Event Spotlight: The Art of Elysium's Art Salon Celebrating Amanda Fairey's Birthday at Frieze L.A.

by #LizPublika

Shepard Fairey, Amanda Fairey and Jennifer Howell attend The Art of Elysium's Art Salon Celebrating Amanda Fairey's Birthday at The Art of Elysium on February 28, 2024 in L.A., California. (Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium)

On the evening of February 28th, the night before Frieze L.A. kicked off at the Santa Monica Airport, creatives flocked to the the star-studded birthday party of Amanda Fairey, life and business partner of artist Shepard Fairey. The entrepreneur, philanthropist, and half of the Shepard and Amanda Fairey Foundation, brought out an eclectic mix of famous faces in Art, Film, TV and Music in support of her favorite charity, The Art of Elysium; founded in 1997, the organization pairs volunteer artists with people going through emotionally and mentally challenging times. 

Amanda Fairey and Shepard Fairey attend The Art of Elysium's Art Salon Celebrating Amanda Fairey's Birthday at The Art of Elysium on February 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium)

The mission of the organization is close to the hearts of the Faireys, whose own foundation is devoted to supporting social justice through the arts. As such, the couple channel their energies into supporting The Art of Elysium through their design company, Studio Number One, by providing creative direction. Service is a major ethos for the couple, who have a legacy of using art for activism and fueling social change. But, on the night before the opening of Frieze L.A., the focus was on celebrating the birthday girl at The Art of Elysium’s Art Salon. 

Summer Phoenix, Jennifer Howell and Rain Phoenix attend The Art of Elysium's Art Salon Celebrating Amanda Fairey's Birthday at The Art of Elysium on February 28, 2024 in L.A., California. (Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium)

Amanda was spotted deep in conversation with PR heavy-hitter Ryh-Ming Poon. Summer and Rain Phoenix were seen socializing with Jennifer Howell, founder of The Art of Elysium. Fellow philanthropist and fashion icon Linda Ramone was photographed with her partner, musician and producer J.D. King. Artist manager Kris Kass was enjoying the company of artist Gregory Siff and Elysium’s Director of Development Maureen Lee. Later on in the evening, musician Priscilla Ahn performed for attendees. 

Priscilla Ahn performs during The Art of Elysium's Art Salon Celebrating Amanda Fairey's Birthday at The Art of Elysium on February 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium)

While many more notable artists and creatives were documented at the event (like Devo member Mark Mothersbaugh, heavy metal guitarist Chris Holmes, artist and cartoonist Gary Baseman, antique dealer Laurent Rebuffel, gallerists Eli Consilvio and Kate Oh, and many others) it’s worth mentioning the setting. The attendees mingled in a fairly cozy environment, enjoying a smorgasbord of foods while sipping on Kāstra Eliōn vodka and an assortment of wines, surrounded by unique art pieces, including works by Amanda’s husband Shepard Fairey. 

General view of the atmosphere at The Art of Elysium's Art Salon Celebrating Amanda Fairey's Birthday at The Art of Elysium on February 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium)

While the industry experts have gathered in droves to attend Frieze L.A., which has a variety of noteworthy events and art exhibitions going on from February 29th until March 3rd, the strong turnout for Amanda Fairey’s birthday party and charity event is a great example of art and altruism converging for the betterment of society. And we love that.

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