Look To The Stars News: The Art of Elysium

Elijah Wood To Be Honored At Charity Gala

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

On January 14th, the night before the Golden Globes, The Art of Elysium will celebrate its fifth annual HEAVEN Gala, honoring Lord Of The Rings star Elijah Wood.

This fall The Art of Elysium celebrated 14 years of providing creative arts programming for hospitalized youth in Los Angeles and New York. This year’s Visionary and creative force behind HEAVEN is Cameron Silver, founder and co-owner of Decades. The organization is thrilled to unveil his idea of heaven on earth, or “elysium”, on January 14th. The charity will also recognize Elijah Wood as their 2012 Spirit of Elysium Recipient for his years of volunteerism and tireless fundraising efforts on their behalf.

Also expected to attend are Estelle, David Arquette, Zoe Saldana, Justin Bartha, Rachel Bilson, Gerard Butler, Molly Sims, Scott Caan, Kirsten Dunst, Shepard Fairey, Ginnifer Goodwin, Topher Grace, Jennifer Morrison, Amber Heard, Julianne Hough, Russell Young, Sarah Hyland, Minka Kelly, Jamie King, Rashida Jones, Ali Larter, Hayes MacArthur, Joe Manganiello, Rose McGowan, Amaury Nolasco, Amy Smart, Carter Oosterhouse, Aaron Paul, Rain Phoenix, Busy Philipps, Brittany Snow, Ashley Tisdale, Michelle Trachtenberg, Kat Von D, Alicia Witt and many more.

David Arquette To Host LA Art Show Party For Charity

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

The LA Art Show: Modern & Contemporary, The Los Angeles Fine Art Show: Historic & Traditional, and the IFPDA Print Fair will kick off with a high-profile Opening Night Premiere Party on Wednesday, January 18 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Hosted by actor and The Art of Elysium supporter David Arquette, proceeds from the Opening Night Premiere Party will enable The Art of Elysium to expand its program to bring arts to critically ill hospitalized children and increase the number of school children who visit the Getty through the J. Paul Getty Museum’s Education Department program for Title One School visits.

With more than 5,000 patrons in 2011, the Opening Night Premiere Party and the Los Angeles Art Show has consistently drawn attendees who love art, including museum patrons, political dignitaries, collectors, celebrities, and supporters of arts education, including Halle Berry, Olivier Martinez, Finola Hughes, Russell Young, Shepard Fairey, Kat von D., Cheech Marin, Councilman Tom LaBonge, Chinese Consul General Qiu Shaofang, Executive Director of the DCA Olga Garay and Gayle and Ed Roski. With live performances, installations, and curated exhibitions, the 2012 Opening Night Premiere Party promises to be an exciting evening of art and culture.

Olivia Wilde Unveils Swarovski Star On Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Olivia Wilde joined Swarovski, the leading designer and producer of fashion jewelry and crystal decor objects, earlier this week to unveil the 2011 Swarovski star crowning the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

Photo: Swarovski North America, Diane Bondareff

eBay Launches Celebrity Charity Auction Site

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:15:00 +0000

Just in time for the holiday giving season, eBay, the world’s largest online marketplace, today announced the launch of eBay.com/celebrity, a unique shopping destination that combines celebrity experiences, memorabilia and merchandise with philanthropic causes.

As part of eBay’s charitable platform eBay Giving Works, eBay Celebrity establishes a differentiated experience for the shopping enthusiast and cause-oriented consumer by aggregating relevant celebrity content, charity auctions, and the breadth and selection of related products that are unique to eBay.

eBay has consistently been the platform of choice for celebrities looking to raise funds for charity, and this year was a landmark year for the company’s philanthropic efforts: an auction featuring limited edition Nike Mag sneakers raised millions of dollars for The Michael J. Fox Foundation and an annual lunch with Warren Buffett auction sold for a record $2.63 million. In 2011, eBay Giving Works has raised $51 million and over $278 million to date for various charitable organizations. eBay Celebrity takes charitable fundraising to the next level, connecting consumers with their favorite celebrities through charity and commerce.

