Jennifer Howell – Her Life in Service

Gurus Humanitarian Visionary award recipient Jennifer Howell is the Founder and Director of The Art of Elysium — a non-profit organization that partners with volunteer artists to create custom-tailored, creative programs for the Los Angeles community. For over two decades, this heartening organization has brought art healing to hospitals, homeless shelters, veterans, and more.

With events such as Heaven – an elegant black-tie affair held annually the night before the Golden Globes – the evening celebrates a culmination of artistic contributions, supporters, and visionaries.

Their motto, “Art heals,” resonates through their work, helping people face some of life’s most socially and emotionally challenging obstacles. For Howell, this mission is deeply personal. After a tragic childhood accident left her bedridden with a broken jaw, she found solace in the world of film. It was David Lynch’s Wild at Heart that inspired her journey, setting her on a path to unlock the healing power of art for others.

What is your truth?

I deeply believe in a Creator, and I believe in a very divinely guided design in this universe and in the world we live in. I believe that artists are the closest to that Creator because they can create—writing a song, a story, or a painting from nothing. For me, that’s a divine gift.

I also believe that when you come together with anyone who is suffering (whatever their level of suffering may be) it’s about connection. Some volunteers connect better with children in hospitals, others with elders, and some with the homeless. When a true creative serves where they feel called, together they can transcend circumstances, inspire hope, and remind people they’re more than their struggles and pain. That’s what The Art of Elysium is all about, and I see it in action daily.

What is your passion?

My passion is to leave this planet knowing I’ve created something that will help others in the future. Building a community with The Art of Elysium that will outlive me is my deepest purpose. I want artists to always have a space to come together, a place to ask, ‘How can we best serve through our art?’ That’s my number one passion.

Art healed me after my accident. I wanted to recreate that feeling for others. Without David Lynch’s film, I would’ve never left Mississipi.

When are you most authentic?

At my adult sleepovers! I highly recommend them to everyone. Face masks, mani-pedis, popcorn—you can be yourself. There’s no pretense; you just show up in pajamas and relax. Without a doubt this is when I am the most authentic – with my close-knit group of friends. They truly are my solace. I cling to them for moments like these and I’m so grateful for the people in my life. Even when I travel back to New York or home. I get to remove the weight of life and just be myself.

The Art of Elysium reminds us that art is not just a form of self-expression – it’s a spiritual way to connect, heal and uplift.

As the organization prepares to honor the transformative vision of Lee Daniels at their 2025 Heaven gala, there’s no better time to join their mission. Heaven is their one night only art installation conceived and curated by a chosen Visionary. This Visionary is selected annually by a group of renowned artists such as Stevie Wonder, Neil Gaiman, and Linda Perry (to name a few) known as The Visionary Circle. This Visionary Circle makes its annual decision based upon the chosen recipients’ creative contribution to the community.

“At The Art of Elysium, we bridge the gap between artists who want to serve and those who need to be served,” says Howell. “It’s about giving artists the freedom to connect with the community on their own terms.”

Whether through a donation, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word, you can help bridge the gap between creativity and compassion. Learn more at www.theartofelysium.org.