The Art of Elysium

The Art of Elysium (TAOE), founded in 1997, is an American nonprofit organization that provides community arts programs and artist services.[1] Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, it organizes monthly workshops in fashion, film, theater, music, and visual arts for communities facing challenges, while also rendering career resources for participating volunteer artists.[1][2] In January 2016, the organization partnered with SAG-AFTRA and the American Film Institute to support President Obama's "Call to Arts" initiative to complete 1 million hours of mentorship for young artists.[3]

The Art of Elysium
FoundedAugust 17, 1997 (August 17, 1997)
FounderJennifer Howell
TypeNonprofit organization
Legal status501(c)(3) organization
Location
  • 3278 Wilshire Blvd
    Los Angeles, CA 90010
Area served
  • Los Angeles, California
  • New York City, New York
Websitetheartofelysium.org

In February 2016, TAOE and Rabbit Bandini Productions co-launched Elysium Bandini Studios, a non-profit film studio and streaming entertainment network established to help financially support the charity.[4][5] The organization has received additional financial contributions from its fundraising initiatives.[6] The Art of Elysium has benefited 30,000 individuals annually.[7] As well they have nurtured and supported over 2,150 artist a year[8]

History

The Art of Elysium was established in 1997[9] by Jennifer Howell.[10] After spending extensive time in hospitals visiting a dear friend Steven Hatton battling Leukemia, Jennifer saw the loneliness and isolation of sick children who's parents were doing their best to balance their responsibilities. One of his last wishes was for her to find a way to help those children.[11][12] The Art of Elysium originally began as a way to provide arts programs for hospitalized children[13] but has now grown to offer art workshops to struggling communities, artist resources, events, and charity fundraising. The name was derived from Greek mythology, incorporating "Elysium", a synonym for heaven.[2] TAOE started with 33 volunteer artists.[14] Its initial workshops were offered at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.[14] 

In January 2008, the organization initiated the Heaven gala, an annual fundraiser.[2] The following year, in 2009, it expanded operations to New York City.[15] By 2012, the membership included 4,000 volunteer artists.[2] The organization facilitated programs at 17 hospitals, hospices, special-needs schools and outpatient facilities in Los Angeles, and five hospitals in New York City.[2] It later developed community programs for the elderly and homeless individuals.[14] In December 2015, the organization announced a new chairman of the board, Timothy Headington, replacing Ryan Kavanaugh.[16] In January 2016, it partnered with SAG-AFTRA and the American Film Institute to complete 1 million hours of mentorship for young artists.[3]

In February 2016, TAOE and Rabbit Bandini Productions co-launched Elysium Bandini Studios (EBS), a nonprofit film studio and streaming entertainment network established to help financially support the charity.[4][5] EBS raised $698,000 from an Indiegogo campaign to fund its initial three films.[4] The studio's early film projects included Memoria and Yosemite.[3] On January 9, 2017, its streaming network went live.[5] The platform later featured a video series directed by Andrew Ondrejcak that included volunteer artists.[17] In 2018, an EBS production, Obey Giant, won a Webby People's Voice Award in Film & Video – Documentary: Individual Episode Longform.[18]

Programs

Community arts

TAOE provides community arts programs in fashion, film/theater, music, and visual arts. The organization has partnered with hospitals, schools, homeless shelters and eldercare facilities.[5] In 2018, it was reported to offer 110 programs per month and serve over 30,000 individuals per year.[7]

Artist services

TAOE renders artist services through events, career resources, and financial awards.[5][19] The organization's "Art Salon" events feature artists' work through evenings of musical performances, panel discussions, and culinary innovations all in order to raise more money to continue funding their programs.[20][17]

Awards

TAOE has established four awards for volunteers: the Amber Award for fashion designers, the Tahnee Award for filmmakers, the David Award for musicians/dancers, and the Jacques Award for visual artists.

Events

Annual Events
  • Heaven, initiated in 2008, is an annual fundraising gala held in Los Angeles.[6][2] In 2009, the organization first presented the event's Visionary award for creative merit.[21] The award recipient organizes the event design and curates an art installation with their own conceptualization of heaven.[2] TAOE also established the Spirit of Elysium award for artists' community service.[22]
  • Pieces of Heaven, initiated in 2008, is an annual art auction fundraiser in Los Angeles.[7][23]
  • Little Pieces of Heaven is an arts showcase in Los Angeles[24] that includes the artwork of community program participants.[25]
  • Genesis, initiated in 2009, is an annual art exhibit and concert fundraiser in Los Angeles.[26][27]
  • Paradis, initiated in 2009, is an annual fundraiser in Cannes, France.[28][29]

