Jim Hayes

500 Terry Francine Street
San Francisco, CA 94158

Jim Hayes is an Iowa-based trial lawyer, arts advocate, and philanthropist whose enduring vision has shaped the cultural and artistic landscape of Iowa. A graduate of The University of Iowa College of Law, Hayes built a distinguished legal career grounded in integrity, advocacy, and civic responsibility. Beyond the courtroom, he has long championed the arts and education, believing that creativity and community are essential partners in building a more thoughtful and inspired society.

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As the founder and benefactor of the Grant Wood Art Colony at The University of Iowa, Hayes established a lasting tribute to Iowa’s most celebrated artist and to the power of place in shaping creative work. Through his generosity, the Colony has become a vibrant one-year residency program that fosters innovation, collaboration, and the continuation of Grant Wood’s legacy of regional artistry and modern expression.

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Hayes’ influence extends well beyond the campus. His preservation of Grant Wood’s historic home at 1142 East Court Street and his dedication to restoring its integrity reflect both a reverence for history and a belief in the enduring relevance of art in contemporary life. Through his work, philanthropy, and vision, Jim Hayes has ensured that Iowa remains not only the home of Grant Wood’s legacy, but also a thriving environment for the next generation of artists and thinkers.

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Most recently Hayes founded The Hayes Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and protecting the legacy of Grant Wood and for inspiring the next generation of artists. The Hayes Foundation is responsible for a new marketing, outreach and fundraising effort called The Grant Wood Legacy and Art Colony Project which is being launched in late Fall, 2025