John Ross Palmer

After achieving their most successful business year in 2019, John Ross Palmer and Ryan Lindsay reflected on their work together in growing Palmer’s career and promulgating the Art Movement of Escapism to international recognition. It had been roughly 10 years since Lindsay left his successful law career to work full-time with Palmer. They decided now was the time to take proactive steps to ensure Palmer’s career was known worldwide. 2020 was going to be the year to bring Palmer’s brand to the next level and secure his legacy as one of the greatest American Artists of our generation.

The Logo

After a recommendation from Lindsay’s trusted friend, Tammi Wallace, they contracted REFUGE Marketing & Consulting to develop a new brand and website at the end of 2019. In January of this year, the journey began. REFUGE brought in Designer Marcie Jones to collaborate. REFUGE felt Jones’ eye and experience would be invaluable to the project.

After gathering a great amount of data, conducting interviews, and having lengthy discussions, the design process began. Several logos were presented but the one that really captivated John and Ryan featured a galloping mustang. It sparked a feeling but wasn’t quite the right fit. It was rough and wild but lacked the refinement and elegance of John Ross Palmer.

Building on that feeling, more refined logos were presented featuring horses and one captured everyone’s attention, the one that would become the new logo. Palmer did think that there was still something missing…aesthetically there was too much solid color. He reached over to the proof and suggested that they add the outline of a bridal. At first, it was met with fierce opposition by Ryan. Lindsay thought that the bridal was symbolic of restraint and inconsistent with Palmer’s message of artist empowerment and freedom. After further thought (and diligent research on the true role of a bridal), Lindsay wholeheartedly welcomed the addition of the bridal to the logo. He knew that it actually symbolized control, precision, and overall professionalism. The design team made the revisions and on March 3, 2020, the new John Ross Palmer brand was officially selected.

John Ross Palmer & His Love of Horses

Palmer’s love and appreciation of the strength and beauty of horses are evident in his artwork, particularly his Equestrian and Equestrian-Escapism Styles. His passion for them began in childhood…and the majestic beasts continue to inspire him with their regal frames and powerful presence. To hear more about Palmer’s love of horses, check out this episode of Exploring Escapism.

Website Design

Now that the brand was secured, the journey began to build upon it and create a new website that captures the essence of John Ross Palmer. The goal was to showcase Palmer’s talent and diverse art styles like never before. The plan was in place…but then the Coronavirus had other ideas.

With the upheaval brought on by COVID-19, the website development was put on pause. A few months later, things settled down a bit and when it became clear that our “new normal” would be around a while, work on the project resumed.

In May, Bogdan and John form Buburuza Productions shot the ambient video that brings the new homepage to life, giving visitors a sneak-peek into John Ross Palmer’s process. Last but definitely not least, the time came to capture the history of Palmer, his collectors, and cataloging and photographing the pieces of artwork for the site. Lindsay worked tirelessly to complete these items with REFUGE’s assistance.

In June, private (safe and distanced) previews of the new logo and site were given to select VIP collectors. Over the course of two weeks, eight separate PowerPoint presentations were delivered by Ryan Lindsay to audiences ranging from one to a maximum of eight persons.  Ryan spoke emotionally about his and Palmer’s journey as business partners since 2009. He told unbelievable stories about how they had survived economic trauma in the past, and, learned from it to keep the business strong during this current turbulent time. We’ll go into that in more detail during next week’s blog entry.

Today’s unveiling of the new brand, logo, and website didn’t just take this past year. It truly is the culmination of twenty-two years of life, love, and hard work. Please enjoy.

Construction & Design Inc., a full-service residential and commercial construction company of Houston, Texas, has partnered with Artist John Ross Palmer to become his Heights Art Gallery’s Corporate Sponsor for 2019. The mutually beneficial relationship is a historic repeat of the partnership first forged in 2016. For Palmer, having his gallery regain sponsorship support from a company that delivers state-of-the-art construction services adds tremendous clout to his flourishing career.

“I have known John Palmer personally for over 30 years. I was honored to serve as the Builder for his 2008 Art Gallery construction and The Chrysalis addition in 2014,” says Owner, Terri Robinson. “Our sponsorship of his business in 2016 was a massive success.  We gained new clients, leveraged high visibility and took great pleasure in watching his career explode as an artist and accomplished mentor. 2019, the year after his 20^th Anniversary Artist celebration, is the perfect time to realign with John and his booming business.”  Palmer explains, “I never expected my friendship with Terri to expand into a successful professional partnership…but thank goodness it did.  Her company’s construction of my Art Gallery and The Chrysalis made it one of the most unique and exquisite art complexes in the United States.  I cannot wait to promote her business and innovative skill set in 2019.”