Special Events
  • Cartier Love Day. In June 2009, for Cartier's fourth annual Love Day initiative, charity ambassador Eva Mendes designed a silk bracelet, the sale of which benefited The Art of Elysium.[30]
  • L'Wren Scott Amber Award. In March 2014, The Art of Elysium announced the creation of the L’Wren Scott Amber Award, which honors fashion designer L'Wren Scott and Amber, one of the first children with whom the organization worked. The award is given to emerging fashion designers, enabling them to donate their time and talents to hospitalized children, and offering them the opportunity to create a small line of clothing to benefit Elysium.[31]
  • Tiffany & Co. HardWear Collection Party. On April 26, 2017, a Tiffany & Co. jewelry preview party, hosted by actors Zoë Kravitz and Riley Keough, was held at The Art of Elysium’s Elysium Art Salons in Los Angeles.[32]

Events during COVID

While the organization was unable to hold its usual events during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it organized or participated in a number of alternative events and projects, including:

  • DRIVEN: A Latinx Artist Celebration. A drive-thru exhibit at the Hollywood Palladium in October 2020 celebrating Latinx musicians and artists.[33]
  • Shepard Fairey art installation. A socially distanced mural display at the Hollywood Palladium featuring the work of artist and activist Shepard Fairey.[34]
  • Going Home: a picture show. A socially distanced installation featuring the work of immunocompromised artist Torie Zalben.[35]
  • Bourn Kind: The Tiny Kindness Project. The Art of Elysium co-produced a documentary short film about a Black-Jewish street artist who creates a mural project to celebrate kindness and foster connection in his community. The film had its world premiere at the 2022 Tribeca Festival. [36]
  • NFT Projects. The organization participated in a number of NFT projects, including Nathaniel Parrott’s “How to Kill a Wildflower,” The Futureverse Foundation, Dree Hemingway's "On: Dreams," and Buffalo Trace Distillery's vintage whiskey auction.

Press

Award recipients
Year Visionary Spirit of Elysium Refs
2009 Jim Sheridan Eva Mendes [37][38]
2010 Shepard Fairey Kirsten Dunst [39][38]
2011 Mark Mothersbaugh James Franco [40]
2012 Cameron Silver Elijah Wood [41][38]
2013 Colleen Atwood David Arquette [41][2]
2014 Linda Perry Hayes MacArthur, Ali Larter [22][42]
2015 Marina Abramović Amber Heard [43]
2016 Vivenne Westwood, Andreas Kronthaler Finola Hughes, Russell Young [44]
2017 Stevie Wonder Camilla Belle [45]
2018 John Legend Shanola Hampton [46][47]
2019 Michael Muller Beau Dunn [7]
2020 We Are Hear Topher Grace, Ashley Grace [48][21]
2021 Colette Miller Colette Miller [49]
2022 Perry Farrell Perry Farrell

