The Haas Brothers for Children’s National Hospital
The Haas Brothers for Children’s National Hospital
The Haas Brothers for Children’s National Hospital
The Haas Brothers for Children’s National Hospital
The Haas Brothers for Children’s National Hospital
The Haas Brothers for Children’s National Hospital
The Haas Brothers for Children’s National Hospital
The Haas Brothers for Children’s National Hospital

We are proud to announce the completion of a sculptural installation by The Haas Brothers at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. The Haas Brothers created Tree To Be Me, a 14-foot palm tree that is host to a brilliantly-colored, hand-beaded monkey. The sculpture – RxART’s first sculptural project and fourth installation at Children’s National – welcomes patients and visitors into the hospital’s newly renovated entrance. The monkey hanging from the sculpture was beaded by the Haas Sisters – women artisans in Cape Town, South Africa, and the intricate leaves of the tree were crafted by the Haas Sisters of Lost Hills in California’s Central Valley.

Kids don’t deserve pain or anxiety or any of the things that might be happening when they enter a hospital,” the Haas Brothers shared in a joint statement speaking about their project. “I had to bring my son to get surgery when he was 2. Humor and fun were the only two things that cheered him up so that’s what we tried to do here. Make something fun and silly but with real artistic practice behind it.” 

“Children’s National Hospital is thrilled to collaborate with RxART on this sculpture installation by the Haas Brothers,” says Martha Parra, M.S.N., R.N., Vice President of Clinical Support Services at Children’s National. “We believe that art has the unique ability to bring joy to any setting, and this incredible sculpture promises to be a source of inspiration and wonder for all of our patients, families, and employees.”

RxART produces every project at no cost to our partner hospitals and provides the commissioned artists with an honorarium and the chance to inspire children during their healing process. RxART is deeply grateful to the Rallis Foundation for the generous lead underwriting of this project. Thanks to Betsee Isenberg for her support and Citizens of Humanity for their collaborative partnership. Read the full Press Release: RxART Announces Haas Brothers Installation at Children’s National Hospital.

It is an honor for RxART to continue working with Children’s National Hospital. Children’s National Hospital, based in Washington, D.C., was established in 1870 to help every child grow up stronger. Today, it is among the nation’s top 10 children’s hospitals. The Hospital is ranked No. 1 for newborn care for the fifth straight year, as of 2022 it is ranked #5 in the nation, and ranked in all specialties by U.S. News & World Report. Children’s National is transforming pediatric medicine for all children. The Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus opened in 2021, a first-of-its-kind pediatric hub dedicated to developing new and better ways to care for kids. Children’s National has been designated three times in a row as a Magnet® hospital, demonstrating the highest standards of nursing and patient care delivery. This pediatric academic health system offers expert care through a convenient, community-based primary care network and specialty care locations in the D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Virginia. Children’s National is home to the Children’s National Research Institute and Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation. It is recognized for its expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as a strong voice for children through advocacy at the local, regional and national levels.

Image: The Haas brothers, Tree to be Me, 2022. Glass, beads, marble, steel, and Fabric. Courtesy Children’s National Hospital, Washington, D.C. Photos: Rebecca Drobis.