Waterfire / Steel Yard: GRIT & POLISH

GRIT & POLISH is a month-long, group exhibition produced through a creative partnership between The Steel Yard and WaterFire Providence showcasing the work of current resident artists at The Steel Yard.

The residents from diverse backgrounds and perspectives weave many personal narratives into The Steel Yard’s storied community space through their multimedia explorations in ceramics, jewelry, and metals. They invite you into their journeys in progress as beginning, returning, year-long, and short-term residents, embracing what it means to be refined and unfinished. The exhibition features work by Traé Brooks, Katie Han, Nyala Honda, Dana Heng, Anne Pyne Irving, Prinshu Gautam, Kit Grindeland, and Alex Tum.

The exhibition is on view in the WaterFire Arts Center gallery from Thursday, January 9 through Sunday, February 9, 2025, with an opening reception on Thursday, January 9th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and an artist panel on Thursday, January 16th starting at 6:00 p.m. moderated by MJ Sanqui Residency Coordinator at The Steel Yard.

GRIT & POLISH showcases the work of The Steel Yard’s current resident artists in their first group exhibition. These artists bring diverse experiences and a cross-disciplinary approach to their mediums, revealing the depth and breadth of creativity nurtured in this year-long residency. By partnering with The Steel Yard, WaterFire Providence celebrates the vibrant artistic community of the Valley neighborhood and the Woonasquatucket River, highlighting the stories, skills, and artistry that shape our shared creative landscape.

The WaterFire Arts Center store + gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday*, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to all, donations are encouraged.