The Art of Elysium explained
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. 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.
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. The organization has received additional financial contributions from its fundraising initiatives. The Art of Elysium has benefited 30,000 individuals annually. As well they have nurtured and supported over 2,150 artist a year[2]
History
The Art of Elysium was established in 1997[3] by Jennifer Howell.[4] After spending extensive time in hospitals visiting a dear friend Steven Hatton battling Leukemia, Jennifer saw the loneliness and isolation of sick children whose 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.[5] [6] The Art of Elysium originally began as a way to provide arts programs for hospitalized children[7] 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. TAOE started with 33 volunteer artists.[8] Its initial workshops were offered at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
In January 2008, the organization initiated the Heaven gala, an annual fundraiser. The following year, in 2009, it expanded operations to New York City.[9] By 2012, the membership included 4,000 volunteer artists. The organization facilitated programs at 17 hospitals, hospices, special-needs schools and outpatient facilities in Los Angeles, and five hospitals in New York City. It later developed community programs for the elderly and homeless individuals. In December 2015, the organization announced a new chairman of the board, Timothy Headington, replacing Ryan Kavanaugh.[10] In January 2016, it partnered with SAG-AFTRA and the American Film Institute to complete 1 million hours of mentorship for young artists.[11]
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.[12] EBS raised $698,000 from an Indiegogo campaign to fund its initial three films. The studio's early film projects included Memoria and Yosemite. On January 9, 2017, its streaming network went live. The platform later featured a video series directed by Andrew Ondrejcak that included volunteer artists. In 2018, an EBS production, Obey Giant, won a Webby People's Voice Award in Film & Video – Documentary: Individual Episode Longform.[13]
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.[14] In 2018, it was reported to offer 110 programs per month and serve over 30,000 individuals per year.
Artist services
TAOE renders artist services through events, career resources, and financial awards.[15] 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.[16] [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.[18] In 2009, the organization first presented the event's Visionary award for creative merit. The award recipient organizes the event design and curates an art installation with their own conceptualization of heaven. TAOE also established the Spirit of Elysium award for artists' community service.
- Pieces of Heaven, initiated in 2008, is an annual art auction fundraiser in Los Angeles.[19]
- Little Pieces of Heaven is an arts showcase in Los Angeles[20] that includes the artwork of community program participants.[21]
- Genesis, initiated in 2009, is an annual art exhibit and concert fundraiser in Los Angeles.[22] [23]
- Paradis, initiated in 2009, is an annual fundraiser in Cannes, France.[24] [25]
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.[26]
- 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.[27]
- 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.[28]
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.[29]
- Shepard Fairey art installation. A socially distanced mural display at the Hollywood Palladium featuring the work of artist and activist Shepard Fairey.[30]
- Going Home: a picture show. A socially distanced installation featuring the work of immunocompromised artist Torie Zalben.[31]
- 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.[32]
- 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
- Forbes: How The Art Of Elysium's Celebrity-Packed Heaven Gala Is Helping The City Of Angels[33]
- Voyage LA Magazine: Meet Jennifer Howell of The Art of Elysium[34]
- LA Times: The Art of Elysium’s 10-year gala[35]
- The Hollywood Reporter: Artist Shepard Fairey Partners With Art of Elysium for Installation at Hollywood Palladium[36]
- Ok! Magazine: Art, Music, and Philanthropy Collide at The Art of Elysium's Glamorous Art Salon Attended by Christina Hendricks and Alicia Witt[37]
Award recipients
Notes and References
- Web site: Barker . Andrew . Art of Elysium’s Genesis Aims for Greater Scope . . 14 September 2019 . 3 September 2014 . 25 February 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210225060725/https://variety.com/2014/scene/lifestyle/art-of-elysiums-genesis-aims-for-greater-scope-1201293624/ . live .
- Web site: What We Do . 2023-10-09 . The Art of Elysium . en-US . 2023-11-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231121053856/https://www.theartofelysium.org/what-we-do . live .
- Web site: Laura Yarborough . Art of Elysium Raises Over $60,000 at ‘Pieces of Heaven’ Art Auction . . 11 October 2019 . 22 February 2013 . 26 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210126032639/https://hauteliving.com/2013/02/art-of-elysium-raises-over-60000-at-%E2%80%98pieces-of-heaven%E2%80%99-art-auction/343075/ . live .
- Web site: VoyageLA Staff . Meet Jennifer Howell of The Art of Elysium . VoyageLA . 14 September 2019 . 14 August 2018 . 31 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200731130726/http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-jennifer-howell-art-elysium-koreatown . live .
- Web site: Our Team . 2023-10-09 . The Art of Elysium . en-US.