Celebrate Mother's Day With Celebrity Charity Auction

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Charitybuzz, the leading destination for luxury online charity auctions, presents its 3rd Annual Charitybuzz Mother’s Day Auction, featuring over 200 once-in-a-lifetime experiences and gifts with mom in mind, from the chance to meet Oprah Winfrey backstage at one the final tapings of The Oprah Winfrey Show to an afternoon with Barbra Streisand on the set of her newest film.

Proceeds directly benefit more than 75 nonprofit organizations around the world, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, The Art of Elysium, The FEED Foundation, After-School All-Stars, Red Cross, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Children Mending Hearts, Generation Rescue, Habitat For Humanity, Malaria No More and many more. Bidding is open now through May 6th at charitybuzz at www.charitybuzz.com/MothersDay2011.

Throughout the year, charitybuzz raises funds for causes ranging from natural disaster relief to global poverty prevention to access to the arts by auctioning one-of-a-kind experiences donated by socially conscious celebrities, athletes, artists, political leaders and pop culture icons. The charitybuzz Mother’s Day Auction brings together the most coveted experiences in a customized collection of gifts that give back. Moms can mingle backstage with their favorite music artists, pose for a photo with their Hollywood heart-throbs, sneak onto the sets of their favorite TV shows, and everything in between.

Vanity Fair Announces Week Of Celebrity Charity Events

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Vanity Fair Campaign Hollywood is back for the twelfth installment of the magazine’s annual week-long series of unique events leading up to the Vanity Fair Oscar Night Party.

Co-sponsored by Vanity Fair advertisers Chrysler and L’Oréal Paris, the events of Campaign Hollywood reflect the glamour, art, and excitement of Oscar Week in Hollywood, while spotlighting brands and charities in a way that only Vanity Fair can.

For the second year in a row, Palihouse will play host to the Vanity Fair Parlour, running from Monday, February 21 to Sunday, February 27.

James Franco Thanks Kirsten Dunst for Charity Intro

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:43:00 +0000

Spiderman 3 co-stars James Franco and Kirsten Dunst were in attendance for The Art of Elysium’s 4th Annual Black Tie “Heaven” Charity Gala on Saturday (January 15) at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, where Franco brought awareness to a whole new level.

After receiving the Spirit of Elysium award for his role in the nonprofit charity that encourages young actors to involve themselves with children who are facing life-threatening illnesses, Franco shared insight into his personal growth and explained the pivotal role Dunst played in it:

“I was in a movie called Spiderman 3 and working with Kirsten Dunst and she said, ‘you know I volunteer with this group called Art of Elysium’ and she said come help out,” said Franco during his acceptance speech. “It was funny because I was seeing a therapist at the time, I saw him for like a month, and I told him I just wanted to find a place where I could give back. I didn’t know what I could give. All I did was act and I didn’t want to teach that. And so then Kirsten said that there was this organization that worked with artists to make good of doing with they do and it was a place where they can help someone.”

Kirsten Dunst Donates Bag To Charity Auction

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:00:00 +0000

When Kirsten Dunst’s pricey Balenciaga bag was snatched from the SoHo Grand hotel in 2007, it seemed like bum luck. But a lot can change in three years. The thieves are now in jail, and the actress has a new film, “All Good Things,” co-starring Ryan Gosling. And she’s got a new go-to tote: a luxe Sofia Coppola–designed Louis Vuitton satchel.

Celebrities Donate Gifts That Give Twice For Charity

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Charitybuzz.com, the leading destination for online charity auctions, presents its second annual Gifts That Give Twice Holiday Auction, featuring hundreds of once-in-a-lifetime celebrity and luxury experiences to benefit more than 50 nonprofit organizations.

