Meredith Hayes' artistic life began early.  Growing up in Traverse City, Michigan an elementary school art teacher reported her to have a 'very vivid imagination.'  Meredith's interest in art continued throughout high school in St. Paul, Minnesota.  She dabbled in jewelry making, fabric dyeing, pottery, sculpture, photography, drawing and most of all painting.  Hayes entered her work in many regional exhibits.  Finally, greatly encouraged by her teachers, she decided to attend art school following graduation.

At Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon Meredith had a rather wide focus.  She studied painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, lithography, intaglio, silkscreen, and block cut along with the usual academics.  All of these subjects were ultimately reconciled with a thesis in mixed media.

While at PNCA Hayes also had the opportunity to participate in a four month internship with the claymation pioneer, Will Vinton Studios.  There she learned the skill of model making.  Meredith worked on various projects (including The PJ’s and Gary and Mike) model making, puppet dressing, and assistant costuming both during and after college.

Hayes currently lives, works and makes art in Los Angeles, California with her husband.