Unveiling the 'Shaping Empathy' Exhibit at Boston Children's Museum
Installation by Hayley Morris, Emmy Award Winning Artist and Animation Director
BOSTON — The Boston Children's Museum has proudly presented 'Shaping Empathy: Featuring Rowen' by Hayley Morris, an acclaimed Emmy award-winning artist and animation director who operates under the creative studio name Shape & Shadow. This exhibit, housed in the Museum's Gallery, highlights the accomplishments of artists hailing from the New England art community. It encourages all visitors to delve into the vital relationship between caregivers and children while actively engaging with the foundational elements of empathy—the essential skill of understanding and caring about another's feelings.
About the Art and Its Inspiration
Rowen is an innovative stop-motion clay animation video that reflects Morris's personal journey through motherhood. This poignant artwork showcases how the experiences of both mother and child continuously shape one another. Morris's animation approach, seen in a behind-the-scenes video at the exhibit, embodies a deep commitment to experimenting with tactile materials. From paper and clay to fabric and found objects, she weaves a rich tapestry of stories that are playful, poetic, and visually captivating, merging character-driven storytelling with abstract concepts.
Creative Engagement and Activities
According to Sage Brousseau, Senior Art Educator, "Shaping Empathy is a lovely reminder of the special connections we share with those closest to us and the importance of understanding others’ perspectives and emotions." Visitors, including children and their caregivers, are invited to participate in engaging activities aimed at fostering empathy skills. These exercises emphasize kindness, perspective-taking, and the respect of oneself and others. Activities allow children to nurture caring behaviors through role-playing with baby dolls, expressing their unique ways of showing care on a talk-back board, and reading books together, which help expand their understanding of various characters’ feelings and perspectives.
Empathy Initiative at the Museum
This gallery exhibit marks the beginning of Metropolitan Children's Museum's ambitious initiative titled Empathy at the Heart. This five-year endeavor is dedicated to nurturing empathy in young children while equipping the adults surrounding them to facilitate this crucial aspect of character development. Empathy, much like any other skill, is cultivated over time through repeated practice. The initiative has garnered support through funding by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., part of their national aim to foster character development through children’s museums.
Artist’s Background and Collaborations
With a specialization in mixed media and stop-motion animation, Hayley Morris crafts visually stunning narratives brought to life through intricate textures, thoughtful details, and inventive storytelling techniques. Her diverse body of work includes commercials, music videos, projection design, miniature fabrication, and short films for both documentaries and features. Morris has collaborated with various esteemed clients like MTV, Amazon, and Netflix, as well as musicians including Explosions in the Sky and Hilary Hahn, creating visuals that beautifully align with their artistic visions.
Currently residing in Vermont, Morris balances her passion for animation with family life. When she's not engaged in creative projects, she enjoys quality time with her husband and their four-year-old daughter, embracing the moments that inspire her work.
Shaping Empathy: Featuring Rowen will be accessible for visitors at Boston Children's Museum until March 8, 2026.
About Boston Children's Museum
Boston Children's Museum plays a crucial role in engaging families by providing joyful discovery experiences that foster a sense of appreciation for the world, develop foundational knowledge, and ignite a lifelong passion for learning.
Hours and Admission Details
The Museum operates from Wednesday to Monday, with Tuesdays closed, welcoming visitors from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Online ticket purchase and reservations are strongly encouraged, particularly during weekends, holidays, and vacation periods. The admission fees are set at $24 for adults, while children aged 1-15 and seniors also pay $24. Children under 12 months and Museum members can enter the Museum free of charge.
Media Contact:
Jo-Anne Baxter
617-986-3702 (office)
617-504-5425 (cell)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the theme of the 'Shaping Empathy' exhibit?
The exhibit explores the relationship between caregivers and children while promoting the development of empathy and understanding among attendees.
Who is Hayley Morris?
Hayley Morris is an Emmy award-winning artist and animation director known for her mixed media and stop-motion animation work.
How can children engage with the exhibit?
Children can participate in various interactive activities designed to enhance empathy skills and encourage kindness and perspective-taking.
How long will the exhibit be open?
Shaping Empathy: Featuring Rowen will be on display until March 8, 2026.
What are the museum's open hours?
The Museum is open from Wednesday to Monday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and is closed on Tuesdays.
