First, let me correct an earlier column, especially since it is becoming widely known. A few months ago I wrote that the relationship I had for the last six-and-a-half years had ended. And as I wrote, it was mutual and on a very-friendly note. We both loved each other but for some reason, which neither of us could explain, we couldn’t make it work.
About a month after that column — and our separation — we discovered that we both cared too much about each other and once again started to see each other. Guess it’s the old “Can’t live with him, can’t live without him” syndrome. So next time I read someone writing about their relationship, “It’s complicated,” Jason and I fully understand. I’m not sure where this is going, but it’s been six-and-a-half beautiful years. We make each other happy and we are each other’s best friend.
So last Sunday, we decided to take a romantic ride in the country to see the changing of the leaves. For those of you who know me, you know this was Jason’s idea. We had a great brunch in Lambertville. Then we decided to go on a walk — a walk across the bridge to New Hope, then back to Lambertville to continue a hunt I’ve been on for decades.
As a young boy of 12 or 13, I found myself one day walking around Center City. When I came to 17th Street, I discovered a picture in a window of an art gallery. The picture was of a figure on a carousel in a blur. It intrigued me and this young boy strolled into the gallery to see the other oils in the show.
It was the first time that I appreciated art, and it was due to this artist. His name was Hal Singer and, that day, I promised myself that one day I’d have a Hal Singer in my house. Writing that, I realize how gay that is, but it also tells me that at a very young age I appreciated art enough that I wanted to be surrounded by it.
Singer was a regional artist. His art is known through the Northeast, mostly from New York through New Jersey and Pennsylvania. His main base was New Hope. So each time we find ourselves in that area, we hit the galleries to ask if they have a Hal Singer. For years, most not only did not have one, but didn’t even know who he was. It’s a sad state of affairs if the galleries in the area don’t even know about a regional artist.
So last Sunday, on what I thought was yet another fruitless effort, Jason and I hit the galleries. After the fourth gallery, we found the Artfull Eye gallery and the owner actually knew of the artist, and by chance had recently gone through his storage and had begun to catalog his inventory. And presto, he had discovered one Hal Singer. Not only did he have a Hal Singer painting, he had known him.
Long story short: Boyhood dreams can come true. The Hal Singer is hanging on my wall. And Jason and I have another experience to recall for many years.
Mark Segal is PGN publisher. He is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media, having received the 2010 Columnist of the Year Award from the 2,000-member Suburban Newspapers of America. He can be reached at [email protected].