The Art of Elysium has announced the 2017 VISIONARY and SPIRIT OF ELYSIUM recipients for the organization’s tenth annual HEAVEN.
Stevie Wonder has been chosen to conceptualize his vision of HEAVEN and Camilla Belle is being honored with the 2017 SPIRIT OF ELYSIUM award for her continued support and tireless volunteerism. HEAVEN is The Art of Elysium’s largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds directly supporting the organizations’ programs and services and expanding its mission to empower artists and communities of need to join together and emotionally triumph over their circumstances through art.
“The Art of Elysium literally translates into the art of Heaven,” said founder Jennifer Howell. “Artists are creators with a platform that can alter the way people experience the world around them, particularly during challenges or crisis-driven situations. Our volunteers are inspired through their acts of service and creating from a place of compassion, resulting in their artistry becoming a catalyst for social change and transformation.”
Each year the organization chooses a VISIONARY to create his or her version of “HEAVEN”, through an experiential evening of art & culture to be unveiled during the gala. Musical legend, Stevie Wonder and his highly conceptualized evening will be unveiled January 7, 2017.
Christine and Dr. Gabriel Chiu along with Kaily and Adam Westbrook are co-chairing the event.
As 2017 celebrates 20 years of The Art of Elysium’s service in the community, the creative direction will be under the vision of Shepard and Amanda Fairey and Studio Number One.
Past VISIONARIES include: Vivienne Westwood & Andreas Kronthaler, Marina Abramović, Linda Perry, Colleen Atwood, Cameron Silver, Mark Mothersbaugh, Shepard Fairey and Jim Sheridan.
In addition to an unrivaled artistic experience which incorporates the four main artistic disciplines that make up the organization’s self-sustaining model for philanthropic expression—music, fine art, fashion and theatre/media arts, the charity will present its highest honor, THE SPIRIT OF ELYSIUM award within Wonder’s HEAVEN. This is given to artists who have shown incredible initiative, sincerity and consistency in volunteering and giving their heart to The Art of Elysium. The 2017 SPIRIT OF ELYSIUM award recipient is Camilla Belle.
Jennifer Howell says, “All of the past and present SPIRIT OF ELYSIUM award recipients are so much more than supporters, they are family to me. Camilla has been part of The AofE family for over 10 years and has given endless hours volunteering, raising money and supporting us through her art. She just completed filming the MAD WHALE where she was the lead of the film with 100% of the profits coming in to support our community service programs. I am absolutely elated to honor her for all that she has given.” Past SPIRIT OF ELYSIUM Award Recipients are: Finola Hughes & Russell Young, Amber Heard, Ali Larter & Hayes MacArthur, David Arquette, Elijah Wood, James Franco, Kirsten Dunst and Eva Mendes.
“I am honored and humbled to be receiving the Spirit of Elysium award for being involved with an organization that I believe in so deeply,” said Camilla Belle. “The Art of Elysium has become a part of my daily life over the years, and I couldn’t be more grateful to Jen for creating a platform for artists to give back to the community in such a meaningful way.”
For more information regarding tickets or general inquiries about The Art of Elysium, please contact Allison Beck at abeck@theartofelysium.org