- Web site: Jennifer Howell . 2023-10-09 . issuemagazine.com . en-US . 2023-10-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231004143307/http://www.issuemagazine.com/jennifer-howell/ . live .
- Web site: Arnold . Shayna Rose . L.A.’s Most Inspiring Women: Jennifer Howell . . 14 September 2019 . 10 September 2013 . 14 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200814022143/https://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/las-most-inspiring-women/6/ . live .
- Web site: Moore . Booth . L.A.'s Art of Elysium Charity Celebrating 20th Anniversary . . 14 September 2019 . 6 January 2017 . 2 April 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190402043634/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/las-art-elysium-charity-celebrating-20th-anniversary-961482 . live .
- Web site: WWD Staff . Art of Elysium Lands in NYC . . 13 September 2019 . 5 May 2009 . 4 March 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210304225920/https://wwd.com/eye/lifestyle/art-of-elysium-lands-in-nyc-2121689/ . live .
- Web site: Gardner . Chris . Ryan Kavanaugh Resigns as Art of Elysium's Chairman of Board, Replaced by Billionaire Timothy Headington . . 16 September 2019 . 11 December 2015 . 15 December 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151215031808/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ryan-kavanaugh-resigns-as-art-847879 . live .
- Web site: McNary . Dave . Art of Elysium Partners With SAG-AFTRA, AFI on Obama’s ‘Call to Arts . . 13 September 2019 . 7 January 2016 . 11 June 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180611121649/https://variety.com/2016/film/news/art-elysium-sag-aftra-afi-obama-1201674568/ . live .
- Web site: Rainey . James . James Franco Launches Nonprofit Film Studio With Art of Elysium Charity (EXCLUSIVE) . . 13 September 2019 . 10 February 2016 . 18 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190818011640/https://variety.com/2016/film/news/james-franco-art-of-elysium-nonprofit-1201701574/ . live .
- Web site: Obey Giant . . 16 September 2019 . 2018 . 3 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240703120651/https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2018/film-video/general/documentary-individual-episode-longform/obey-giant/?/ . live .
- Web site: Medina . Marcy . The Art of Elysium Launches Streaming Network Elysium Bandini Studios . . 13 September 2019 . 8 January 2017 . 3 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240703120651/https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draft:The_Art_of_Elysium&action=edit§ion=2 . live .
- Web site: Artist Services . 15 September 2019 . The Art of Elysium . 7 June 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190607175121/https://www.theartofelysium.org/artist-programs-services . live .
- Web site: Aguirre . Ashley . The Art of Elysium & Related Garments Celebrated Artist James Goldcrown . LaPalme Magazine . 14 September 2019 . 7 May 2017 . 27 February 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210227205936/https://lapalmemagazine.com/2017/05/the-art-of-elysium-related-garments-celebrated-artist-james-goldcrown/ . live .
- Web site: Reed . Ryan . Hear Rufus Wainwright’s Elegant Stevie Wonder Cover for Charity Project . . 14 September 2019 . 28 April 2017 . 3 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240703120726/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hear-rufus-wainwrights-elegant-stevie-wonder-cover-for-charity-project-193509/ . live .
- Web site: Bird . Cameron . Kris Jenner, Jennifer Garner, Rooney Mara, and More Attend The Art of Elysium’s Heaven . . 13 September 2019 . 10 January 2019 . 21 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201021043039/https://www.vogue.com/article/art-of-elysium-heaven-2019 . live .
- Web site: Yarborough . Laura . Art of Elysium Raises Over $60,000 at ‘Pieces of Heaven’ Art Auction . . 14 September 2019 . 22 February 2013 . 26 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210126032639/https://hauteliving.com/2013/02/art-of-elysium-raises-over-60000-at-%E2%80%98pieces-of-heaven%E2%80%99-art-auction/343075/ . live .
- Web site: Party Pics: Hollywood - Wild Horses Screening . . 14 September 2019 . 10 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140610092605/http://www.eonline.com/photos/204/party-pics-hollywood/339779 . live .
- Web site: Events . The Art of Elysium . 16 September 2019 . 7 June 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190607175120/https://www.theartofelysium.org/signature-events . live .
- Web site: The Creator's Project . GENESIS 2014 Celebrates The Work Of Emerging Artists . . 13 September 2019 . 3 September 2014 . 20 September 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200920055053/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mgpvyv/genesis-2014-celebrates-the-work-of-emerging-artists . live .
- Web site: WWD Staff . Rocking Out at the Art of Elysium’s Genesis Benefit . . 14 September 2019 . 30 August 2010 . 15 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210515102419/https://wwd.com/eye/parties/rocking-out-at-the-art-of-elysiums-genesis-benefit-3230965/ . live .
