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It was a night of glamor, art, and star-studded philanthropy as The Art Salon, an extravagant affair hosted by The Art of Elysium Charity, rolled out the red carpet to honor the talented visual artist Sébastien Léon. The event, held on July 12th, 2023, in the heart of Los Angeles, brought together a dazzling array of art enthusiasts, philanthropists, and notable personalities for an unforgettable evening.
The brainchild of Jennifer Howell, The Art of Elysium is a charity powerhouse dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of the arts for communities and individuals in need. With over 100 programs each month, touching the lives of a whopping 300 thousand people annually, their work spans from serenading hospitalized children with soulful melodies to delivering artistic experiences to those in hospice care. They truly understand the magic of art and its healing touch.
Sébastien Léon, a true champion of The Art of Elysium’s cause, has made an indelible mark through his extraordinary artistic contributions. Hailing from France, this multi-talented artist has found his muse in the vibrant streets of Los Angeles. Léon’s captivating art combines various mediums such as painting, sculpture, and installations, sweeping audiences into immersive experiences. His profound explorations of identity, memory, and the human condition offer viewers a fresh and unique perspective on life’s complexities.
As the clock struck seven, guests began to arrive, greeted by the glowing neon Heaven sign, a playful nod to the charity’s signature event and its celestial aspirations. Dressed to impress, attendees from diverse backgrounds and industries united under the banner of art appreciation and charitable endeavors.
The cocktail hour proved to be a gastronomic delight, with guests indulging in a delectable spread of fondue, charcuterie, and an exquisite selection of wines and champagnes courtesy of the generous Terra Firma. Raising a glass to Léon’s French heritage, the crowd savored signature French 75 cocktails, adding a touch of elegance and joie de vivre to the glamorous affair.
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of Léon’s exclusive limited edition print, tantalizingly titled “The Dream Machine.” With only 100 sets up for grabs, attendees clamored to acquire a piece of Léon’s captivating artwork, available at the modest price of $100.00 per print. Keen buyers can secure their slice of artistic enchantment through The Art of Elysium’s website, ensuring a one-of-a-kind addition to their prized collections.
To further elevate the event’s ambiance, the talented songstress Claude Fontaine took to the stage, serenading the captivated audience with her soulful melodies. Accompanied by the gifted guitarist Kleber Jorge, the duo set the tone for an evening of artistic appreciation, leaving attendees spellbound.
Following the captivating musical performance, guests were escorted to the opulent Restoration Hardware art salon, where they were treated to a sumptuous French dinner. Renowned chefs Damien Sylvester and Quinn Goodness, in collaboration with the skilled team from Catering of Paris, crafted a menu that showcased three delectable savory crepes, including mouthwatering vegan options. The feast reached its crescendo with an irresistible dessert crepe and an array of vibrant French salads, leaving taste buds dancing with delight.
Throughout the event, Maureen Lee Consilvio, the Development Director, and the visionary CEO & Founder Jennifer Howell took the stage, delivering insightful speeches that shed light on The Art of Elysium’s noble mission and the transformative power of art in the healing process. Dinner was followed by an engaging Q&A session featuring Sébastien Léon and the esteemed Arts of Elysium Founder, Jennifer Howell. Their intriguing conversation delved deep into Léon’s creative process and its profound connection to the #artheals movement, sparking inspiration and contemplation.
The event attracted a glittering array of notable guests, including the man of the hour, Sébastien Léon, the enchanting singer Claude Fontaine, the multi-talented Alicia Witt, the mesmerizing Christina Hendricks of “Mad Men” fame, the illustrious Dr. Jay Wellons, author of “All That Moves Us” and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Vanderbilt University, alongside the brilliant Dr. Melissa Wellons, the dazzling Melanie Pullen, and the captivating Charlayne Woodard, currently stealing the spotlight in “Secret Invasion” and “Mayfair Witches.” These respected figures from the art and philanthropic communities added an extra layer of allure and glamor to the star-studded affair.
The Art Salon’s event honoring Sébastien Léon proved to be a sensational success, uniting art enthusiasts, philanthropists, and talented individuals in a celebration of art’s transformative power. With its heady mix of glitz, inspiration, and positive change, the night left an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to be part of this enchanting experience, reminding us that art truly has the power to captivate hearts and heal souls.
