The STEAM Series (STEM + Art) is a collection of group art exhibitions rooted in the intersections of science, art, and everything between. I started this series with the goal of creating and nurturing an environment where researchers interested in art could gather while surrounded by their own creations of science-inspired artworks. Although the scope of our events has expanded, the original goal of fostering a welcoming, interdisciplinary community remains the same. Founded in Providence, Rhode Island, the STEAM Series later expanded to Washington, DC.
The STEAM Series will be taking a break in 2026. A primary aim of these STEM-inspired exhibitions is to encourage researchers and science enthusiasts to engage with one another and with the general public. I strongly believe that science outreach takes many forms: humanizing the scientists conducting academic research and enabling them to connect with broader audiences through art helps build trust and strengthens public understanding of science. Unfortunately, recent instability in STEM funding has led to a significant decline in participating academic researchers. For example, STEAM Room typically featured 20–30 researchers, but only about five participated in 2025. The 2024 STEAM Engine included over 30 artists where half of whom had academic background, but that number fell to just two researchers the following year.
Instead of hosting group exhibitions, 2026 will be dedicated to researching how best to encourage scientists during these precarious times to create art for the public. Just when their voices are most needed, many scientists have disappeared from these spaces. I will be organizing small workshops and consulting with other American sciart organizers to explore ways to rebuild participation and reimagine future programming.
STEAM Room
STEAM Room was a STEM-inspired pop-up gallery that ran from 2022-2025 in Providence, Rhode Island. We showcased over 70 artworks by over local 50 artists at our annual spring exhibits. See photos of past events here.
STEAM Engine
STEAM Engine, hosted in Washington, DC, is a larger exhibition and incoperates a higher ratio of local artists without a STEM background. Between 2024 and 2025, this winter series showcased over 60 art pieces by roughly 50 local artists. See previous and current exhibitions on this Instagram page.
