Jensen resident is ‘French at heart’
By Ana X. Ceron
The Stuart (FL) News
July 14, 2006
David Hayes’ best work often has revolved around everyone else’s masterpieces.
Before moving here, the mild-mannered Connecticut native ran an advertising agency in Miami, where he did work for American Express, Arby’s and scotch-maker Johnnie Walker.
These days, Hayes is a printer – designing colorful fine art books – and curator for his father’s fused-steel sculptures, some now part of the collections at New York’s Museum of Modern Art and Guggenheim Museum.
But tonight it’ll be Hayes who receives his share of recognition.
Hayes will be awarded the National Order of Merit – a designation of knighthood – from the French government at a Miami reception celebrating Bastille Day.
He is being recognized for his volunteer efforts with South Florida educational and cultural groups promoting French culture and language.
For 18 years, he has designed posters, brochures and invitations on behalf of visiting cultural groups, including the Ballet Biarritz, the National Art Foundation of France and the French-American Film Festival.
“Since I owned a small advertising agency, these things were easy for me to do,” Hayes said in his bare, 2-bedroom cottage tucked along a dirt road beside the train tracks.
Hayes might not be an artist himself, but the 47-year-old admits he lives a simple life that’s allowed him to dote on his 22-year-old daughter, Alexandra, the “one thing in my life that is absolute, pure perfection.”
His early childhood was spent in France, where his home saw regular visits from artists, poets and professors for lively discussions with his father, David V. Hayes.
These helped influence Hayes’ own creativity, which found its outlet through advertising work.
As he settled in Miami, though, Hayes made time in between assignments to promote the culture he grew up with.
“He is French at heart,” said Philippe Vinogradoff, Consul General of France in Miami. “He is a true, true lover of my country and the French culture.”
Vinogradoff, who will present Hayes with the award today, said the recognition is well deserved.
“He’s always participating, always giving his time,” Vinogradoff said. The designation “is a way for France to thank him.”
Other press accounts: