John Palmer Art has named the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (“GCSW”) as its 2018 Nonprofit of the Year. After a tremendous amount of research and meetings with nonprofit staff and volunteers, John Palmer Art is incredibly excited to now select and support this major institution of learning for the entire calendar year through the raising of funds, increasing awareness, and hosting events. It is the mission of the GCSW to prepare diverse leaders in practice and research to address complex challenges and achieve sustainable social, racial, economic, and political justice, locally and globally, through exceptional education, innovative research, and meaningful community engagement. Just as Palmer empowers artists through his Escapist Mentorship Program, the GCSW empowers its students to meaningfully impact the community by addressing complex social problems in Houston and beyond. You can learn about the GCSW by visiting Uh.edu/socialwork.
Artist John Ross Palmer says, “I am thrilled about this year’s partnership for numerous reasons. I have personally reaped the benefits of therapy and I’m an advocate for its use in self-awareness and personal growth. Also, I believe social workers can serve as a conduit in our society to help level the playing field when our culture has pervasive issues with racial, gender, socioeconomic, and other inequities.” Palmer continues, “Because of my nontraditional career choice, I’m very familiar with people telling me that ‘I cannot do something.’ Professional counseling truly helped me to unlearn this negative messaging. I am going to work tirelessly to help this institution that is devoted to investing in people and their own individual empowerment.” GCSW Dean Alan Dettlaff 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 program. 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 social justice.”
If you have any questions about John Ross Palmer, his naming of the GCSW as his 2018 Nonprofit of the Year, or his upcoming unveiling in support of the GCSW, please contact us at 713-392-6882 or [email protected]. Past Nonprofit of the Year selections for John Palmer Art include 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) and The H.E.A.R.T. Program (2017). As John Palmer Art’s 2018 Nonprofit of the Year, the GCSW will be specifically honored at an art unveiling at Palmer’s Gallery with a dedicated percent of sales going to the college on Saturday, March 3rd from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 1218 Heights Blvd. Houston, TX 77008.