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In a glittering evening where art met heart, The Art of Elysium shone the spotlight on the exceptional actress and producer, Shanola Hampton, at their famed Art Salon gathering in the City of Angels.
A force to reckon with in the entertainment industry, Hampton’s unwavering support for The Art of Elysium spans over two decades. Recognized for her pivotal roles across screens big and small, her dedication to the charity’s myriad causes, like the theater initiative and the poignant Girl Talk campaign, won her the prestigious Spirit Award in 2018. On this gala evening, Shanola’s luminous presence, surrounded by family across generations, peers, and dedicated volunteers, epitomized the magic of uniting art and giving.
The illustrious guest list boasted Hollywood’s finest: Jeremy Allen-White, Mark-Paul Gosselar, Kelli Williams, and Cameron Monaghan,Chrishell Stause, Rain Phoenix, Sterling Jones and Emma Rose Kenney to name a few.
The night’s rendezvous began at the chic Blue Lotus Bar. Guests were treated to exquisite olive-infused vodka cocktails, a gracious offering from Kástra Elión, while musical maestros Savannah Rivers and Akira Galaxy set the tone, echoing the evening’s theme of art’s transformative essence.
The charity’s vision was powerfully conveyed by its founder, Jennifer Howell, and the woman of the hour, Shanola Hampton. Both delved deep into art’s unparalleled role in nurturing communities and fostering personal evolution. Their heartfelt speeches spotlighted the indispensable act of championing creative minds and celebrated the deep ties cultivated over years of partnership.
Chef Teri Portugal Gooden’s culinary artistry was on full display, enchanting guests with a curated dinner that seamlessly blended Southern classics with a contemporary twist. Chef Teri Portugal Gooden’s curated dinner was a culinary masterpiece, marrying Southern classics with a modern flair.
Susanna Guevara’s soul-stirring performance echoed the evening and served as a perfect reflection of the evening’s overarching theme – the healing and unifying potential of art. Her captivating presence on stage resonated deeply with the charity’s mission, underlining the capacity of art to transcend boundaries and touch the hearts of all who experience it. It was a night where the senses were treated to a symphony of flavors and emotions, further reinforcing The Art of Elysium’s commitment to making a positive impact through artistic expression.
More than a celebration, The Art Salon event was a testament to the transformative role of art-focused philanthropy in strengthening communities and ushering in positive shifts. The Art Salon event transcended the boundaries of a traditional celebration, embodying the true essence of art-focused philanthropy. It underscored the remarkable power of art to heal, unite, and catalyze positive change within communities.
Through the poignant speeches of founder Jennifer Howell and honoree Shanola Hampton, the event highlighted the profound impact of championing creative minds and nurturing the human spirit through artistic expression. The evening’s fusion of music, culinary artistry, and soul-stirring performances reinforced the charity’s mission to use art as a medium to uplift and inspire. It was a testament to the enduring legacy of The Art of Elysium and its unwavering commitment to making the world a better place through the transformative force of art.
Find out more about how to get involved in The Art of Elysium and support their work at https://www.theartofelysium.org/
