Fullerton Art Prof. Injured in Bike-Car Crash

A Fullerton College art professor, struck by a car as he rode his bicycle to work today, was placed on life-support systems with severe head injuries at UCI Medical Center in Orange.

Don Hendricks, 41, an artist who has taught at the college since 1975 and once served as the City of Brea’s artist in residence, was hit at 6:51 a.m. on Chapman Avenue near Lemon Street, Fullerton police said.

Police said the driver was not arrested, but an investigation is continuing.

Larry Friedrich, chairman of Fullerton College’s art department, said Hendricks is “a very prolific young painter” who specializes in watercolors and realistic paintings. His works have been displayed in art shows across the nation and in Switzerland, a Fullerton College spokesman said. Hendricks has had a number of exhibits in Orange County galleries in the past few years.

“He’s a very competent, capable artist and a very good instructor,” Friedrich said.

Hendricks, a lifelong Orange County resident, graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in art. He received his master’s degree in art in 1972.

Hendricks, who lives in Fullerton, is married with four children.