The Art of Elysium Announces John Legend as 2018 Visionary for 11th Annual 'Heaven'

The Art of Elysium has announced the 2018 VISIONARY and SPIRIT OF ELYSIUM recipients for the charity's 11th annual "HEAVEN." John Legend will build out his version of "HEAVEN," which will be unveiled on January 6, 2018. At that event, Shanola Hampton will be honored with the 2018 SPIRIT OF ELYSIUM award for her generous support over the years.

The event is The Art of Elysium's largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds directly supporting the organization's programs and services. This year's co-chairs are Lisa DeBartolo, Don Miggs, Kelsey Lee Offield and Cole Sternberg.

"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."

"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."

The incomparable Stevie Wonder was the VISIONARY for the 2017 "HEAVEN," which John Legend attended. Legend was so inspired by Stevie's concept of Heaven and the meaning behind the gala that he accepted the honor to be the organization's next VISIONARY. John pays tribute to Stevie in this upbeat rendition of Stevie's hit, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours):" https://goo.gl/vuBtvA

Other past VISIONARIES include: Vivienne Westwood & Andreas Kronthaler, Marina Abramovi?, Linda Perry, Colleen Atwood, Cameron Silver, Mark Mothersbaugh, Shepard Fairey and Jim Sheridan.

Within Legend's "HEAVEN," the charity will present its highest honor, THE SPIRIT OF ELYSIUM award to actress, Shanola Hampton. This award is given to artists who have genuinely donated time, love, support and resources to The Art of Elysium.

Past SPIRIT OF ELYSIUM Award Recipients are: Camila Belle, Finola Hughes & Russell Young, Amber Heard, Ali Larter & Hayes MacArthur, David Arquette, Elijah Wood, James Franco, Kirsten Dunst and Eva Mendes.

To become a "HEAVEN" sponsor, general inquiries about The Art of Elysium or for more information regarding tickets, please contact Tash Sakkas at tsakkas@theartofelysium.org.

Photo credit: Eliot Lee Hazel

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