore the creative potential of the ceramic vessel.

Courses start soon, so visit our website (www.thesteelyard.org) to check out all the listings and register online.

We hope to see you in the studio soon!

the Steel Yard

27 Sims Ave.

Providence, RI 02909

www.thesteelyard.org

courses@thesteelyard.org

401-273-7101

Works In Progress 2009

2009-08-18T16:59:00.004-04:00

The Steel Yard is excited to announce its 2009 fundraiser event line-up! This fall, we welcome back three thrilling events for the metalhead in all of us:

Cruise Night
Our 4th Annual classic car, custom, and bicycle show. Bring the whole family for an evening of polished chrome, music, refreshments, raffle prizes and studio tours.
Wednesday September 9th, from 5 PM - Dark
Free to the public!
Rain Date: September 10th, from 5PM – Dark

Iron Chef & BBQ
Teams of artists and fabricators compete in our 2nd annual head-to-head sculpture competition. Enjoy grilled goodies and stick around for the Iron Chef sculpture auction. Also for sale will be ceramic goods made by Steel Yard ceramic artists.
Saturday September 12th from 1pm - 5pm
$20 for adults, $10 for kids 10 and under
Rain Date: Saturday September 19th, 1 pm - 5pm

Iron Pour
Watch the Iron Guild fire up their furnaces for the 4th annual molten metal spectacular. Also for sale will be ceramic goods made by Steel Yard ceramic artists.
Friday October 30th
Doors at 6 PM
Performance begins at 7 PM
$7 to enter
Rain Date: Saturday October 31st

Each event is fun for the whole family and sure to please. Tickets are available at the door beginning at the indicated start time. We hope to see you at the Yard!

Please contact us with any questions: contact(at)thesteelyard.org

http://www.thesteelyard.org/support/worksinprogress

UAU: Mobile Garden pizza party

2009-07-26T09:29:00.002-04:00

It's true.
The UAU, true to it's humble mobile intentions will be using it's wheels to arrive at yet another most visionary and fabulous resting place.

Since it's departure from the Steel Yard and from it's current solar powered Wolcott St. location the UAU is moving to 7 Arrows Farm in S. Attleboro.
http://www.sevenarrowsfarm.com/

Originally named MURL (Mobile Urban research Laboratory) it will become once again a laboratory for innovative agriculture and possibly even Algal Biodiesel fuel manufacture.

Come and meet the 7 Arrows Hosts Michel and Judy Marcellot at the ceremonial passing on of the UAU/MURL:

Sunday July 26 (today-Sunday!)
6-8pm
28 Wolcott St (JJ's Place)
BYOB, and a pizza topping.

directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&cid=0,0,3017231362263752007&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&dq=28+wolcott+st+loc:+Providence,+RI&daddr=28+Wolcott+St,+Providence,+RI+02908-5508&geocode=7038809880329622730,41.829559,-71.434125&ei=fftjSrL9GIPQsQPO76Vn&z=16

We hope to see you!

New Sculpture by Lu Heintz

2009-06-03T12:41:00.002-04:00

New show at KMOCA

Molting: New sculpture by Lu Heintz

Opening reception
Saturday, June 6, 5-7pm

Lu Heintz's latest show, Molting, presents a collection of sculpture combining the strength of her metalwork with more delicate materials culled from her personal life. The contrast helps to suggest a subtle dialogue between toughness and femininity, between builder and dreamer.

The metal portions are heated in a coal forge and hand-fashioned on an anvil, traditional blacksmithing techniques that require a lot of strength. The softer aspects of the work include such materials as wool from sheep Heintz helped raise, fur from her pet dog, and hair from her own brush. These elements speak to a molting process (hence the show's title) through which we shed the old and make space for the new.

Lu Heintz grew up in a remote portion of north central Vermont. She spent most of her childhood outside, and the landscapes of the natural world are a constant feature in her work. She began metalsmithing at age 15 and has steadily produced sculptural and architectural commissions since graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2001.

Heintz has received grants from both the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts. Her work has been featured in numerous trade magazines and group shows. Her first solo show was in Providence, RI, in 2006. This is her second solo show.

Molting continues at KMOCA through June 27.

