Pensacola Museum of Art invites visitors to explore the wonder of STEAM during Foo Foo Festival

Curiosity, creativity and wonder are taking center stage at the Pensacola Museum of Art Nov. 4-7 with Exploring the Wonder of STEAM. The four-day celebration connects contemporary art with science, technology, environmental inquiry and interdisciplinary exploration as part of the 2026 Foo Foo Festival.

The museum’s STEAM2026: Exploration and Wonder exhibition, already on display at the Pensacola Museum of Art, comes to life during this year’s Foo Foo Festival through artist talks, performances, panel discussions, exhibition tours, hands-on workshops and a free day of activities for the community.

The celebration kicks off Wednesday, Nov. 4, with an artist talk by Nathalie Miebach, whose work transforms scientific and environmental data into visual and musical compositions. Following the talk, the Palafox Quartet will showcase one of Miebach’s weather-inspired musical works.

Explore the artists’ motivations and methods Thursday evening through artist talks with Marta Rodriguez Maleck, Colleen Ludwig and Pippin Frisbie-Calder, followed by a Simulated Extinction Event, a participatory experience that invites visitors to physically alter the exhibition by taking home a hand-printed paper bird. 

Friday brings two artist panel discussions followed by another extinction event, offering visitors an opportunity to hear directly from artists and explore the ideas, research and disciplines informing their work.

The celebration concludes Saturday, Nov. 7, with STEAM Day, where guests will receive free admission to the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors of all ages can explore the exhibition and participate in hands-on activities designed to encourage curiosity, creativity and discovery.

Two ticketed workshops for adults and teens will also be offered Saturday. Colleen Ludwig will lead Bee-ing & Bee-coming Insect: Playful Connections with the Urban Wild, followed by Pippin Frisbie-Calder’s Nature Printing workshop. No art experience is required to participate in either workshop, but pre-registration and payment is required.

“The STEAM Exhibition at the Pensacola Museum of Art is a launchpad for wonder and discovery,” said Nicholas Croghan, the museum’s director. “On view are creative investigations that connect art with science, sculptures and photography inspired from expeditions around the globe, and immersive environmental exhibits. The exciting STEAM events planned for this year’s Foo Foo Festival will be a catalyst for curious souls seeking exploration and experiences of awe.”

Exploring the Wonder of STEAM is part of the 12-day Foo Foo Festival in 2026, taking place throughout Pensacola Oct. 29-Nov. 9. For the complete schedule, workshop information, registration details and information about STEAM2026: Exploration and Wonder, visit PensacolaMuseum.org.