Hays

An exhibition opens Friday at the Parkersburg Art Center by a West Virginia native who calls his art a reflection of the history and culture of rural Appalachia and nature and life.

Frederick D. Hays, a contemporary realist painter, is known for his use of light and color to create compositions. His paintings are inspired from the history, culture and values of rural Appalachia, reflecting the beauty and life in West Virginia..

“Fred Hays uses vivid color to give us a look at the Mountain State that offers a completely new worldview,” said Abby Hayhurst, Artistic Director at the Parkersburg Art Center.

Hays describes his work as an exploration of “contrasting perspectives,” shaped by a lifelong passion for oil painting that began with a meaningful gift of paints from a neighbor.

He has bachelor’s of arts from West Virginia State College and a master’s in painting from Marshall University.

An opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Parkersburg Art Center for the exhibit by West Virginia artist Frederick D. Hays. This painting, “Blue Ridge Parkway,” will be among the works on display until May 30.

His art has been in numerous exhibitions in West Virginia, including invitational and individual exhibitions and consecutive West Virginia Biennial Juried Exhibitions. Hays has received numerous art awards and was named Artist of the Year by The Charleston Gazette.

He moved out of state and was accepted at Somerhill Gallery in Chapel Hill, N.C., where his work received national attention through exhibitions, gallery sales and corporate acquisitions.

Hays returned to West Virginia, directing nonprofit organizations and became known in the fields of sustainable agriculture, agroforestry and aquaculture, among others.

His studio is located on a farm in Elkview.

Hays is the first professional show of the Art Center’s 2026 season.

“Apocalypse of time” will be among the art in a new exhibition opening Friday by West Virginia artist Frederick D. Hays at the Parkersburg Art Center.

An opening reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. A cash bar and hors d’oeuvres will be available and donations will be accepted at the door to support on-site and community summer arts programming .

The exhibit closes on May 30.

Guests at the reception also can shop in The Market and kids can enjoy one of the interactive activities including Lego building, drawing prompts and a gallery guide.

For more information about the exhibit or the Parkersburg Art Center, go to www.parkersburgartcenter.org or email info@parkersburgartcenter.org.