Regular hours are Saturdays 12 - 4, or by appointment.

Kingston Museum of Contemporary Arts
103 Abeel Street, Kingston.

http://www.kmoca.org
http://www.myspace.com/kmoca

Looking for glass and acrylic ...

2009-06-03T10:31:00.002-04:00

Hey Yardies,
We are looking for sheet glass and acrylic, 1/8" - 1/4" thick to replace windows in our studio. The smallest size is about 10" x 14", but we can cut down anything larger to fit.
A group of volunteers will be here the week of June 15th to help with the project.
If you have any material to spare, please contact Jackson.

Steel Yard featured on BSR!

2009-05-14T14:54:00.001-04:00

Brown Student Radio (BSR) recently did a piece on the Steel Yard. It consists of compiled interviews from our students. The full episode aired last week, but you can listen to the archive here.

Read the full post here.

2009-05-13T13:52:00.000-04:00

Open call for printmakers and non-printmakers.

http://forthestate.com/opencall

Clay-Doh & Bowl Sale 2009

2009-05-12T17:36:00.000-04:00

Announcing our Works in Progress 2009 event: Clay-Doh & Bowl Sale

Remember how fun it was to play with clay? Relive the magic! Learn to throw, build, and roll while enjoying wine, beer, soda and great music.

Friday, June 5th
6:30—10:00pm

Admission: $20
Children under 12 years of age: $10
Price of admission includes one drink and all-you-can-eat snacks.

This event is one of many that are part of our "Works in Progress" fundraiser. Stay tuned for more events!

Bowl sale: Purchase pottery hand-crafted by Steelyard Ceramics Cooperative Residents

Call or e-mail us with any questions: 401-273-7101 or contact@thesteelyard.org

Time of the Signs!

2009-05-06T10:33:00.000-04:00

There will be an opening for Time of the Signs, a solo show of Rhode Island artist Nate Nadeau's sculpture, at 28 Wolcott St. on May 14th. Time of the Signs will feature Nadeau's original hand-fabricated metal sculpture inspired by, and riffing on, retro American roadside signs. Each wall-mounted sign blends Nadeau's text-based interest in graffitti writing and pop culture stylings with the craftsmanship honed through years of his work as a metal fabricator and teacher. The show is from 6-10pm and is free and open to the public.

Bio:
Nate Nadeau received a BFA in sculpture from Rhode Island College and is the proprietor of Iron Oragami, a metal design and fabrication business located in Providence, RI. Nadeau trained and taught at the The Steel Yard, Providence's industrial arts facility and non-profit, and has shown his work at RISD Woods Gerry gallery, Red Rum, and CBGB’s. Time of the Signs is his debut solo show.

Steel Yard VISTA: the search is on!

2009-04-29T13:46:00.004-04:00

The Steel Yard is looking for our next full-time Americorps VISTA to join our team!

Apply Before May 29th!

Start Date: August 27th

Description:
The Steel Yard is looking for a VISTA who will assist with the organization's programming, outreach, and resource development. Specifically, the VISTA will work with staff members to increase outreach to local schools and youth partners, increase our volunteer capacity, and research both grant and workforce development opportunities. Duties will also include managing course registrations and assisting with Steel Yard public programs. We are looking for someone with a strong interest in the intersection of arts and community development and a desire to learn more about the inner workings of a nonprofit organization. An ability to speak Spanish is helpful but not required.

Benefits
Living Allowance, Health Coverage, Training, and a choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend.

Applications Due by May 29th!
See the full description of service and apply through Americorps on-line.
For more information, e-mail us at contact@thesteelyard.org

Ollneyville Shines

2009-04-21T14:32:00.003-04:00

April 25th @ 9:00 help beautify the Woonie Greenway!
For more information contact Samantha at SSteinberg08@cityyear.org or 808-2290.

Providence Art Festival : Call to Artists

2009-04-21T14:19:00.003-04:00

From our friend Joanna at the Providence Art Festival writes:

I am working with the organizers of the Providence Art Festival in Downcity. The festival is shaping up to be a large scale event, and we are currently taking applications from artists for individual booths. The date is Saturday, June 13th. I've attached a copy of the application that you can print and mail, or our digital application is available online at here. We are trying to reach as many local artists and artisans as possible to support our local community here in New England. The application deadline is May 1st, 2009.

