Appleton Compassion Project

The Trout Museum of Art, in partnership with the Appleton Area School District and Appleton Education Foundation, is proud to announce a project that aspires to teach the practice of compassion through the use of art. Appleton private schools, including Lawrence University, were also participated. In fall 2010, participating students received a 6-inch-by-6-inch art panel to draw or paint their idea of compassion. Completed works of art were exhibited at The Trout Museum of Art (Appleton) from May 1-June 30, 2011. The inspiration behind the project came from Richard Davidson, PhD -- a University of Wisconsin-Madison psychology and psychiatry professor and brain investigator who has scientifically found that those who practice compassion have measurably healthier brains, and generally, a happier outlook on life. Davidson's vast research has earned him the most distinguished award for science given by the American Psychological Association -- the Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award in 2000; he was also named one of the world's most 100 influential people in 2006 by Time Magazine. Davidson's research shows that compassion can be learned, and should be practiced, as a skill. For more information on the Appleton Compassion Project visit the online press kit at appletoncompassion.org