John Ross Palmer Announces 2016 Escapist Artists

Palmer proudly announces the members of the 2016 Escapist Mentorship Program:

Tatiana Escallon                     TatianaEscallon.com              Houston, TX
Alonzo Karahamuheto            AlonzoKnow.com                    Houston, TX
Hugo Perez                             HelloHugo.net                         Houston, TX

Alonzo Karahamuheto, Hugo Perez, Tatiana Escallon and John Ross Palmer
Alonzo Karahamuheto, Hugo Perez, Tatiana Escallon and John Ross Palmer

These three dedicated artists were picked from dozens of applicants from around the United States.  Courageous artists submit a written application with art images and essays to a jury panel, and then, as a Finalist, they present themselves for “speed dating” interviews at Palmer’s Gallery.  If the Finalist is not from Houston, they appear via FaceTime or Skype.  Scoring well in the Interview Phase was critical to advancing as 5 Finalists were interviewed with only 3 applicants earning the 2016 Escapist Artist honor.  Panels for scoring are comprised of top Palmer patrons, including: FCC Members J.P. Anderson, Alfredo Tijerina and Julio Montano, Vallone Award Winners Jennifer Black & Morgan Steen and Palmer collector and Alief ISD Trustee Tiffany Thomas.  Read all about the history, mission and goals of this empowering program plus see first-class documentary videos by visiting EscapistProgram.com.

Tiffany Inteviews Alonzo
Alief ISD Trustee Tiffany Thomas interviews Alonzo Karahamuheto in the Chrysalis

“I cannot believe this is the 8th year of the program!” exclaims Palmer.  “When I initially wanted to help artists share in 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 artist applicants from around the globe.”  The 2016 Escapists had their first group meeting on Sunday, January 17th and are already working on their first “assignment” to create a new piece of art and document the process on social media before their initiation ceremony.  The 2016 Escapist Artist Initiation Ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 31st at Palmer’s Historic Heights Art Gallery (1218 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77008).  The event is open to the public and will feature an inspiring keynote speaker before the artists take the Pledge of the Escapist.

2016 Escapists in their New Artist Studios
The 2016 Escapist Artists have selected their Chrysalis Studios

Palmer’s Art Movement of Escapism is aimed at forever destroy the stereotype of the struggling artist.  His mentorship program, founded in 2009, aims to teach artists how to sell on their own and not be tied to the traditional art gallery system.  Palmer does this as a means of giving back to the art world–it is entirely free.

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

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