If you have any questions for me, feel free to be in touch either via email or my office phone is (401)421-0254. To get a better sense of what we do you can check out our neighborhood marketing page: www.shopdowncity.com .

New Urban Arts Openings

2009-04-21T14:18:00.002-04:00

New Urban Arts has openings next year for paid fellowship for artists/educators. See below for details. If you know of anyone that may be interested, please spread the word to them about the upcoming RFP deadline May 1.

We appreciate your help in connecting us with people who will be a great addition to our studio community. We've been excited by the interest already generated, but could really use your help extending the word outside our network.
Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Sarah Meyer
New Urban Arts
Program Director
sarah@newurbanarts.org
401-751-4556

New Urban Arts awards fellowships annually to two established artists and educators in a yearlong position to (1) support artist mentors who volunteer to mentor high school students in the arts; (2) share publicly artwork or ideas about community arts practice reflective of New Urban Arts pedagogy, and (3) be an active presence in the New Urban Arts Studio.
Fellows publicly share knowledge, ideas and artwork about community arts practice and convene public conversations on sustaining lifelong creative practice. During school vacation weeks, Fellows work with youth as week-long artists in residence.

Fellows receive a financial stipend ($10,000/yr), studio space, and the opportunity to investigate and explore the intersection of creative practice and community practice within a nationally recognized interdisciplinary art studio. It is a year-long commitment approximately 15-20 hours per week, with a flexible schedule including many afternoons and evenings, from October 1, 2009 through June 1, 2010. There is opportunity for a second year renewal.

Available on our website, www.newurbanarts.org , is the RFP and a job description with further details on roles and responsibilities the position.
The RFP is due May 1, 2009.

Space Available @ the Yard

2009-04-01T17:27:00.001-04:00

(click to view larger)

For more information: drake@thesteelyard.org

Keeseh Studio Summer 2009 Classes & New Membership Opportunity

2009-03-27T18:53:00.002-04:00

CLASSES
Registration is now open for Keeseh Studio’s Summer 2009 Classes! Class offerings include Woodworking for Kids!, Skateboard Making, Intro to Woodshop Hand Tools, Intro to Woodshop Machinery, Advanced Woodshop Experience, and Automated CNC Routing. Classes fill up quickly, click here to register.

MEMBERSHIP
Keeseh Studio is doing its part to support economic recovery through its own stimulus package. Now through July 4th, Keeseh Studio is offering the first month of rent free to individuals who sign up for full time membership with a minimum contract of 6 months.

Full and part time membership is available to individuals who have taken woodworking classes or have a background in woodworking. Keeseh Studio’s community woodshop is a place where creative minds come together to work; encouraging the exchange of information, development, and community growth. The studio facilities are designed for woodworking, furniture, products, experimenting, and prototyping with machinery, equipment, and workspace that local artists and designers rent using something resembling a membership system. This gives freelance artists and designers access to capabilities, resources, and a community of others with whom to share their ideas and gain critiques. The studio is supported by the members who pay a monthly fee which helps us to maintain a safe shop and work environment.

Hope to see you @ Keeseh Studio!

Best,

Asher Dunn
Keeseh Studio
999 Main Street, Suite 701
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(248) 877 4425
info@keesehstudio.com

www.keesehstudio.com

BYO-BBQ, Friday @ the Yard!

2009-03-25T16:47:00.001-04:00

Yaries-

This week the Yard has been blessed by eight hard-working volunteers from Ohio State, who wanted to enjoy their spring break helping out at the Steel Yard. They have made some major improvements to our studio that you’ll have to see to believe. A total of 20 groups, of up to 10 volunteers each, have journeyed all over the country this week, and are helping in all kinds of non-profits. We’re lucky to be a part of it!

This Friday at 4:00 PM, we’re throwing a little fare-well bbq, before they head back to Columbus bright and early on Saturday morning. I invite you all to come meet the folks who made it possible, and check out the completed projects. I’ll be firing up the grill, but I ask you to please bring your own grill-ables and drinkables. I’ll provide some condiments.

We hope to see you Friday!

