by Christopher Annino
Art Singer, artist and stonemason, leads an amazing life journey, both as a professional and as an individual. At a young age Art went on a nationwide road trip throughout America, and hitchhiked to Nova Scotia. He bought 50 acres of land there that he shared with the Mik-Mak Tribe. Art lived in a 20-foot wide animal skinned hut and describes the experience as his definition of freedom. “While I was there I realized that having so little gave me tremendous wealth,” explained Art.
Art eventually left Nova Scotia, establishing Salem Stone Design with his wife Stacy. He has over 30-years of experience working with stone. He is also a pillar in the local Mystic art scene, by establishing Noank Foundry & Sculpture Studio, which teaches stone and clay sculpting, iron and steel arts, and bronze casting to eager artists.
About a year ago, Art and his wife were kayaking up the Mystic River and docked their kayaks near Mystic River P
ark. While they were there Art peered at a space that looked vacant. He looked at the water and instantaneously envisioned the current sculpture that stands there today titled “Returning.”
“It represents the cycle of everyday life and the pause that sometimes people need to practice to appreciate it more,” said Art, who donated the piece free of charge to the park. The people that he pays his gratitude to are Chris Post, Bruce Avery, Clint Wright, Sherry Eastwood, and the support of his wife, Stacy.