Carrie Underwood, Betty White, Justin Bieber, The Edge, Michael Moore, Ne-Yo, Quentin Tarantino and many more celebrities have signed on to give back this holiday season, in addition to coveted brands like HBO, Ritz Carlton, and Barbie. Bidding is open to the international community through December 21 at www.charitybuzz.com/HOLIDAY2010.

From magnificent tropical getaways to exclusive access to A-list stars, charitybuzz is the ultimate destination for luxury gifts that give back to those in need this holiday season. 100 percent of net proceeds from the Gifts That Give Twice Holiday Auction will benefit nonprofits such as TreePeople, The Art of Elysium, Operation Smile, Habitat For Humanity NYC, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Reality Cares, Better Life Foundation, Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, First Tee, TACA, Musicians on Call and many others.

LTTS Exclusive: Celebrities Hit LA For Art Of Elysium Charity Halloween Ball

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A host of celebrities turned out for the Art of Elysium Halloween Ball on Saturday, October 30, in LA, and LookToTheStars.org’s Hollywood Insider Maxine Tatlonghari was there for this exclusive report.

Halloween in Hollywood is kind of a big deal. After all, we have access to some of the best costume departments in the world! So choosing where to spend it can be a big decision. Last Saturday night (October 30), Be Cause and The Art of Elysium held its 5th Annual Halloween Ball to benefit children being treated for illness and serious injury … and this is where we chose to kick off our night.

The Party was held at brand new venue 1616 in downtown LA. I’m a West Hollywood girl, so going this far east is a bit of a trek by LA standards… but this edgy new venue was a total treat. It lent itself to a good lay-out to separate the Silent Auction from the dancing.

LTTS Exclusive: Elijah Wood Talks Charity At The Art Of Elysium Halloween Ball

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Elijah Wood was guest DJ at a very special charity Halloween party on October 30, and LookToTheStars.org caught up with the star to ask him a few questions about his charity work.

The 5th annual Art of Elysium Halloween Ball benefiting children being treated for illness and serious injury took place at LA’s newest nightlife venue, 1616, on Saturday. The star-studded event raised thousands of dollars for the charity, which encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions.

Decked out in a white tuxedo, Elijah took the time to explain his involvement with the organization and what charity means to him.

Elijah Wood To DJ At Celebrity Charity Halloween Ball

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:00:00 +0000

LA’s newest nightlife venue, 1616, hosts the 5th Annual The Art of Elysium Halloween Ball, a festive costume party benefiting children being treated for illness and serious injury, on October 30.

There will be a silent auction, DJing by hobbit Elijah Wood, and guests such as James Frain (True Blood), Taylor Spreitler (Melissa & Joey), Reid Ewing (Modern Family), Jennifer Stone (Wizards Of Waverly Place), Rasual Butler (LA Clippers), Leven Rambin (Grey’s Anatomy), Liz Friedman (LA Ink), Ladie Victoria Hervy, Louise Roe, Katie Walder, Charlene Amoia, Skyler Stone, Aaron Karo, and more celebrities confirming each day.

Hollywood Starlets To Be Honored For Charity Work

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A host of Hollywood’s most powerful women will be honored by Variety this month for their charity work.

The annual Power of Women luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel on September 30 will honor seven women for their humanitarian efforts: Natalie Portman (FINCA), Amy Adams (Ghetto Film School), Jennifer Garner (Save the Children), Katie Holmes (Dizzy Feet Foundation), Diane Lane (Heifer International), Eva Mendes (The Art of Elysium) and Management 360 founding partner Suzan Bymel (Global Creative Forum).

“By honoring this incredible group of high-profile women who are leading the charge, we hope to inspire and empower everyone within our industry – and throughout the world – to get involved and give back,” said Michelle Sobrino, Variety’s associate publisher.

Art Of Elysium Announces Second Annual Genesis Event

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:00:00 +0000

It was announced today that The Art of Elysium is holding their Second Annual “Genesis” Event on Saturday, August 28, 2010.

