Press Release – Los Angeles, CA – it was announced today that The Art of Elysium will celebrate its 20th Anniversary with an Art Auction and Exhibition on Thursday, August 17th, 2017 from 7:00pm-10:00pm at the there-there (4859 Fountain Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029) gallery in Hollywood. In celebration of this milestone, the organization looks back at having started its non-profit program to inspire others through artistic expression with their very first workshop which took place on August 17th, 1997.
The 20th Anniversary event sponsors include Postmates with support from Moët & Chandon. The affair anticipates hosting approx. 200-250 supporters and influencers in the arts and entertainment community exhibiting 20 pieces of art including works from Gary Baseman, George Byrne, Shepard Fairey, James Georgopoulos, Rives Granade, Lauren Greenfield, Todd Hido, Oliver Jeffers, Sebastien Leon, Ryan McCann, Wayne Pate, Enoc Perez, Fay Ray, Rob Reynolds, Gregory Siff, Cole Sternberg, Jordan Sullivan, James Verbicky, Nathan Wong and Russell Young.
Domenica Dunlap and Eli Consilvio have curated the art for the 20th Anniversary Auction. The auction lots will be previewed online Monday, August 14th via Paddle8.com. Paddle8 and The Art of Elysium have partnered for 5 years running.
Online bidding for the auction lots will open at the anniversary event on August 17th and will end on Tuesday, August 29th in conjunction with a private cocktail gathering for the donating artists and the Charity’s strongest supporters.
Additionally, the D. Michael Rust Foundation will be hosting a special showcase highlighting works of art from those served by volunteer artists in the community. It is an exhibition of empowerment through art for all of the communities the organization serves.
AOE Founder Jennifer Howell had this to say, “It is emotionally overwhelming to reflect on the past 20 years of The Art of Elysium. Remembering the patients, the parents, the elders, and the people on the street that we have been able to serve through artistic expression is humbling to say the least. From the very first workshop on August 17, 1997, one thing has never changed and that is my belief in the artists who create and use that act of creation to inspire others. We have always been an artist’s charity first and foremost because without their gifts then we would have nothing to bring to those we are fortunate enough to serve. These artists dedicate their creative process, time, heart and soul to inspire people who are facing some of the most difficult challenges in life. As we look towards the next 20 years of service and growth, we remember all of the beautiful moments of both spiritual and human connections made over the years, keep in mind the hurdles, obstacles and challenges that have taught us to persevere and always hold to the vision of what we are trying to accomplish and call for the artistic community to come together and make certain that art and creation is available to everyone.”
About there-there
Founded as a partnership between artist Anthony James and curator Lauri Firstenberg, there-there is a gallery space in East Hollywood positioned as a platform to produce exhibitions, films and editions. Fueled by a mutual desire to support artists and the local community there-there is delighted for this collaboration. The Art of Elysium’s 20th Anniversary will be there-there’s inaugural event.
About Paddle8
Founded in 2011, Paddle8 brings the tradition-bound auction world into the 21st century. Offering a seamless online process, Paddle8 makes collecting and selling art online an easy, efficient, and enjoyable experience. Paddle8 features specialist-curated auctions, nonprofit auctions, private and buy-now sales in the categories of Post-War and Contemporary Art, Prints and Multiples, Photographs, Street Art, and Collectibles. Paddle8 is especially proud to partner with more than 350 nonprofit organizations worldwide to present their benefit auctions to a global community of 500,000 collectors, helping each organization expand its fundraising results.
About Postmates
Postmates is transforming the way goods move around cities by enabling anyone to have anything delivered on-demand. Their revolutionary Urban Logistics platform connects customers with local couriers who can deliver anything from any store or restaurant in minutes. They empower communities to shop local without waiting and empower businesses to deliver through their API: www.postmates.com
About The Art of Elysium
The Art of Elysium is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, founded by Jennifer Howell. 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of the charity which encourages actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to programs dedicated to hospitalized youth, special needs education centers, homeless shelters, elder care homes and hospice care facilities. The programs include Visual Arts, Fashion & Design, Music & Movement as well as Theatre & Film. Each program is designed to support individuals in the midst of difficult emotional life challenges like illness, hospitalization, displacement, confinement, and/or crisis by providing a variety of creative tools to help them realize relief, happiness, liberation and self-empowerment through exploration and expression. The Art of Elysium incorporates a full circle approach by engaging emerging artists in inspiring acts of service helping them to forge opportunities for them to share their creativity in diverse and meaningful ways. They support and acknowledge their volunteer artists by providing platforms to showcase their art within the community. Last year, The Art of Elysium formed Elysium Bandini Studios (EBS) a film studio and video streaming platform featuring films, documentaries and interviews produced and distributed by EBS to raise funds and awareness in support of young artists and filmmakers as well as The Art of Elysium’s charitable programs. Launched by Jennifer Howell, alongside co-founders James Franco and Vince Jolivette, EBS offers curated content that combines emerging filmmakers with all-star talent to promote the arts and freedom of expression while benefiting the community For more information, please visit: www.theartofelysium.org and on EBS click here.
