I agree you shouldn't give up what you want for the relationship - I know 1.5 hours seems a long way away but, it's not really. You could still do weekend trips if that's still what you wanted to do.

One option is to get a generalized degree to help you figure out what you want. Take it in a field that interests you and make sure the degree will allow you to try out what you want to try out.

What type of art are you thinking of? I'm in a degree for music right now, so I can understand about the worries for $$ etc.