Genesis is a celebration of emerging talent that brings artists, creative thinkers and social leaders together in support of The Art of Elysium’s programs and mission. The night before the Emmy Awards, the atmosphere will be lively and cater to 500 energetic and savvy young socials, celebrities, tastemakers, entrepreneurs and executives who will enjoy a variety of interactive artistic platforms, music and cocktails. The evening will feature an original video art installation by Davida Nemeroff as well as live performances by Butch Walker with Jake Sinclaire, Fitz & The Tantrums and DJ Chris Holmes.

Among the stars expected to attend are Kenna, Jewel and The Veronicas.

Rachel Bilson Selects Bags For Charity Sale

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Rachel Bilson has teamed with Coach handbags to raise money for charity.

The star has selected three bags from Coach’s Poppy Collection to benefit The Art of Elysium, a charity that encourages working actors, artists and musicians to help youngsters with serious illnesses.

The actress chose a $398 day-to-night Poppy Sequin Spotlight purse, a cross-body evening Poppy Sequins Disco Bag for $148 and the $328 Poppy Leather Bella tote. All proceeds from the sale of the bags until July 28 will go to The Art of Elysium.

Elijah Wood Coordinates Celebrity Charity Album

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Lord of the Rings star and celebrity DJ Elijah Wood has brought together some of his favorite artist for a charity album benefiting The Art of Elysium.

With artists including The Kills, Sonic Youth, Sleepy Sun, Black Mountain, Sleigh Bells, the Soft Pack, and Ty Segall, the album is a great overview of some of the most sonically interesting indie rock that’s being created today. The participating labels, the artists, and Apple are donating their share of the proceeds to the Art of Elysium.

The full tracklist for the album, which is available now from iTunes, is as follows:

Band From TV To Hit Chicago For Charity Gig

Tue, 18 May 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Band From TV – the celebrity-studded band that plays exclusively for charity – will play in Chicago next month as part of the Taste of Chicago Food Festival.

Consisting of stars such as Greg Grunberg, Bob Guiney, Bonnie Somerville, Hugh Laurie, James Denton, Jesse Spencer and Teri Hatcher, the band provides funding and resources for charities including the Epilepsy Foundation, Save the Children, The Art of Elysium, Child Abuse Prevention Program, Conservation Fund, IU-Kenya Partnership, Rush Epilepsy Center, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Guitar Center Music Foundation.

The Band From TV Global Charity Trust was created to provide funding for several worthwhile charities, and to raise money through music to help those in need. Grunberg started the band after being asked to get a few celebrities to play together at the House Of Blues for charity. The event sparked a great amount of interest, and has led to a number of gigs in the US which have, according to Hugh Laurie, “raised a gargantuan sum of money for charity.”

Elijah Wood DJs At Charity Art Auction

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0000

On March 4, 2010, Vanity Fair and BMW partnered with The Art of Elysium to host The Art of Elysium “Pieces of Heaven” Art Auction, in partnership with Christie’s, at the Palihouse Holloway in Los Angeles.

The event was hosted by Amy Smart and Scott Caan, along with Cameron Silver and Jeff Snyder, Laura Villaseñor and Andrew Wilding, Ali Larter and Hayes MacArthur, and Topher Grace.

Bid On A Potrait Sitting With Shepard Fairey For Charity

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0000

For the first time in his career, Shepard Fairey, one of the world’s most renowned and influential contemporary artists, is auctioning off a coveted portrait sitting.

This unbelievable art experience is up for bidding at Charitybuzz, the leading destination for online charity auctions, as part of The Art of Elysium’s Pieces of Heaven Art Auction in partnership with Christie’s. Art of Elysium encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions.

The auction will run from February 24 – March 4. Complete details on the Shepard Fairey experience can be found here.

Nicole Richie And Joel Madden Launch Charity Fun With 7-Eleven

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Many cups will runneth over as 7-Eleven, Inc. aims to donate more than $2 million to charities via “7-Eleven Coffee Cup With A Cause” in 2010.

