Art Launch is the parent non-profit entity that operates the Escapist Mentorship Program. The Escapist Mentorship Program was founded in 2009 by Escapism Founder John Ross Palmer. The art movement of Escapism is aimed to forever destroy the stereotype of the struggling artist. The grassroots mentorship program has taken a meteoric rise in influence and prestige since its casual inception in 2009.
In the beginning, the Escapism Founder just met with his artist friends to help them with sales skills and share all of his techniques and tips. Since that time, the program has evolved to having applicants from around the world. Artists now receive individually-tailored business mentoring from both an established artist and an attorney/business leader for an entire year...entirely for free. In 2014, the program took a giant leap forward with the completion of the construction of the Escapist Artist Gallery & Studios, aka the Chrysalis. It contains three working artist studios and a high-end show space known as the Franklin Gallery. Art Launch doesn't just "teach" artists business skills in a bubble. The Escapist Artists are provided the authentic artist environment to host events and meet with art collectors through gallery welcome, art discussion, potential sale and follow-up. Art Launch also doesn't just give education to the Escapist Artists. Real, significant dollars are put into their pockets through the sale of their artwork in the Chrysalis. After a year in the program, the Escapist Artists have the skills and training to thrive on their own without the reliance on the traditional art gallery system.
