Studio Blue is a dynamic multimedia learning commons located on the Narragansett Bay Campus, dedicated to coastal and ocean-themed art and science. Here, artists and students showcase their work, creating a unique environment where the fusion of art and science deepens emotional engagement and enhances holistic learning. The visual richness of the space enhances the experience of hundreds of visiting guests year-round.

The Studio is located in the Coastal Institute Building and coordinated by a committee of volunteers representing ocean and coastal educational groups at the University of Rhode Island, including

  • URI Coastal Institute: Amber Neville, Jackie Witterschein
  • URI Graduate School of Oceanography: Peter Hanlon
  • URI Department of Ocean Engineering: Jason Noel
  • Coastal Resources Center: Sarah Gaines
  • URI Inner Space Center: Alex DeCiccio, Patrick Flanagan
  • Rhode Island Sea Grant: Monica Allard-Cox
  • URI Office of Small Projects: Jenny Baccari
  • URI Creative Services: Susan Sancomb

These volunteers ensure the continued success and vibrancy of Studio Blue.

Current Studio Blue Exhibit

The Little Things: Exploring Nature’s Mirrored Microscopic Morphologies, is a gallery of scientific images curated by GSO Ph.D. student Alyssa Tsukada

This collection of scientific images compares morphologies in nature across scales. The show demonstrates the wonders of the microscopic world while bringing attention to how and why scientific images are taken, and the many forms science communication can take.

The show will be open to the public for viewing weekdays from May 13th – August 17th.

Poster that says "The Little Things: Exploring Nature's Mirrored Microscopic Morphologies" and features a series of scientific images that look similar yet are microscopic and macroscopic images of very different things.
Alyssa Tsukada speaking to a crowd in the Studio Blue Gallery during an opening reception.
A crowd inside the Studio Blue Gallery, all are involved in small group conversations.
Four people inside the Studio Blue Gallery looking at art on the walls.
A set of four images on the wall in the Studio Blue Gallery.
A set of four images on the walls of the Studio Blue Gallery
A photo from close up to the Studio Blue Gallery wall, with eight images hung on the walls.
A set of four images on the wall in the Studio Blue Gallery.
A set of six images on the wall in the Studio Blue Gallery.
Two images on the wall of Studio Blue

Past Studio Blue Exhibits

Promotional sign that says

Bay Campus Art Exhibition 2025

Featuring artistry from students, faculty, staff and alumni from the URI Narragansett Bay Campus.

Campus Talent

The Synergy Project

The Synergy Project: A Collaboration of Art and Science,” ran from August 2024 through March 2025 at Studio Blue.

Art League RI artists partnered with scientists from GSO and WHOI to communicate oceanographic research in engaging and unconventional ways, across many mediums.

Art and Science merge