Construction & Design Inc. was established in 2005.  At the encouragement of customers and subcontractors, the community needed a company to streamline and coordinate all facets of the construction process.  With CDI, Inc., you have one contact. Terri and her team personally oversee all subcontractors to guarantee quality and efficiency.  Just like Palmer, Terri Robinson’s business is driven by top-notch customer service.  Robinson, a native Houstonian just like Palmer, is also inspired by the Artist’s 2019 Charity of the Year, “It’s extremely fitting to sponsor John Palmer Art during this year when he’s supporting Trees of Hope and their efforts to improve the lives of Houstonians that are homeless.  My business is also working tirelessly to build a better community.” For more information, visit CDInctx.com or call 281-766-7722.

For questions about the gallery, Artist John Ross Palmer or the 2019 Corporate Sponsorship by Construction & Design Inc., please contact us at 713-392-6882 or [email protected].

On Friday, January 18, 2019, at 11:15 a.m. EST, Houston Artist John Ross Palmer had the high honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The philanthropic Eagle Scout joined the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister Theresa May and countless United States Presidents in performing the solemn act. The 45-year-old Palmer, who celebrated his twentieth anniversary as a professional artist in 2018 with a Retrospective spanning five days, had twenty-five (25) supporters from around the United States join him to witness the magnificent occasion.

Palmer’s wreath laying was sponsored by The First Class Club (“FCC”), the elite group of Palmer art collectors that sponsors his annual international trip and art series. Inaugural club members Judy Lindsay of Huntersville, NC and Julio Montano of Houston, TX were in attendance, and, following the ceremony, it was Lindsay that had the pleasure of announcing Palmer’s 2019 destination: Vietnam. Judy Lindsay opened the announcement envelope at the celebratory luncheon hosted by Palmer for all of his supporters in the Cabinet Room of the Old Ebbitt Grill. To date, the FCC has sent Palmer to create art series in Berlin (2010), Dublin (2011), Jerusalem (2012), Sao Paulo (2013), Nice (2014), Port of Spain (2015), Havana (2016), Auckland (2017) and Bogota (2018).

“I have huge respect for our country’s service members and words cannot express my appreciation for those making the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms,” says Palmer. “My career is built upon the freedom of speech that is guaranteed by our Constitution.  As I lay the wreath, I was exuding gratitude for the protections that our soldiers have given to me and millions of Americans.”

Palmer and his team took painstaking detail to ensure that the ceremony was sufficiently dignified. Renowned floral designer Kevin Aubrey created Palmer’s wreath that masterfully interwove both white roses and an abundance of yellow roses for the fifth generation Texan. The artist donned black leather gloves from Argentina, a custom suit with masterfully fitting black top coat and a black rabbit fur Russian Ushanka hat. Internationally acclaimed artist Elena Sandovici was present to capture the ceremony with her original sketches and watercolors. Documentarians Mike Williams and Evan Hambrick were present to preserve the occasion in film and photos.

If you have questions about John Ross Palmer or his Wreath Laying Ceremony, please contact us at 713-392-6882 or [email protected].

Art Launch and Palmer proudly announce the members of the 2019 Escapist Mentorship Program: Lindsay Burck (Houston, TX), Matthew Conway (Austin, TX), MoNique LeRoux (Houston, TX) and Cynthia Miller (Houston, TX).

These four dedicated artists were initiated into the 2019 Escapist Class at an exclusive and inspiring ceremony at Palmer’s Houston Heights Gallery on Sunday, January 27^th.  The highlight of the Initiation Ceremony was a rousing keynote address by Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia.  The Escapist Artists were picked from dozens of applicants from around the world.  Courageous artists submit a written application with art images and essays to a jury panel, and then, as a Finalist, they present themselves for a panel interview in Palmer’s Heights Gallery.  Non-Houston applicants appear via Skype. Scoring well in the Interview Phase was critical to advancing as 7 Finalists were interviewed with only 4 applicants earning the 2019 Escapist Artist honor.  Panels for scoring are comprised of top Palmer patrons, including Mercedes Harris, Kristin Netherland, Shampa Mukerji, Shubhra Endley, Rosa Pollard, and Susan Catlett. Read all about the history, mission, and goals of this empowering program plus see first-class documentary videos by visiting EscapistProgram.com.

“I cannot believe this is the 10^th Anniversary of the program!” exclaims Palmer.  “When I initially wanted to help artists share in the success, we met over coffee and took notes in paper journals.  I had no idea the idea would blossom into now having a state-of-the-art artist training ground with the Chrysalis…and fascinating applicants from around the globe.”  The Escapist Mentorship Program, founded in 2009, is now managed and funded by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Art Launch. Palmer and his husband Ryan Lindsay founded Art Launch in 2016.

Palmer’s Art Movement of Escapism is aimed to forever destroy the stereotype of the struggling artist.  The only kind in the world, his mentorship program aims to teach artists how to sell on their own and not be tied to the traditional art gallery system.  Artists are in the program for a year, have their own art studios, and work alongside Palmer to learn by example.  Palmer does this as a means of giving back to the art world–it is entirely free for the accepted artists and supported by the generous donors to Art Launch.  The Escapist Artists will look forward to an out-of-this-world black-tie Graduation Gala on Saturday, October 12, 2019.

