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The Art of Elysium recently played host to two remarkable Art Salons. The first of these salons was a captivating collaboration with The Good Patch and the gifted artist Tasya Van Ree, while the other was dedicated to honoring Shanola Hampton‘s lifelong dedication to the world of arts. These Art Salons, which have become a cherished tradition for the charity, seamlessly blending a fantastic evening of art, altruism, and celebration, all while raising funds for a noble cause. And trust me, they didn’t disappoint!
Since founding The Art of Elysium Foundation in 1997, Jennifer Howell, the creative visionary behind this amazing organization, has always been a staunch advocate for the healing power of the arts. Originally started as a way to provide arts programs for hospitalized children, The Art of Elysium has grown into a diverse array of 110 programs that offers workshops to struggling communities as well as resources to artists. This organization touches the lives of more than 30,000 individuals each year.
The first of these Art Salons showcased the wellness brand “The Good Patch’s” recent collaboration with artist Tasya Van Ree in order to design a limited edition wearable patch collection to raise money for The Art of Elysium. Tasya Van Ree has been a long time supporter of TAOE and its mission of wellness and healing through art and this evening further celebrated this.
The second Art Salon honored and celebrated Shanola Hampton, a well-known actress and producer who has played an integral role in the organization’s journey for over two decades. Her unwavering dedication spans various facets of Elysium’s mission, from the theater program to the empowering Girl Talk initiative. In recognition of her relentless creativity, growth, and service, she was rightfully honored with the prestigious Art of Elysium’s Spirit Award back in 2018.
Both evenings were graced by a star-studded guest list, featuring big names from the realms of entertainment, art, music, and philanthropy. The first event laid out its red carpet for of notable figures like Kelly Osbourne, Sammi Rotibi, Breana Tiesi, and Matthew Hoffman, while the second salon had the honor of having Jeremy Allen-White, Mark Paul Gosselar, Cameron Monaghan, and Azie Tesfai in attendance, adding even more Hollywood star power to the mix.
For both events, the space was thoughtfully planned out and designed for the highest level experience. Upon entering, guests were welcomed into a beautifully designed studio space filled with art graciously donated by TAOE’s vast network of Artists. The cocktail hour featured a Blue Lotus Bar, designed by Laurent Rebuffel for Kimberly Denman design. It came complete with a Sub-Zero wine fridge stocked by The Luxury Kitchen. The cocktails featuring olive-infused vodka from Kástra Elión perfectly complemented mouth watering appetizers. And trust me, the Queso dip with crudités and deviled eggs were an absolute hit!
In addition to the visual and culinary treats of the evenings, both salons featured fantastic musical performances that enhanced the ambiance of the events. At the first salon, guests had the honor of listening to a performance by musician Zack Arnett. During the evening honoring Shanhola Hampton, guests were treated to two different performances from Savannah Rivers and Akira Galaxy. While Rivers filled ears with beautiful melodies, Akira, also mesmerized her audience with her single “Virtual Eyes”.
Now, let’s talk food! On both occasions, the guests were treated to a dinner in the Restoration Hardware dining room. The first Art Salon featured innovative Mediterranean cuisine by Kitchen Mouse, with the second, experiencing Chef Teri Portugal Gooden’s Southern Cuisine.
Jennifer Howell’s heartfelt speeches on both nights truly embodied Art of Elysium’s mission for her guests. Jennifer was able to poignantly highlight the shared history and the sense of purpose and belonging found in the assembly of friends, family, and collaborators, all united by the spirit of giving.
After successfully returning in 2022, post COVID, with an event honoring artists Jack Winthrop and Nats Getty, The charity organization has continued hosting high profile Art Salons. Earlier this year, TAOE hosted Salons celebrating Nikki Reed’s “Into the Unknown ‘‘ and Sébastien Léon’s “Dream Machine,”. Each of these events featured limited edition art prints available for purchase through the Charity’s print shop, with all proceeds benefiting the Charity’s many programs.
The Art of Elysium continues to shine as a beacon of hope and healing through the arts, serving as a constant reminder of the profound impact that creativity and generosity can have on our lives and communities. With each Art Salon, the organization reinforces its commitment to nurturing artistic expression and promoting wellness, ensuring that the legacy of these inspiring gatherings extends far beyond the glittering lights of Los Angeles.
