Painter whose work is on display at Hilton Head gallery comes from long line of artists
Addison Palmer strode to the table across from me, and almost before I got a word out, he said, “I’m a Hilton Head Island artist … always have been and always will be!” That’s happy news for all of us.
I’ve known members of the Palmer family and their incredibly important dedication to art everywhere, generally, and to Hilton Head, specifically, almost since I moved to the Lowcountry.
As Palmer settled in with a glass of water and a chocolate chip cookie, I asked him to take me back to his earliest days, and take me up to today!
Our artist is a Lowcountry favorite, a life-long artist who actually was raised on Hilton Head Island.
Many will know that the award-winning painter comes from a long line of artists. His great-grandfather, Harry Palmer, was a pen and ink artist in New York, where he created and developed animation and short films. His father, Jim Palmer, is known for his award-winning landscapes. His mother, Barbara, is an artist as well. There is his sister, Elise, and a string of cousins, uncles and aunts who work in a variety of formats and mediums.
The artist
“I’ve been painting, painting, painting all of my life,” said Palmer. “Actually, I was 13 when I really believed that I was an artist … and that I was going to become an artist for all of my life,” he added. “But I have to tell you that I remember drawing on random scraps of paper much earlier, when I found something to sketch with.”
If you don’t know the following about him, you’ll be surprised. Parker was an astonishing athlete, a runner, and he holds records. He ran all through his early schooling and during his high school days at Hilton Head Island High School.
He was awarded a full scholarship to Brevard College, which was recognized as a top fine-arts school, and amazingly, was also acknowledged for its athletic programs. He continued his high performance in both areas during those college years.
The artist, today
Again, we are so fortunate to consider him a local personality from our Lowcountry, when we realize how broadly exposed he and his paintings are worldwide. Palmer is not only an artist but is also a renowned teacher. He has been teaching painting on cruise ships, more than 40, with potential artists from more countries than are imaginable.
His paintings of birds and more
His famous paintings of birds fill his designated area of the Art League Gallery. He was internationally acclaimed for the “Birds in Art” show in 2018. Prints of the paintings are available on his website.
His paintings can be seen in galleries from New York to Florida, and for 15 years, Palmer and members of his family have had their own gallery and studio on St. Simons Island.
Information: “Addison’s Paintings Honoring 50 Years” through April 16 at the Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane; www.artleaguehhi.org
UPCOMING VISUAL ARTS EVENTS
SPRING FLING IN OLD TOWN BLUFFTON
Begin the weekend celebration with the Spring Art Walk from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 8. Shops and galleries will be open late, refreshments will be served, and new artists and galleries will be introduced. Enjoy an evening of art as music wafts through the night air in the historic district.
The Art in the Park event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Art displays will abound in Martin Park and artists will demonstrate their skills live. In addition, enjoy the rich culture and history of Bluffton through historical tours at the Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center.
Complete the weekend with Brunch Around Town event Sunday, April 10. Truly a celebration of art and spring!
Information: www.oldtownbluffton.com
PLUFF MUDD ART GALLERY
Pluff Mudd Art Gallery celebrates its 20th anniversary on Friday, April 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 27 Calhoun St. in Bluffton. (Please note the date change.)
Information: pluffmuddart.com/news.html
LA PETITE GALLERIE
La Petite Gallerie’s postponed reception for artist Kristin Griffis at 56 Calhoun St. in Bluffton has been rescheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 8, to coincide with the Spring Fling Art Walk.
Information: lapetitegallerie.com
RED PIANO GALLERY
There is an expanded list of artists, new and familiar, who are exhibiting at The Red Piano Gallery, 40 Calhoun St. in Bluffton. Particularly noteworthy is the important new work of Stephen Scott Young, Michael Karas and Mark Boedges.
Information: redpianoartgallery.com
UPCOMING PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS
“Doubt” - The Lean Ensemble
The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner by John Patrick Shanley and directed by Nakeilsha Daniel features Jennifer Brown, Jonathan Dyrud, Katherine LeRoy and Peggy Trecker White for one weekend only, March 24-27, at Main Street Theatre, 3000 Main St. on Hilton Head.
A rigidly conservative nun tasks herself with investigating allegations of misconduct between a beloved priest and one of the students in his care. Shanley delves into the murky shadows of moral certainty, always balancing the thin line between truth and consequences.
“Doubt” is an exquisite, potent drama that will raise questions and answer none, leaving the rest of us to grapple with the discomfort of uncertainties.
Information and tickets: www.leanensemble.org
Charlotte Ballet - Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Named the highest rated touring company in the U.S., this breathtaking company astounds audiences with cutting-edge dance demonstrating virtuosity, energy and artistic excellence. The performance is 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 25 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head.
Information and tickets: www.artshhi.com/performances
“Celebrate 45 Seasons & 20 with Tim” - Hilton Head Choral Society
To celebrate its 45th season of making music and the 20th anniversary of artistic director Tim Reynolds, the Hilton Head Choral Society is planning a performance at 7 p.m. Friday, April 1, at First Presbyterian Church, located at 540 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head. This season is Reynolds’ final one with the Hilton Head Choral Society.
Information and tickets: hiltonheadchoralsociety.org