References
  1. Barker, Andrew (3 September 2014). "Art of Elysium's Genesis Aims for Greater Scope". Variety. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  2. Oliver, Ellen (30 December 2012). "'Heaven' on Earth". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  3. McNary, Dave (7 January 2016). "Art of Elysium Partners With SAG-AFTRA, AFI on Obama's 'Call to Arts". Variety. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  4. Rainey, James (10 February 2016). "James Franco Launches Nonprofit Film Studio With Art of Elysium Charity (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  5. Medina, Marcy (8 January 2017). "The Art of Elysium Launches Streaming Network Elysium Bandini Studios". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  6. Bird, Cameron (10 January 2019). "Kris Jenner, Jennifer Garner, Rooney Mara, and More Attend The Art of Elysium's Heaven". Vogue. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  7. Geschwind, Max (9 September 2018). "Lily Collins, Rain Phoenix Attend Art of Elysium's Charitable Art Auction". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  8. "What We Do". The Art of Elysium. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
  9. Laura Yarborough (22 February 2013). "Art of Elysium Raises Over $60,000 at 'Pieces of Heaven' Art Auction". Haute Living. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  10. VoyageLA Staff (14 August 2018). "Meet Jennifer Howell of The Art of Elysium". VoyageLA. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  11. "Our Team". The Art of Elysium. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
  12. "Jennifer Howell". issuemagazine.com. Retrieved 2023-10-09.
  13. Arnold, Shayna Rose (10 September 2013). "L.A.'s Most Inspiring Women: Jennifer Howell". Los Angeles. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  14. Moore, Booth (6 January 2017). "L.A.'s Art of Elysium Charity Celebrating 20th Anniversary". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  15. WWD Staff (5 May 2009). "Art of Elysium Lands in NYC". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  16. Gardner, Chris (11 December 2015). "Ryan Kavanaugh Resigns as Art of Elysium's Chairman of Board, Replaced by Billionaire Timothy Headington". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  17. Reed, Ryan (28 April 2017). "Hear Rufus Wainwright's Elegant Stevie Wonder Cover for Charity Project". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  18. "Obey Giant". Webby Award. 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  19. "Artist Services". The Art of Elysium. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
  20. Aguirre, Ashley (7 May 2017). "The Art of Elysium & Related Garments Celebrated Artist James Goldcrown". LaPalme Magazine. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  21. Nordstrom, Leigh (19 March 2019). "Peter Dundas to Be Art of Elysium's 2020 Visionary". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  22. Oliver, Ellen (17 December 2013). "Songwriter Linda Perry will get the party started at Heaven Gala". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  23. Yarborough, Laura (22 February 2013). "Art of Elysium Raises Over $60,000 at 'Pieces of Heaven' Art Auction". Haute Living. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  24. "Party Pics: Hollywood - Wild Horses Screening". E! News. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  25. "Events". The Art of Elysium. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  26. The Creator's Project (3 September 2014). "GENESIS 2014 Celebrates The Work Of Emerging Artists". Vice. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  27. WWD Staff (30 August 2010). "Rocking Out at the Art of Elysium's Genesis Benefit". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  28. Merriam, Allie (16 May 2011). "Jon Hamm, Kirsten Dunst, Vanessa Hudgens, and More Party For a Cause in Cannes". PopSugar. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  29. "The Art of Elysium's 6th Annual PARADIS presented by BidKind – 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival". TheWrap. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  30. "Eva Mendes and Cartier Show Their 'Love' for Art of Elysium". People. 12 June 2009. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  31. "L'Wren Scott's Memory Is Honored with an Art of Elysium Award in Her Name". People. 27 March 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  32. "Riley Keough and Zoë Kravitz host Tiffany & Co. HardWear collection party in L.A." Los Angeles Times. 27 April 2017. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  33. Martin, Brittany (25 September 2020). "Immersive Celebration Highlights Local Latinx Artists". Los Angeles Magazine. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  34. Gardner, Chris (10 August 2020). "Artist Shepard Fairey Partners With Art of Elysium for Installation at Hollywood Palladium". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  35. Herrara, Jose (14 May 2020). "Art show conveys varying notions of home". Beverly Press. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  36. "Bourn Kind: The Tiny Kindness Project". Tribeca Festival. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  37. Siegel, Tatiana (11 January 2009). "Sheridan sets heavenly affair". Variety. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  38. Samaha, Barry (8 January 2019). "How The Art Of Elysium's Celebrity-Packed Heaven Gala Is Helping The City Of Angels". Forbes.com. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  39. Oliver, Ellen (24 January 2010). "Art of Elysium's black-tie gala 'Heaven,' and LACMA's dancing benefit". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  40. WWD Staff. "The Art of Elysium Brings Out the Stars". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  41. Brown, Rachel (13 January 2013). "Art of Elysium Gala Honors Colleen Atwood". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  42. Harris, Jenn (24 January 2013). "Ali Larter and husband to receive Spirit of Elysium award". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  43. Clott Kanter, Sharon (11 January 2015). "The Art of Elysium 8th Annual Heaven Gala Is An All-Out Pajama Party with Amber Heard, Johnny Depp, Marina Abramovic and More". InStyle. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  44. McKenzie, Lesly (10 January 2016). "Dame Vivienne Westwood, Andreas Kronthaler Imagine Heaven for Art of Elysium Gala". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  45. Bird, Cameron (8 January 2017). "Stevie Wonder's Heaven: Inside the 10th Annual Art of Elysium Heaven Gala". Vogue. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  46. Bird, Cameron (7 January 2018). "John Legend Brings Hollywood to Heaven at Art of Elysium's 11th Annual Gala". Vogue. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  47. Huver, Scott (7 January 2018). "John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Amber Heard Party at The Art of Elysium Heaven Gala". Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  48. Miller, Jeff (5 January 2020). "Dave Grohl and Friends (and Daughter) Deliver Nirvana Classics at Art of Elysium Gala". Variety. Retrieved 9 January 2020.
  49. "Lifetime Partners with the Art of Elysium And Artist Colette Miller for Seven City Global Angel Wings Project Art Installation in Celebration of Highway to Heaven". The Futon Critic. 18 October 2021. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
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