Astronaut is coming to Blue Hill

Shaw Institute collaborates with Nicole Stott, becoming ‘Earth’s Crew’

Aug. 25, 2026

By staff

Retired astronaut and current artist Nicole Stott, is collaborating with the Shaw Institute. Photo Courtesy of the Shaw Institute.

An astronaut who flew on the Space Shuttle Discovery’s final flight will be visiting Blue Hill in September for a series of events that center around the question: What if we thought of ourselves not as passengers on Earth, but as Earth’s crew?

The visit is part of the Shaw Institute’s “Oceans to Orbits: Science, Art and Action,” with astronaut Nicole Stott.

This initiative aims to merge perspectives from space exploration, with those of local communities, to create “good crewmates on earth.” The institute is working with George Stevens Academy, the Harbor School, and Blue Hill Consolidated School to expand the themes into classroom learning. 

Stott was a crewmember on the NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations. She flew on the 39th and final flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery. She also completed an almost seven-hour-long space walk. In addition, Stott, an artist, is also credited with creating the first painting in space.

Ocean to Orbits will host a series of events, including a postcard activity, where students will send a message to space and back.

Her visit will also have public-facing events, including:

• On Friday, September 18, from 4–6 p.m., the public is invited to an art reception at the Shaw Institute featuring work created by Blue Hill Harbor School and George Stevens Academy students using marine debris.

• On Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Stott will join community members at Carter Nature Preserve in Surry for a beach cleanup with Blue Hill Heritage Trust.

For more information on the event, visit the Shaw Institute’s website.