The Power of ART in STEAM

When we talk about STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math—we’re not just adding a letter to STEM. We’re expanding the possibilities. Art isn’t an accessory to STEM; it’s a catalyst. It invites curiosity, nurtures empathy, and transforms technical exploration into human expression. At Full STEAM Ahead, art is more than a subject, it’s a sensory invitation to wonder.

At the heart of Full STEAM Ahead stood a breathtaking mural by Margaret Kops Kuveke of MKK Murals. This mural is a visual anchor that embodies our central theme: Seed to Table. Towering in scale and rich in symbolism, this mural is more than a painting, it’s a living story. From soil to harvest, from curiosity to community, it traces the journey of growth, nourishment, and shared stewardship. MKK Murals' artistry infuses the space with warmth, movement, and meaning, transforming the environment into a celebration of cycles, natural, educational, and communal.

In a beautiful act of collaboration, Margaret invited the children attending Full STEAM Ahead to help create the mural. Their brushstrokes, full of wonder, color, and care, are woven into the very fabric of the piece, making it not only a reflection of our theme but a testament to the power of shared creation.

This mural doesn’t just decorate our space, it defines it. The mural invites reflection, sparks conversation, and reminds every visitor that learning is rooted in connection. Margaret's ability to translate mission into masterpiece deepens our commitment to art as a vital force in STEAM. Her work is a daily reminder that creativity and care are inseparable, and that every child’s journey from seed to table is worth honoring.

Beyond the mural, Full STEAM Ahead offered a vibrant array of artistic experiences that spark imagination and invite hands-on exploration. From the joyful, collaborative Welcome Wall to the glow-in-the-dark experimentation of the Blacklight Art Gallery, the expressive freedom of the Maker Space, and the tactile creativity of mini quilting, children are encouraged to create, question, and play. Choosing fabric blocks, learning to stitch, and designing their own quilt squares gives children a chance to explore pattern, texture, and storytelling, all while building fine motor skills and artistic confidence. These Full STEAM Ahead areas form a dynamic ecosystem where art and science dance together, reminding us that creativity is not a side activity, but a central pathway to discovery.

Do you wonder why ART Matters in STEAM? Art invites interpretation. It makes room for emotion, for metaphor, for the messy beauty of trial and error. In a STEAM environment, art teaches us to ask not just how something works, but why it matters. It helps children see themselves as creators, not just consumers, and are empowered to shape their world with both precision and imagination.

At Full STEAM Ahead, we believe that every child is an artist, a scientist, a builder, and a storyteller. By weaving art into every corner of our programming -from murals to glow-in-the-dark experiments -we’re cultivating not just skills, but spirit.

Thank you, Margaret of MKK Murals! Your genius shines through in every brushstroke, as does your kindness, your vision, and your deep humanity.

Katie Mayer, Executive Director, Grand Forks Children's Museum