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In a dazzling fusion of art, music, and philanthropy, The Art of Elysium’s Art Salon recently hosted an extraordinary event to pay tribute to the accomplished visual artist Sébastien Léon. The glittering affair, held on July 12th, 2023, in Los Angeles, brought together a constellation of art enthusiasts, philanthropists, and notable personalities for a night of inspiration and celebration.
The Art Salon, an esteemed initiative by The Art of Elysium Charity, serves as a dynamic platform where artists, thought leaders, philanthropists, and brands converge, igniting a powerful synergy between art and philanthropy. Founded by Jennifer Howell, The Art of Elysium is a renowned charitable organization dedicated to bringing the transformative power of the arts to communities and individuals in need. Their tireless efforts encompass over 100 programs per month, reaching an astounding 300 thousand people annually. From delivering music to children in hospitals to providing artistic experiences to those in hospice care, their mission revolves around bringing joy and healing through the arts.
Sébastien Léon, a devoted volunteer for The Art of Elysium, has left an indelible mark through his artistic contributions. Hailing from France and currently residing in Los Angeles, Léon is a highly talented multimedia artist renowned for his exploratory and thought-provoking creations. With a unique blend of painting, sculpture, and installations, Léon crafts immersive experiences that delve into profound themes of identity, memory, and the essence of humanity. His art offers viewers a captivating perspective on the complexities of life, leaving a lasting impression.
The event honoring Sébastien Léon commenced promptly at seven o’clock, welcoming guests with a radiant neon sign that read “Heaven.” This illuminated homage paid tribute to the charity’s signature event and cleverly aligned with its name. Attired in elegant fashion, attendees encompassed a diverse array of backgrounds and industries, united by their shared passion for the arts and unwavering support for the charity’s mission.
During the cocktail hour, guests indulged in a delectable assortment of culinary delights. From luscious fondue and tantalizing charcuterie to a curated selection of exquisite wines and champagnes, generously provided by Terra Firma, the palate was treated to a symphony of flavors. A nod to Léon’s French heritage, the event featured signature French 75 cocktails, lending an air of sophistication to the festivities.
The unveiling of Léon’s exclusive limited edition print, “The Dream Machine,” took center stage as a highlight of the evening. With only 100 sets available, attendees had the opportunity to acquire a unique piece of Léon’s captivating artwork for $100.00 per piece. Those eager to obtain a coveted print could secure their purchase through The Art of Elysium’s website. This rare offering allowed art enthusiasts to take a piece of Léon’s captivating vision home with them.
Adding a melodic touch to the ambiance, the acclaimed artist Claude Fontaine took the stage accompanied by guitarist Kleber Jorge. Their soul-stirring performance resonated through the crowd during the cocktail hour, enchanting the audience with their artistic prowess.
Following the musical interlude, guests were escorted to the elegant Restoration Hardware art salon, where they were treated to a delightful French dinner. Esteemed chefs Damien Sylvester and Quinn Goodness, alongside the skilled team from Catering of Paris, prepared a sumptuous feast. The menu showcased three savory crepes, including vegan options, accompanied by a mouthwatering dessert crepe and an array of vibrant French salads.
Throughout the event, Maureen Lee Consilvio, Development Director, and CEO & Founder Jennifer Howell delivered poignant speeches, shedding light on The Art of Elysium’s mission and the profound impact of art in the healing process. A captivating Q&A session ensued, featuring Sébastien Léon and Arts of Elysium Founder Jennifer Howell, as they delved into the artist’s creative process and its profound connection to the #artheals movement. The engaging dialogue left guests enthralled and inspired.
Notable figures from the art and philanthropic communities graced the event with their presence. Among them were Sébastien Léon himself, the soulful Claude Fontaine, the multi-talented Alicia Witt, the captivating Christina Hendricks of “Mad Men” fame, the accomplished Dr. Jay Wellons (author and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Vanderbilt University), Dr. Melissa Wellons, the brilliant Melanie Pullen, and the fabulous Charlayne Woodard, currently captivating audiences in “Secret Invasion” and “Mayfair Witches.” Their attendance further elevated the evening’s significance and underscored the event’s impact.
The Art Salon’s celebration honoring Sébastien Léon proved to be a resounding success, uniting art enthusiasts, philanthropists, and talented individuals to honor the transformative power of art. Through an immersive experience of art, music, and philanthropy, this exceptional gathering emphasized the ability of art to inspire healing and positive change. The event left an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to be in attendance, a testament to the enduring influence of art in our lives.
