It’s #facesoftahoecity Friday! Meet Harold A. Slear, owner/operator of James-Harold Galleries, Lake Tahoe, CA in Tahoe City’s Boatworks Mall.
Hal was born in Michigan, but grew up inHollywood, CA. While Hal’s mom worked as the personal assistant to Lucille Ball, Hal and his brother Tim stayed out of trouble as extras on many TV shows including the classic hit “Lassie”.
After spending his college years in Los Angeles (Bachelors at California State University, Northridge& Masters at UCLA in Anthropology / Archaeology), Hal moved to Tahoe City to be a “ski bum” in 1978. However after filing for unemployment, Hal was quickly placed in a job as a field archaeologist with the U.S. Forest Service.
In 1984, Hal began his career in the art world, learning the ropes with a friend at Sierra Galleries. Over the years they managed several galleries together (Las Vegas, Carmel, Incline Village, Squaw, Tahoe City). In 1999, Hal took over operations of the Squaw Creek & Tahoe City locations and changed the name to “James Harold Galleries”, after himself & partner James Walsh. Today, Hal is the sole owner of the Tahoe City location.
When not working, you can find Hal paddleboarding, riding on his Harley, rockin’ to the music at Concerts at Commons Beach, dining at his favorite Tahoe City restaurants, giving back to his community (2-time president of Kiwanis Club North Lake Tahoe & Tahoe City Downtown AssociationMember), traveling to Oahu, HI to visit his mom and brother or just enjoying life with his longtime partner, Madalyn Bodell.
Hal loves his job and Tahoe City because of the PEOPLE – developing true friendships among regular customers, fellow business owners & the entire community – and looks forward to the exciting future of Tahoe City.
Looking for the perfect piece of art for your home or office? Then stop by James Harold Galleries in the Boatworks Mall. The gallery has an amazing rotating collection, plus spending time with Hal is always worth the trip!