I’ve been friends with Hal Samples since I wrote this story about him for the Dallas Observer in 2005. I probably get more out of the friendship than he does, because I always leave a conversation with him inspired in some way. Not necessarily by what he’s doing — though that often is the case. It’s just that you can’t talk to him and not start thinking about bigger issues. Maybe it’s in his life, maybe it’s in yours, maybe it’s neither. He makes you engage like few other people I’ve come across.
And now, after two years running his eponymous gallery in Deep Ellum, he’s going back to doing that full time (through video, photo, and simply talking to people). But first, one last show: HOME?, featuring the works of Willie Baronet. It sort of brings this chapter of Hal’s life full circle. For 14 years, Baronet — who formerly ran the MasonBaronet design studio — has bought signs from homeless people, treating them like folk artists instead of ignoring them or tossing some spare change their way. HOME? collect them for the first time, and it’s a fitting last show: an artist interested in helping people who walked away from a successful business to do it. I’m not sure where Hal will turn up again, but I know it will be worth paying attention to.
The show opens tomorrow with a reception tomorrow night from 6-10 p.m. at Hal Samples Gallery, 2814 Main. Proceeds go to The Stewpot.
6 comments
Yea, that Willie is a pretty amazing guy — not just with this show but his dedication to a friend who was hurt in a bicycle accident a year ago. There’s a lot more to the story, of course, but every time I hear a new anecdote about what Willie is doing/has done for Paul, I’m always impressed. He’s a shining example of a ‘good guy’ and Dallas should be proud he calls our city home.
I, myself, am looking forward to attending his show tomorrow night and hope that lots of people will show up to say hi to Willie and Hal.
Best Wishes to Hal. He’s touched a lot of lives for the better, mine included.
Well, at least according to what Hal told me last week, SPACE (upstairs) will remain in existence and Hal plans to continue residing there as well. I too am looking forward to tomorrow night’s exhibit, as well as celebrating the success of the Hal Samples Gallery and Hal’s continued success.
Hal has been running an impromptu artist-in-residence program and the community and the artists are better for it. He senses talent in others and encourages it. In that sense the gallery will be missed. But we all look to him to continue to create his art and share it. Keep it rolling Hal.
I’m honored to be having my first solo show in Hal’s gallery, which sounds like it may be his last, at least for now. Hal is a good soul who cares.
Hopeandchange.net? Believe me, Mr Markowitz, I am hoping for change come January 20, 2013!