- Web site: Merriam . Allie . Jon Hamm, Kirsten Dunst, Vanessa Hudgens, and More Party For a Cause in Cannes . . 13 September 2019 . 16 May 2011 . 12 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191012044403/https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/Jon-Hamm-Pictures-Art-Elysium-Party-Cannes-16631845 . live .
- Web site: The Art of Elysium’s 6th Annual PARADIS presented by BidKind – 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival . . 16 September 2019.
- Web site: Eva Mendes and Cartier Show Their 'Love' for Art of Elysium . . 5 July 2022 . 12 June 2009 . 6 July 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220706003711/https://people.com/style/eva-mendes-and-cartier-show-their-love-for-art-of-elysium/ . live .
- Web site: L'Wren Scott's Memory Is Honored with an Art of Elysium Award in Her Name . . 6 July 2022 . 27 March 2014.
- Web site: Riley Keough and Zoë Kravitz host Tiffany & Co. HardWear collection party in L.A. . . 6 July 2022 . 27 April 2017 . 3 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240703120656/https://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-wwd-tiffany-co-hardwear-party-la-20170427-story.html . live .
- Web site: Martin . Brittany . Immersive Celebration Highlights Local Latinx Artists . . 6 July 2022 . 25 September 2020 . 19 May 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220519160929/https://www.lamag.com/culturefiles/driven-a-latinx-artist-celebration/ . live .
- Web site: Gardner . Chris . Artist Shepard Fairey Partners With Art of Elysium for Installation at Hollywood Palladium . . 7 July 2022 . 10 August 2020 . 7 July 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220707203849/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/artist-shepard-fairey-partners-art-elysium-installation-at-hollywood-palladium-1306369/ . live .
- Web site: Herrara . Jose . Art show conveys varying notions of home . Beverly Press . 7 July 2022 . 14 May 2020 . 16 June 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200616200624/https://beverlypress.com/2020/05/art-show-conveys-varying-notions-of-home/ . live .
- Web site: Bourn Kind: The Tiny Kindness Project . Tribeca Festival . 7 July 2022 . 7 July 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220707224301/https://tribecafilm.com/films/bourn-kind-the-tiny-kindness-project-2022 . live .
- Web site: Samaha . Barry . How The Art Of Elysium's Celebrity-Packed Heaven Gala Is Helping The City Of Angels . 2024-07-03 . Forbes . en . 2022-07-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220714233708/https://www.forbes.com/sites/barrysamaha/2019/01/08/art-of-elysium-heaven-gala-2019-celebrities-jennifer-howell-interview/ . live .
- Web site: Stories . Local . 2018-08-14 . Meet Jennifer Howell of The Art of Elysium - Voyage LA Magazine LA City Guide . 2024-07-03 . en-US.
- Web site: 2008-01-15 . The Art of Elysium's 10-year gala . 2024-07-03 . Los Angeles Times . en-US . 2022-01-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220122204949/https://www.latimes.com/newsletters/topofthetimes/la-ig-0120-elysium-pg-photogallery.html . live .
- Web site: Gardner . Chris . 2020-08-10 . Artist Shepard Fairey Partners With Art of Elysium for Installation at Hollywood Palladium . 2024-07-03 . The Hollywood Reporter . en-US . 2024-05-10 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240510200831/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/artist-shepard-fairey-partners-art-elysium-installation-at-hollywood-palladium-1306369/ . live .
- Web site: Staff . OK! . 2023-07-16 . Art, Music, and Philanthropy Collide at The Art of Elysium's Glamorous Art Salon Attended by Christina Hendricks and Alicia Witt . 2024-07-03 . OK Magazine . en-US . 2023-09-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230930091910/https://okmagazine.com/p/art-music-philanthropy-collide-art-of-elysium-art-salon-christina-hendricks-alicia-witt/ . live .
- Web site: Siegel . Tatiana . Sheridan sets heavenly affair . . 14 September 2019 . 11 January 2009 . 25 February 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210225063318/https://variety.com/2009/film/markets-festivals/sheridan-sets-heavenly-affair-1117998348/ . live .
- Web site: Samaha . Barry . How The Art Of Elysium's Celebrity-Packed Heaven Gala Is Helping The City Of Angels . Forbes.com . 14 September 2019 . 8 January 2019 . 31 December 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191231221723/https://www.forbes.com/sites/barrysamaha/2019/01/08/art-of-elysium-heaven-gala-2019-celebrities-jennifer-howell-interview/#39e067812ebc . live .
- Web site: Oliver . Ellen . Art of Elysium's black-tie gala 'Heaven,' and LACMA's dancing benefit . . 14 September 2019 . 24 January 2010 . 3 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240703121203/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jan-24-la-ig-scene24-2010jan24-story.html . live .
