Artist Derek Hayes Brings Free Art Frenzy to Grand Terrace

Derek Hayes, 24, of Colton, has been an artist for as long as he can remember. Traditionally drawing realistic pictures or black and white portraits, he began to learn airbrushing about a year ago. He’s even done some tattoo artwork for close friends and family members at their request. Working at Wilden Pump in Grand Terrace, Hayes noticed some disc shaped paper that was being tossed into the trash during their manufacturing process, and he began to pick up the discs to use as canvasses during his lunchtime. As he was casually creating various pictures he was checking out his Instagram account (on which he presents his artist’s portfolio) and noticed information from a site called "Free Art Fridays." Free Art Fridays is a brainchild of the artist My Dog Sighs, who started giving away his artwork as a way to bring conversation about the works in his local community. While My Dog Sighs has certainly been at the forefront of the Free Art Movement, even he has made it clear that this idea has been around for a long, long time and encourages any and all artists across the globe to participate in reaching out to the people in their own communities by providing free art pieces randomly throughout their town. After reading about Free Art Friday, Hayes says that he thought “that the concept was really cool” and promptly decided to leave a piece of his artwork somewhere in the city of Grand Terrace for someone to find. To give Grand Terrace residents a heads up, he posted a hint of its whereabouts on the Facebook page ‘92313’. “I didn’t really know how it was going to turn out,” said Hayes. “I went out with my brother to post one of them, and we sat and watched. Within four or five minutes some guy came by and picked it up. Within a few more minutes, we saw several more cars drive by, checking out to see if they were able to find it. I was surprised, but I liked the idea since it allows more people to enjoy my art. I’d like to bring awareness to young people, who may not have art programs in their school, and even inspire someone to pick up a pencil and draw,” says Hayes. Saying that he creates some things on the whim, and others with a more planned out meticulous effort, Hayes said, “I like that my art is out there ‘somewhere’, that it’s found a better home. And I hope everyone enjoys it all, and that other artists join in on it.” And other local artists have joined in on the fun, posting their Facebook hints and leaving free artwork throughout Grand Terrace. Brittney Berliner is one of those artists who said, “The first day I saw Derek’s post, I immediately wanted to be a part of it.” Having had her artwork displayed at museums in Las Vegas, Nevada and both Riverside and San Bernardino counties, Berliner added, “To me, it’s the ultimate compliment when someone wants my art in their home, whether it’s paid for or not. Their home is their haven, their everyday, and that they want my art to be a part of it is amazing.” Berliner has spoken to Hayes a few times through social media, but will get to meet with him in person on Friday, Sept. 26 at the upcoming Grand Terrace Market Night and Art Walk. You can check out the continuing Free Art giveaway on the Facebook page ‘92313’ and if you would like to see Hayes portfolio of work you can go to his Instagram account at @inkbyderekhayes. You can contact Derek directly at dhayesfam5@icloud.com.