Because nurturing good community relations is important to 7-Eleven and its franchisees, the company is launching a charity-focused coffee campaign this month. Throughout 2010, 7-Eleven will introduce limited-edition 20-oz coffee cups designed by entertainment and sports celebrities to be sold in 7-Eleven stores nationwide. Proceeds from cups sold will benefit the featured celebrity’s charity of choice. Cups can be filled with any 7-Eleven hot beverage including coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

Celebrities Flock To Heaven Charity Gala

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The Art of Elysium annual Heaven gala attracted a massive group of celebrity supporters this year.

The black tie event was held in Beverly Hills on Saturday night, January 16, and honored Kirsten Dunst for her work with the charity. Some of the stars that came out to help her celebrate included Katy Perry, Russell Brand, Adam Lambert,Jason Bateman, Rachel Bilson, Kate Bosworth, Sophia Bush, Scarlett Johansson, Ali Larter , Benji Madden, Nicole Richie & Joel Madden, Ashley Olsen, Ryan Seacrest, Bonnie Somerville, Mark Wahlberg, Alicia Witt, Topher Grace, Alexander Skarsgård, Camilla Belle and many more.

The Art of Elysium is a non-profit organization, founded in 1997 by Jennifer Howell, which encourages actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions. They provide artistic workshops in the following disciplines: acting, art, comedy, fashion, music, radio, songwriting and creative writing. They work with numerous hospitals and hospices throughout Los Angeles, California and began servicing hospitals in New York, New York in 2009.

Stars To Be In Heaven For Charity Event

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The Art of Elysium is holding their Third Annual Black Tie charity gala titled “Heaven” on Saturday, January 16, 2010. The event will take place the night before the Golden Globes and will honor Kirsten Dunst

Artist Shepard Fairey (creator of “Obey Giant” and the force behind the Obama “Hope” poster) is this year’s visionary and will create all visual and conceptual aspects of the themed gala entitled “Heaven”.

“When I was asked by The Art of Elysium to conceive my vision of heaven, I immediately thought of a world where creativity, compassion and connection are celebrated,” he said. “I thought of humanity and nature existing in harmony; after all, humans are part of nature, not above nature, and connected to one another just the same. We need to look out for each other and understand how our actions impact others and the planet we inhabit.”

Kirsten Dunst To Be Honored By The Art Of Elysium

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Kirsten Dunst will be honored by The Art of Elysium in January.

In celebration of 12 years of service, The Art of Elysium will host its annual black tie HEAVEN gala fundraising events for approximately 450 ticketed VIP guests on January 16 at the Wiltern Theater in LA. Guests will be treated to an art-filled evening which includes a cocktail hour, seated dinner, fashion show, live musical performances and much more.

The gala will be creatively conceived by this year’s visionary, Shepard Fairey. Known primarily for his iconic HOPE portrait for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and street art movement, OBEY GIANT, Fairey will lend his incredible talent to creating his vision of Heaven on earth. Kirsten Dunst will be receiving the Spirit of Elysium award in recognition of her endless dedication and support to The Art of Elysium.

Stars Post Their Christmas Wish Lists For Charity

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Brooke Shields and Kristen Bell are among the stars who are posting their Christmas wish lists online for a good cause.

Along with Rachel Bilson and Rashida Jones, the stars are letting their fans know what’s hot for the Festive season this year on the Piperlime website. And as a festive bonus, ten percent of every purchase from the celebrity wish lists will go to The Art of Elysium, a charity that encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions.

“The holidays are a time of giving, and at Piperlime we want to share in the warmth of generosity of the season by helping,” said Piperlime’s Kris Marubio.

LTTS Exclusive - The 2009 Noble Awards

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0000

I had the honor of attending “The Noble Awards” on their first annual show honoring charities and their celebrity supporters.

On Sunday, October 18th at The Beverly Hilton, “Access Hollywood’s” Billy Bush hosted the premiere of this special event honoring Morgan Freeman with a Lifetime Achievement Award and a list of celebrity honorees from Brett Ratner to Teri Hatcher.