At Songbird Artistry, creativity and learning go hand in hand, proving that art is more than just self-expression—it’s a bridge to science, technology, and engineering. This idea, known as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), became an important part of Debbie Jacknin’s journey over a decade ago.
Most people have heard of STEM, but many don’t realize that adding Art transforms it into STEAM—an approach that fosters creativity and innovation alongside technical skills. People often think they are either good at STEM or good at art, but that’s not necessarily true. One of the most rewarding parts of my experience teaching at Songbird Artistry is seeing students realize they don’t have to be "good at art" to be creative. Art is for everyone, and it connects to so many fields—engineering, architecture, science, and even problem-solving in everyday life.
Debbie, the co-owner of Songbird Artistry, first discovered STEAM in 2012 while showcasing her stained-glass mosaics at the Three Rivers Arts Festival with her late husband, Larry. Their booth was filled with vibrant, handcrafted pieces, each telling a story through color and light.
That’s where she met Marcia, an elementary school teacher from the Montour School District who had received a grant to integrate art into STEM subjects. Marcia invited Debbie and Larry to spend a week working with her students, and they were immediately drawn to the concept. At that time, Montour was in the process of closing three elementary schools and building a new one to house all the students.
Wanting to create something meaningful, Debbie and Larry found three old windows at Construction Junction, which Larry carefully refinished. These windows would become the foundation for a collaborative mosaic project, allowing students to honor the history of their schools in a creative and lasting way.
They brought the windows to the school, where each student participated in a 45-minute art class dedicated to the project. Larry even took time off from work so they could spend an entire week in the classroom, working with the students.
Each session began with a 10-minute discussion on how art intersects with STEM. The students amazed them with their insights. When they talked about math, the students recognized the geometry in the mosaics, pointing out rectangles, squares, and triangles. When they discussed science, they demonstrated how grout transitions from a powder to a liquid when mixed with water and then hardens into a solid.
For the rest of the class, the students worked on the mosaics, placing pre-cut glass pieces into designs that depicted each of the three schools that were closing. The finished pieces were later displayed in the new elementary school, forming a chandelier-like installation—a tribute to the past and a beacon for the future.
Seeing these young students engage with both art and STEM was inspiring. They learned how creative thinking plays a role in engineering, architecture, and design, and most importantly, they saw how art and science are not separate worlds but interconnected disciplines.
Today at Songbird Artistry, Debbie and her daughters continue to incorporate STEAM principles into their classes and workshops, showing both kids and adults how art can be a tool for learning and self-expression.
Whether it's through stained-glass mosaics, knitting, crocheting, or mixed media projects, their goal is to empower others to explore their creativity, regardless of their background. Just like those students at Montour, they hope to inspire everyone who walks through their doors to see art as a bridge to endless possibilities.
If you’d like more information about scheduling a class or event, call 412-427-5500, email debo1960@aol.com, or click here to get started!
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