If you have any questions about Art Launch, Artist John Ross Palmer or his Escapist Mentorship Program (EscapistProgram.com), please contact us at (713) 392-6882 or [email protected].

John Palmer Art has named Trees of Hope as its 2019 Charity of the Year. After researching and conducting interviews with numerous Houston nonprofits, John Palmer Art is incredibly excited to now select and support this thirty-year-old, grassroots organization for the entire calendar year through the raising of funds, increasing awareness, and hosting events. Trees of Hope transforms lives with fundraising and outreach activities for the exclusive benefit of children’s programs at Star of Hope, Houston’s largest mission for the homeless. Just as Palmer improves the lives of artist entrepreneurs through his Escapist Mentorship Program, Trees of Hope on behalf of the Star of Hope is helping to make the promise of a better life a reality for thousands of Houstonians who struggle with the burden of homelessness.  You can learn about the Trees of Hope by visiting TreesofHopeHouston.org.

Artist John Ross Palmer says, “I am thrilled about this year’s partnership for numerous reasons.  In 2018, I was able to attend the Trees of Hope Gala where I heard personal, passionate stories about the positive impact Star of Hope has had on some of the most marginalized members of our community. Also, after an examination of statistics and equipped with the knowledge that 25% of Texas children live below the poverty line, I know that any help I can provide will be much needed and very appreciated.” Trees of Hope Director of Events & Donor Relations Alina Schrom explains, “We are so grateful for the support of such an acclaimed artist as Palmer.  I know he is going to bring focused, positive attention to our programs for moms and children.  And, as a personal fan, I absolutely cannot wait to see the art series he unveils in March that is anchored with a theme of hope.” To begin the year, Palmer’s gallery has volunteered at the annual New Year, New Shoes event, and welcomed board members to the gallery for a kick-off check presentation.

If you have any questions about John Ross Palmer, his naming of Trees of Hope as his 2019 Charity of the Year, or his upcoming unveiling in support of Trees of Hope, please contact us at 713-392-6882 or [email protected].  Past Charity of the Year selections for John Palmer Art includes Outreach United (2011), Heifer International (2012), Writers in the Schools (2013), the League of Women Voters Education Fund (2014), the Lone Star Veterans Association (2015), Houston Habitat (2016), The H.E.A.R.T. Program (2017) and the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (2018). As John Palmer Art’s 2019 Charity of the Year, Trees of Hope will be specifically honored at an art unveiling at Palmer’s gallery with a dedicated percent of sales going to the charity on Saturday, March 30^th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 1218 Heights Blvd. Houston, TX 77008. For the entire week in advance of the unveiling, Palmer has pledged to donate a dedicated 25% of all gallery and online sales to Trees of Hope. During this “Trees of Hope Week,” the gallery is excited to host the organization’s Spring Luncheon and check presentation to Star of Hope CEO Hank Rush.

On Friday, January 18, 2019, at 11:15 a.m. EST, Houston Artist John Ross Palmer will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The philanthropic Eagle Scout will join the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister Theresa May, and countless United States Presidents in performing this high honor. The 44-year-old Palmer, who celebrated his twentieth anniversary as a professional artist in 2018 with a Retrospective spanning five days, has confirmed at least a dozen of his top collectors from around the country will travel to D.C. to observe the solemn occasion.

Palmer’s wreath-laying is sponsored by The First Class Club (“FCC”), the elite group of Palmer art collectors that sponsors his annual international trip and art series. Club members will be in attendance and following the ceremony Palmer will announce the destination for his 2019 global art adventure at an undisclosed, historically-significant location. It’s the tenth anniversary of the FCC and the first time that the destination won’t be announced at Palmer’s Houston Art Gallery. To date, the FCC has sent Palmer to create art series in Berlin (2010), Dublin (2011), Jerusalem (2012), Sao Paulo (2013), Nice (2014), Port of Spain (2015), Havana (2016), Auckland (2017) and Bogota (2018).

“I have great respect for our country’s service members and words cannot express my gratitude for those that make the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms,” says Palmer. “My career is built upon the freedom of speech and expression that is guaranteed by our Constitution.  I will be thinking of the protections that soldiers have given to me and millions of Americans when I lay the wreath.”

To mark the occasion, Palmer has released Honoring Our Fallen, a silk scarf that’s steeped in symbolism and created, stitched, pressed, and folded by Palmer himself in his private Houston Heights Studio. John Ross Palmer began infusing his artwork onto high-end silk scarves in 2018 when he received a 500 commission scarf project from First Lady Barbara Bush and the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library for the annual Vintner Dinner.

If you would like to join Palmer’s group to observe the wreath-laying, please contact Palmer’s husband and Gallery Owner Ryan Lindsay at 713-8392-6882 or [email protected] Following the ceremony, Palmer and Lindsay are treating guests to a private luncheon in the Cabinet Room at DC’s legendary Old Ebbitt Grill. Space is limited.