Best Art Schools in Providence

Johnson & Wales University Providence Campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on arts, design, culinary arts, and nutrition. Students receive personal attention and industry connections, though some note challenges with tuition costs and limited support for international students. The campus is clean and centrally located in downtown Providence.

Rhode Island College offers a range of performing arts programs, including music, dance, and theatre, welcoming students from all majors. The campus features modern studios and classrooms where students collaborate with faculty to develop practical skills. While the campus is well-maintained and accessible, some find the dining options could use improvement.

Founded in 1877 to promote art and design, Rhode Island School of Design offers 44-degree programs for students pursuing full-time bachelor's and master's degrees. The school combines a rich history with a museum and engaged faculty, fostering creative thinking and a global community of artists and designers. Some students wish for more focus on certain skills, like drawing toes.

Providence School of Music serves over 500 students of all ages, offering lessons on virtually any instrument. Since 2016, the school has emphasized a safe, transparent learning environment with secure facilities and open communication between parents and teachers. Students and families appreciate the knowledgeable, enthusiastic instructors and the welcoming atmosphere.

TAPA is an anti-oppression creative community that embraces cultural, religious, and neurodiverse backgrounds among its students and families. The academy offers music education from middle to high school levels, focusing on skill development, collaboration, and performance. Some reviews note past leadership issues, though recent responses from the team have been appreciated.

Orange Anchor Art School welcomes students of all ages and skill levels to explore creativity in a culturally sensitive, supportive setting. The school offers workshops in creative writing and visual arts, emphasizing kindness, self-care, and learning from mistakes. Many appreciate the engaging projects and the encouraging atmosphere that helps build confidence.

Chazan Gallery offers a dedicated space for contemporary art by local Providence artists, supporting the community through a series of curated exhibitions each year. The gallery hosts an open call for submissions every other fall, with shows selected anonymously by a panel of local curators and educators. Visitors appreciate the intimate setting and thoughtfully presented work.

Everett’s Company Stage & School blends theater, dance, music, and video to explore social issues through original, concert-based performances. Alongside its performances, the school offers classes and mentorship in a multicultural setting, helping students develop artistic skills and personal growth. Audiences often note the powerful storytelling and immersive experience, though some… more...

Everett’s Company Stage & School blends theater, dance, music, and video to explore social issues through original, concert-based performances. Alongside its performances, the school offers classes and mentorship in a multicultural setting, helping students develop artistic skills and personal growth. Audiences often note the powerful storytelling and immersive experience, though some performances may challenge conventional expectations.

Rhode Island School of Design Continuing Education strives to make classes, events, and services more accessible through reasonable accommodations. At the time you register, requests for accommodation should be made. Accommodations requested within two weeks of the course(s) start cannot be made. Many accommodations can take time to arrange. To ensure that accommodations can be made before the… more...

Rhode Island School of Design Continuing Education strives to make classes, events, and services more accessible through reasonable accommodations. At the time you register, requests for accommodation should be made. Accommodations requested within two weeks of the course(s) start cannot be made. Many accommodations can take time to arrange. To ensure that accommodations can be made before the course/program begins, it is best to send your requests to us as soon as you are able. We may not be able to fulfill your requirements if you fail to make these requests. If you need accommodations to participate in any class, program, or event offered by RISD CE, please contact the Office of Disability Support Services at [email protected]. Students who are interested in registering to receive academic accommodations may connect via Zoom with RISD Disability Services. Please reach out to [email protected] to schedule an appointment or to learn more about how DSS can support you.

RISD encourages expansive, flexible thinking and equips scholars, artists and designers to challenge and generate the ideas that will shape our world. Founded in Providence, RI in 1877 as a college and museum, RISD has been around since then. Today, 2,620 students are enrolled in 44 degree programs that offer full-time master's or bachelor's degrees. They're supported by an engaged faculty and a… more...

RISD encourages expansive, flexible thinking and equips scholars, artists and designers to challenge and generate the ideas that will shape our world. Founded in Providence, RI in 1877 as a college and museum, RISD has been around since then. Today, 2,620 students are enrolled in 44 degree programs that offer full-time master's or bachelor's degrees. They're supported by an engaged faculty and a global network of over 31,000 alumni. RISD was established and nurtured in part by a few women long before the rights of voting were granted to any American woman. Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf, 34 member of Rhode Island Women's Centennial Commission, urged them to use their surplus $1,675 (which had been raised to support RI's participation to Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition 1876) to fund the founding of a school for art and design, instead of building a public fountain. The college's creation was motivated by the need to help the state's thriving jewelry and textile industries. The first courses at RISD focused on two areas: Freehand drawing and painting and mechanical drawing and design. Metcalf's capable leadership set the stage for RISD's radical experiment, which established a precedent in its commitment to challenging expectations.