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Lights, cameras, and masterpieces! The Art Salon, brought to you by The Art of Elysium Charity, threw a soirée to pay tribute to the awe-inspiring visual virtuoso Sébastien Léon. This star-studded extravaganza, held on July 12th, 2023, in glamorous Los Angeles, brought together a bevy of art aficionados, big-hearted benefactors, and a who’s who of the elite for a night to remember.
Under the brilliant guidance of the visionary Jennifer Howell, The Art of Elysium has evolved into a charitable powerhouse, dedicated to unleashing the awe-inspiring power of the arts upon communities and individuals in need. With over 100 programs each month, touching the lives of 300 thousand people annually, their mission ranges from serenading sick kids with healing melodies in hospitals to gifting terminally ill patients with awe-inspiring artistic experiences.
Enter Sébastien Léon, the artistic trailblazer and dedicated volunteer extraordinaire for The Art of Elysium. Hailing from the land of love, France, and now making waves in Los Angeles, Léon’s thought-provoking and boundary-pushing creations have captivated audiences far and wide. His knack for seamlessly blending painting, sculpture, and installations to create mind-blowing immersive experiences has given him his status as a true artistic maestro. Exploring the depths of identity, memory, and the human condition, Léon offers a fresh perspective that leaves onlookers spellbound.
The festivities kicked off with a bang at the stroke of seven, as guests were greeted by a dazzling neon Heaven sign—an enchanting nod to the charity’s legendary event and a befitting salute to its celestial aspirations. Dressed to impress, attendees from all walks of life and industries mingled, their hearts aligned by a shared love for the arts and a burning desire to support The Art of Elysium’s noble cause.
The cocktail hour proved to be a culinary delight, with guests indulging in a mouthwatering array of fondue, charcuterie, and a selection of top-shelf wines and champagnes generously provided by Terra Firma. Raising their glasses high, the crowd toasted to Léon’s French heritage with the signature French 75 cocktails, imbuing the evening with an extra dose of sophistication and joie de vivre.
But the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the unveiling of Léon’s exclusive limited edition print, aptly titled “The Dream Machine.” With only a hundred sets up for grabs, attendees fought tooth and nail to snag a piece of Léon’s mesmerizing artistry, each print priced at a pocket-friendly $100.00. Art enthusiasts eager to own a slice of Léon’s captivating vision can secure their coveted print through The Art of Elysium’s website, immortalizing his brilliance in their personal collections.
Setting the mood with soulful melodies, the enchanting Claude Fontaine took the stage, accompanied by the virtuosic guitarist Kleber Jorge. Their transcendent three-song set enraptured the audience, whisking them away on a melodic journey of artistic appreciation that left hearts aching for more.
As the night progressed, guests were escorted to the elegant Restoration Hardware art salon, where they were treated to a sumptuous feast prepared by Damien Sylvester and Quinn Goodness, alongside the culinary wizards from Catering of Paris. The menu boasted a triumphant trio of savory crepes, featuring delectable vegan options, followed by a tantalizing dessert crepe and a selection of vibrant French salads that had taste buds doing cartwheels of joy.
But the evening was far from over as Maureen Lee Consilvio, the brilliant Development Director, and the dynamic CEO & Founder Jennifer Howell took the stage, delivering rousing speeches that shed light on The Art of Elysium’s lofty mission and the life-altering power of art in the healing process. The speeches segued into an enthralling Q&A session featuring Sébastien Léon and the extraordinary Arts of Elysium Founder, Jennifer Howell, diving deep into the artist’s creative process and its profound connection to the mesmerizing #artheals movement, leaving guests spellbound and inspired.
Of course, no star-studded affair would be complete without a roster of notable guests. In attendance was the man of the hour himself, Sébastien Léon, along with the sultry songstress Claude Fontaine, the multi-talented Alicia Witt, the bewitching Christina Hendricks of “Mad Men” fame, the genius behind the written word Dr. Jay Wellons (Chief of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Vanderbilt University), accompanied by his equally remarkable wife, Dr. Melissa Wellons. Adding to the star power were the dazzling artist Melanie Pullen, and the magnetic Charlayne Woodard, currently commanding attention in “Secret Invasion” and “Mayfair Witches.” These luminaries from the worlds of art and philanthropy sprinkled an extra dash of glitz and glamour onto the already shimmering affair.
The Art Salon’s unforgettable celebration, honoring the inimitable Sébastien Léon, delivered a knockout punch, uniting art enthusiasts, big-hearted benefactors, and a constellation of talent to revel in the awe-inspiring transformative power of art. The night served as a breathtaking reminder that art possesses the rare ability to inspire healing and ignite positive change. This captivating event left an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to bear witness, etching the beauty of artistic enchantment into their souls.
