Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) hosted its very first STEM Arts Showcase in Wharton Auditorium on October 9, an inspiring event celebrating the intersection of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts. The interdisciplinary exhibition offered students a “creative platform to express scientific and mathematical ideas through visual art, music, performance, and design,” explained art professor Marcela Wall. “The showcase demonstrated how creativity and critical thinking work hand-in-hand, revealing that discovery and innovation thrive as art and science come together.”

The evening featured a dynamic blend of performances and exhibits that brought STEM concepts to life through artistic expression. “The energy in the room reflected a true celebration of learning,” Wall shared —and everyone in attendance would surely agree. STEM concepts were displayed through paintings, drawings, ceramics, stained glass, poetry, and a mixed-media project on a wood panel.

The audience was also treated to a variety of musical performances, including: tap dance routines exploring sound, rhythm, and pattern; a violin quartet illustrating the physics of harmony and resonance; and other compositions showcasing sound waves and vibrations. The evening continued with interactive displays and creative projects in videography and holograms, as well as the creation of a Bible-based game design. Each one, Wall described, reflected the “curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration that define both art and science.”

This vibrant showcase highlighted the skills cultivated through SWAU’s STEM education—such as critical thinking, observation, and innovation—that prepare students to address real-world challenges. Wall further explained, “When the arts are included, STEM becomes STEAM: a fuller, more holistic approach to learning that nurtures creativity, empathy, and communication. Integrating the arts helps students connect abstract concepts to human experience, making learning more meaningful and engaging.” By uniting creativity and learning, the STEM Arts Showcase beautifully embodied SWAU’s mission of knowledge, faith, and service. Through this event, students not only deepened their academic knowledge but also expressed their faith through creativity and intellect. The collaborative nature of the showcase became an act of service—offering beauty, wisdom, and inspiration to both the campus and the wider community. It serves as a reminder that when knowledge is guided by faith, it leads to meaningful service, and that creativity is one of God’s greatest gifts, reflecting His divine holiness.