- Web site: WWD Staff . The Art of Elysium Brings Out the Stars . . 13 September 2019 . 22 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211022235326/https://wwd.com/eye/parties/art-of-elysium-gala-3426947/ . live .
- Web site: Brown . Rachel . Art of Elysium Gala Honors Colleen Atwood . . 14 September 2019 . 13 January 2013 . 3 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240703121301/https://secure.adnxs.com/ttj?ttjb=1&bdc=1720008781&bdh=Px4ftMA2PICePlJDDi1fUc0kNuw.&&bdref=https%3A%2F%2Fwwd.com%2Ffeature%2Fart-of-elysium-gala-honors-colleen-atwood-6602627-456274%2F&bdtop=true&bdifs=1&bstk=https%3A%2F%2Fwwd.com%2Ffeature%2Fart-of-elysium-gala-honors-colleen-atwood-6602627-456274%2F,https%3A%2F%2Fwwd.com%2Ffeature%2Fart-of-elysium-gala-honors-colleen-atwood-6602627-456274%2F&&id=32969318&cb=[CACHEBUSTER] . live .
- Web site: Oliver . Ellen . ‘Heaven’ on Earth . . 13 September 2019 . 30 December 2012 . 3 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240703121205/https://www.latimes.com/fashion/alltherage/la-ig-art-of-elysium-20121230-story.html . live .
- Web site: Oliver . Ellen . Songwriter Linda Perry will get the party started at Heaven Gala . . 13 September 2019 . 17 December 2013 . 26 February 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210226023744/https://www.latimes.com/fashion/alltherage/la-ar-songwriter-linda-perry-will-get-the-party-started-at-heaven-gala-20131217-story.html . live .
- Web site: Harris . Jenn . Ali Larter and husband to receive Spirit of Elysium award . . 13 September 2019 . 24 January 2013 . 29 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200729070101/https://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-xpm-2013-jan-24-la-ar-ali-larter-and-husband-to-receive-spirit-of-elysium-award-20130124-story.html . live .
- Web site: Clott Kanter . Sharon . The Art of Elysium 8th Annual Heaven Gala Is An All-Out Pajama Party with Amber Heard, Johnny Depp, Marina Abramovic and More . . 13 September 2019 . 11 January 2015 . 29 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201029232850/https://www.instyle.com/news/art-elysium-8th-annual-heaven-gala-all-out-pajama-party-amber-heard-johnny-depp-marina . live .
- Web site: McKenzie . Lesly . Dame Vivienne Westwood, Andreas Kronthaler Imagine Heaven for Art of Elysium Gala . . 13 September 2019 . 10 January 2016 . 29 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201029052625/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/vivienne-westwood-andreas-kronthaler-host-853852 . live .
- Web site: Bird . Cameron . Stevie Wonder’s Heaven: Inside the 10th Annual Art of Elysium Heaven Gala . . 13 September 2019 . 8 January 2017 . 29 July 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190729035947/https://www.vogue.com/article/art-of-elysium-heaven-gala-2017 . live .
- Web site: Bird . Cameron . John Legend Brings Hollywood to Heaven at Art of Elysium’s 11th Annual Gala . . 13 September 2019 . 7 January 2018 . 10 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200810062158/https://www.vogue.com/article/art-of-elysium-heaven-gala-john-legend-2018 . live .
- Web site: Huver . Scott . John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Amber Heard Party at The Art of Elysium Heaven Gala . . 13 September 2019 . 7 January 2018 . 29 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201129145815/https://wwd.com/eye/parties/taoe-heaven-gala-2018-john-legend-chrissy-teigen-amber-heard-11087698/ . live .
- Web site: Geschwind . Max . Lily Collins, Rain Phoenix Attend Art of Elysium's Charitable Art Auction . . 13 September 2019 . 9 September 2018 . 1 March 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074629/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/art-elysium-hosts-pieces-heaven-charitable-art-auction-1141455 . live .
- Web site: Miller . Jeff . Dave Grohl and Friends (and Daughter) Deliver Nirvana Classics at Art of Elysium Gala . . 9 January 2020 . 5 January 2020 . 6 January 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200106153300/https://variety.com/2020/music/news/dave-grohl-nirvana-daughter-beck-st-vincent-art-elysium-video-watch-1203456958/ . live .
- Web site: Nordstrom . Leigh . Peter Dundas to Be Art of Elysium’s 2020 Visionary . . 13 September 2019 . 19 March 2019 . 24 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201024041855/https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/peter-dundas-to-be-art-of-elysiums-2020-visionary-1203086654/ . live .
- Web site: 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 . . 4 July 2022 . 18 October 2021 . 3 July 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240703121206/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2021/10/18/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-131212/20211018lifetime01/ . live .