top of page

2025 VAF Keynote Speaker: Hayley Morris 

Screenshot 2025-02-03 at 1.27.21 PM.png

Hayley Morris is an artist and animation director based in Vermont, working under the studio name Shape & Shadow. Specializing in mixed media and stop-motion animation, she creates visually captivating stories that come to life through intricate textures, handcrafted details, and inventive storytelling. Her work spans a wide range of applications, including commercials, music videos, projection design, miniature fabrication, and short-form animation for both documentaries and feature films.

​

She's had the opportunity to collaborate with clients such as MTV, Netflix, Sesame Street, and Burt’s Bees, as well as work with musicians like Explosions in the Sky,  Iron & Wine, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Hilary Hahn - creating visuals that complement their music and creative vision.

​

Hayley’s approach to animation is deeply rooted in experimentation with physical materials—paper, clay, fabric, fibers, found objects, and natural elements. She strives to tell stories that are both playful and poetic, blending character-driven and abstract elements with a tactile, sensory quality. In an era dominated by digital media, she values the presence of the artist’s hand in her work, and mixed media and stop-motion animation offer the ideal way for her to explore these ideas.

​

You can see more of her work here: www.shapeandshadow.com

VT Animation Festival 2025

The Vermont Animation Festival is proud to celebrate our tenth year! We will kick off this years’ screenings, workshops, and artist talks on Friday, March 28th. 2025 events include workshops for both beginner and experienced animators, a screening of student films, and an Artist Talk by our Keynote Speaker (TBA).

 

The Vermont Animation Festival is hosted by Vermont State University - Lyndon in partnership with Catamount Arts.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Submission Guidelines

We welcome submissions of animated films, especially from students and emerging animators. Prizes are awarded in the following categories: Best Student Film, Best Supershort, Best Film from a Vermont Animator, Best Use of Traditional Media, and Best Overall.

 

- Films must be at least 10 seconds long

(repeated loops will be considered).

​

- Credits should not exceed the length of the film.

​

- All content that is created by artists other than the submitter must be credited appropriately.

​

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE at 5PM on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 .

 

​

CONTACT

Get in Touch!

For questions regarding the Vermont Animation Festival please contact

​

Kate Renner, Assistant Professor of Visual Art

  • Vimeo
  • Instagram
vtsu_horizontal_color.png
ToonBoom_NoTag_Horizontal_Color.png
bottom of page