Two days of creativity and connection featuring keynote speakers Dale Hayward and Sylvie Trouvé of See Creature Animation
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Animation Festival will return April 17–18, 2026, for its eleventh year of celebrating creativity, innovation, and community in animation. Hosted by Vermont State University Lyndon in partnership with Catamount Arts, the festival will offer two days of screenings, workshops, and artist talks designed to inspire animators at every level.
This year’s keynote speakers are Dale Hayward and Sylvie Trouvé, the husband-and-wife team behind See Creature Animation. Known for their unique approach that combines handcrafted stop-motion techniques with cutting-edge digital tools, Hayward and Trouvé have contributed to acclaimed projects such as The Little Prince (2015), Bone Mother (2018), and Les Emerveilleurs (2022). Their commercial work includes collaborations with Nike, Hot Wheels, and Tim Horton's, alongside projects for non-profit organizations.
Kate Renner, M.F.A., Assistant Professor in the Department of Visual Art and Director of the Vermont Animation Festival, reflected on the festival’s growth, “Each year, the festival grows as a space for creative exchange and community. Welcoming See Creature as our keynote speakers is an incredible opportunity for participants to learn from artists who exemplify what animation can be. Their work exemplifies innovation while staying rooted in the tactile, human qualities that make this art form so compelling.”
In addition to their studio practice, Hayward and Trouvé lead See Learn Academy, offering workshops and educational resources for animators worldwide. Their philosophy emphasizes the human touch in animation, where subtle imperfections bring warmth and authenticity to the art form.
Sylvie Trouvé expressed her enthusiasm for the event, offering, “I am thrilled to share my love and knowledge of stop motion at the Animation Festival in Northern Vermont. I love being amongst the energy of students, it is fresh and magical!”
Reflecting on the opportunity, Dale Hayward added, “I’m excited to take part in the festival as a keynote speaker. Being able to support, inspire, and learn alongside students is what makes gatherings like this so special.”
Submissions for the 2026 Vermont Animation Festival are now open. For details on workshops, screenings, and the full schedule, visit: https://www.vtanimationfestival.org/
VERMONT STATE UNIVERSITY
Vermont State University provides high-quality, flexible, and affordable education for students seeking associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, certificates, and in-demand professional credentials. Learn more at https://vermontstate.edu.
1.19.2026. Lyndonville, VT — The Vermont Animation Festival
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