NEW CANAAN, CT, May 30, 2025—Silvermine Arts Center’s Art Partners Outreach Program reached an exciting milestone this spring through a dynamic collaboration with Jefferson Marine Science School and The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, CT. This unique partnership merged art and science, culminating in a student exhibition that highlighted the biodiversity of Long Island Sound and celebrated the power of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education.
The program, titled Ecosystem Explorers, engaged Jefferson’s fifth-grade students in a creative journey that blended marine science with visual storytelling. With support from Silvermine Teaching Artist Marta Kot, students explored key marine habitats—such as salt marshes, tidal flats, and subtidal zones—through field research, writing, and art making. Their scientific discoveries were transformed into round, porthole-style mixed-media artworks, later assembled into a striking collaborative installation that echoed the interconnectedness of the Sound’s ecosystem.
“This partnership encouraged students to think critically and creatively as they connected scientific research with artistic expression,” said John Foldeak, Marine Science Coordinator for Norwalk Public Schools. “It was inspiring to see their ideas come to life through both their words and their art.”
Over a five-day residency, students sketched initial concepts, explored mixed media techniques, and refined their work through guided instruction. Field trips to The Maritime Aquarium deepened their understanding of marine environments and conservation efforts, reinforcing the connection between classroom learning and real-world science.
“This program brought STEAM learning to life in the most impactful way,” said Missy Savard, Outreach Coordinator at Silvermine Arts Center. “By combining art and marine science, students gained a deeper understanding of their environment and the confidence to share their perspectives with the community. We are grateful to The Maritime Aquarium for supporting and elevating these young voices.”
The final installation was exhibited at The Maritime Aquarium during their recent “Partner School Family Night,” which gave students the rare opportunity to see their work featured in a prominent public space. 
The exhibit served as both a celebration of student creativity and a call to environmental awareness through the lens of the arts—as students proudly shared their work with families, educators, and the public. The partnership of Silvermine, Jefferson Marine Science School, and The Maritime Aquarium stands as a powerful example of cross-disciplinary learning and community engagement—amplifying student voices and deepening connections to the natural world.
