John Palmer Art Hosts a Glamorous Afternoon & Evening of Escapism

Jan. 7, 2013 - PRLog -- On October 20, 2012, the John Palmer Art Gallery & Studio hosted its annual events, An Afternoon & Evening of Escapism, featuring artwork by Escapism Founder Artist John Ross Palmer and the graduates of his 2012 Escapist Mentorship Program: Leigh Armstrong, Sonya Cuellar, Tra` Slaughter, Anita Varadaraju and Lauren Jay Wondra Smyth. Both the casual afternoon and the evening events showcased massive silent art auctions, entertainment by the legendary Kofi and the unveiling of never-been-seen-before art masterpieces. The VIP black-tie evening affair included a thrilling live painting session by Palmer ("The Hardest Working Man in the Art Business"), a live auction, decadent catering and a reunion of Palmer's top art collectors.

The Evening of Escapism served as the graduation ceremony for Palmer's current class of Escapist Artists. Each artist was presented with a unique Embosser to commemorate their year of hard work and learning in collaboration with Artist John Ross Palmer. This year, for the first time ever, Artist Tra` Slaughter was recognized and honored as the Escapist of the Year after a vote by the current class and former Escapist Artists. Two significant awards were presented at the conclusion of the night, the Vallone Award and the Ryan Award. The Vallone Award, presented to the annual Collector of the Year for John Palmer Art, went to mega-collectors Brian and Janet Franklin. The Ryan Award, presented to the individual, couple or organization that has given an unselfish friendship, sacrifice or support to the business of John Palmer Art, went to documentary filmmaker David E.F.P., his 2osos Production Company and his life partner Aaron Coleman.

Art gallery co-owner and Palmer's husband Ryan Lindsay says of the events, "We are so incredibly proud of this class of Escapists. They have truly taken this program to the absolute next level of prominence and prestige." Artist John Ross Palmer agrees, "The 2012 Escapist Artists have a learned a tremendous amount in their talks and meetings with Ryan and me. I have seen vast improvement to their skill level, confidence and overall business acumen. On this occasion they shined bright."

If you have any questions about the 2012 Escapist Artist, Artist John Ross Palmer or his Escapist Mentorship Program (EscapistProgram.com), please contact art gallery co-owner Ryan Lindsay at 713-861-6726

All Photos in this Article are Credited to Famed Houston Photographer Paul Ladd.