Grantee: The Unseen Ocean Collective

In April 2026, the Unseen Ocean Collective will bring deep-sea science and art to Spokane through a month-long exhibition, immersive school visits, and hands-on public programming. Titled Unseen Ocean: America’s Hidden Coral Gardens Revealed, the event will showcase vibrant, interdisciplinary work by artists Meghan Jones (Spokane), Kierstin Keller (Juneau), Nilanjana Das (Corvallis), and marine biologist Lara Beckmann (Sweden). Together, these collaborators will highlight coral gardens discovered in Alaska’s deep seas by NOAA Ocean Exploration. Their work will include original paintings, sculptures, and video installations, paired with public lectures, interactive gallery scavenger hunts, and STEAM education kits designed to inspire awe and curiosity about life in Earth’s least-seen ecosystems.

SAGA grant funding will support the local components of this work, including the creation of new artworks, gallery materials, and educational programming that will reach more than 100,000 residents across Spokane, including over 50,000 K–12 students. In partnership with Mobius Discovery Center and Spokane Public Schools, the team will host 12–16 fully funded field trips for 4th and 5th graders, each including a guided art tour, science talks featuring 3D coral models and deep-sea footage, and take-home STEAM kits. Additional in-school visits will reach up to 35,000 middle, high school, and university students. Public audiences can engage through free gallery events, lectures at The Hive, downloadable online materials, and a recorded video version of Beckmann’s talk, extending the exhibition’s educational impact well beyond gallery walls.

Beyond showcasing rare coral ecosystems, the Unseen Ocean Collective aims to connect local communities to the global ocean and foster climate-conscious creativity through art. The team prioritizes equity and accessibility by centering Title I schools, homeschool networks, and alternative learning environments. With an all-female team of artists and scientists at its core, the project models collaboration, interdisciplinary thinking, and a shared stewardship ethic in a time of environmental and educational uncertainty. SAGA support will help launch this landmark event in Spokane as part of a growing international initiative that includes exhibitions in Sweden, Alaska, and beyond.

Learn more about The Unseen Ocean Collective members on Instagram below.
Meghan Jones: https://www.instagram.com/studio_mbj;
Lara Beckmann: https://www.instagram.com/planulara;
Kierstin Keller: https://www.instagram.com/golden.spiral.studios;
Nilanjana Das: https://www.instagram.com/highseas_sculptures