The Art of Elysium has announced the 2018 Visionary and Spirit of Elysium recipients for the 11th annual “HEAVEN”. John Legend will unveil his version of HEAVEN on January 6, 2018. Actress Shanola Hampton (Viv from the hit show “Shameless”) will be honored with the Spirit of Elysium award for her generous contributions to the charity.
The Art of Elysium is a non-profit that was founded by Jennifer Howell. The charity encourages actors, artists, and musicians to volunteer their time and talent to programs dedicated to hospitalized youth, homeless shelters, special needs education centers, 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.
HEAVEN is a one night artistic installation curated by a chosen visionary. The Visionary is selected based on their creative contribution to the community. Critically acclaimed, multi-award winning, singer/songwriter John Legend was chosen as this years Visionary due to his work in the #FREEAMERICA campaign which is designed to change the national conversation on our country’s misguided policies and make a change in the criminal justice system. “Heaven is love, light and laughter,” says Legend. “I want to create an experience that celebrates love and justice, truth and light, and the joy that connects us all.” Legend attended last years’ HEAVEN which was envisioned by Stevie Wonder. Legend was so inspired by Wonder’s HEAVEN that he was inclined to take on the role of Visionary for this year’s event. Legend pays tribute to Wonder in his cover of “Signed Sealed Delivered (I’m Yours)” which can be listened to HERE. “We are so excited to celebrate John Legend as the VISIONARY for HEAVEN, 2018,” says The Art of Elysium founder, Jennifer Howell. “To honor John as a husband, father and artist is incredibly humbling. The light and love that John is creating through his VISION is needed in our world now, more than ever. John represents the ideals of The Art of Elysium. Using his art as a catalyst for change, John illuminates truth, joy and the love for humanity. Celebrating the generosity and creative dedication of one of my dearest friends, Shanola Hampton, as the SPIRIT OF ELYSIUM during John’s HEAVEN, is nothing short of kismet.” For more information on the event, organization, or how to become a sponsor, contact Tash Sakkas at tsakkas@theartofelysium.orgFor press inquiries contact Marcel Pariseau At marcel@truepublications.com or Emily Hessel At emily@truepublicrelations.com