Details:
BYO-BBQ
Friday from 4:00 – 6:00 PM (maybe later??).
At the Steel Yard, outside of the Ceramics department.
(There is a good chance for an after-dark bonfire)

Lookin' for a PC!

2009-03-25T10:37:00.002-04:00

Hey Yardies,
Anyone out there have a PC, in good working order, that they would be willing to donate? We're looking for something simple, that can handle accounting software.
e-mail Jackson if you can help.
Thank you!

Teaching Artist Research Project

2009-03-18T13:59:00.001-04:00

Dear folks who:

- identify as teaching artists
- hire teaching artists
- like teaching artists and are friends with them and might even forward this message to them

Please visit the below site to learn about the Teaching Artist Research Project (TARP) – what it is, why it's important, and how you can get some free Ira Glass by filling out a quick form (takes about 30 seconds).

TARP is the first national study of teaching artists – let's rep Providence! Spread the word!

http://teachingartists.uchicago.edu/

Thanks Jori!

Build a trailer for RAB!

2009-03-17T09:51:00.001-04:00

Recycle-a-Bike has a paid-for spot in the bike trailer building class, taught by Mr. Chris Bull, so that we can build a trailer for Mechanics-A-Go-G0, and make our mobile bike shop fully pedal powered.

If you are interested in being the person to take the class, at no cost to you, (Mondays 6:30-9:30 pm, 3/30-5/18), please write a half page to one page explanation of your experience, interest, and commitment. Welding experience is required.

Here is the description of the class: The goal of this class is for every student to build a bicycle trailer out of primarily recycled parts. Each trailer will be fine tuned to the student's needs; for example, carrying groceries or hauling landscaping tools. We'll start with a survey of different trailer designs, discussing the pros and cons of each type, and work together to help each student determine the best design for their needs. Then we'll hit the scrap pile and find used wheels, forks, and tubing to make the designs a reality. By the end of the class each student should have a functional trailer. This course is for students who have taken one of our other welding courses or who have some previous welding experience. Steel will be provided for practice and exercise, but students must pay for additional steel needed for their personal projects.

Letters of interest are due by MARCH 17th at 5 pm, please e-mail to (mburrus-granger@recycleabike.org).

Imago Fem Art Show Closing

2009-03-11T12:59:00.001-04:00

Check out this Saturday night the closing of Imago Fem art show
special guest Musician GAVIN CASTLETON-
doors open at 8pm at we will be charging 5$ at the door.
Gavin will be going on between 9:30-10pm

West Side Arts
745 westminster st
providence RI 02909

Fax machine anybody?

2009-03-11T10:57:00.005-04:00

It seems our fax machine has decided to retire.
Anybody out there have a working fax machine and interest in donating it?
let me know, thanks!

de/construct II - Art Opening

2009-03-10T10:52:00.003-04:00

Group art exhibition: “de/construct II”
150 Chestnut St. 7th floor
Providence RI 02903
http://deconstruct2.blogspot.com/
contact for information/printable images: Allison Paschke, 401-440-8250, allisonpaschke@gmail.com

Opening: Friday April 3, 5:00-9:00pm
Exhibition hours: Saturday April 4-Sunday April 12, 12:00-5:00pm, closed Monday.

In a loft in Providence’s jewelry district, nineteen artists will create site-specific installations related to the theme of architecture. Projects include an interactive watercolor installation located in a sink closet, a 35 ft. wall mural, delicate metal leaf laid into floor cracks, a translucent window-painting, a “sound window” containing tiny speakers, a twelve-foot painting made partly from pieces of the wall, an interactive floor installation consisting of tiny porcelain elements, a formation of twelve reclaimed window-glass panels, and a closet containing a darkroom-like environment for viewing light-sensitive photographs, among others. Curated by Allison Paschke.

For more information, and a list of contributing artists, check out the blog.

Amazing Audio Slideshow Extraveganza

2009-03-02T09:36:00.004-05:00

Photographer and journalist Jack Lenk has posted a couple of great pieces about Steel Yard events on his new website. They give a new perspective on the experience of the iron pour, the bash to the future, and the installation of trash cans, tree guards and bike racks on broad street. Go see for yourself!

http://www.lenkphoto.com/home/?p=207