Frederick Hays

Frederick Hays is an award-winning artist known for his innovative use of light and color to illuminate and define space, capturing contrasting perspectives. As a native of West Virginia, his paintings reflect the history and culture of rural Appalachia as well as the dynamics of nature and life experiences.

The catalyst for his lifelong passion for oil painting sprang from a neighbor's touching gift of his wife's oil paints upon her passing. He completed a B.A. in art at West Virginia State College and a master's degree in painting at Marshall University. Upon graduating, he gained widespread recognition as a professional artist and has been featured in countless exhibitions in West Virginia, and has gained national recognition through gallery sales and corporate acquisitions. Fred has won many awards in juried exhibitions at the WV Culture Center and is a featured artist at Tamarack.

Fred is also well-known for his expertise in sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, aquaculture, and conservation. His most recent award-winning paintings reflect the complexities of life and nature as well as the evolution of his art. His studio is located on a farm in Elkview, West Virginia, where he lives with his wife.