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 Founder Letter: Dear Friends of The Art of Elysium: Years ago, I lost a dear friend, Stephen Lane Hatten, to Leukemia. I had known Stephen since he was twelve and playing baseball at the local ballpark in our hometown, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He had everything going for him – an athlete, a straight A student, an amazing family and all the friends a guy could want. He was diagnosed with Leukemia towards the end of his senior year in high school. Suddenly, his life changed….but not his heart, spirit or unwavering belief that he was blessed. In the middle of December 1996, I was home for the holidays, and he was in the midst of one his worst bouts with Leukemia. He shared with me the story of a child he had recently met at a treatment center—a young boy who was by himself for the majority of his time spent there because both of his parents had jobs that they could not abandon. This young boy touched Stephen. Stephen talked about his own journey, and he explained that he could face anything with the love and support of his family and friends. “I know I can handle whatever comes my way, because I am not alone….but there are so many children, young children, who spend their childhood in hospitals alone.” This conversation changed my life. The impact of Stephen’s seemingly infinite capacity to be aware of others and to care for them, even as he was physically broken and exhausted, shook my heart and inspired me to do what I could to make a difference. At the time, I was living in Los Angeles, working in the entertainment industry and feeling the emptiness and misdirection that so many people feel once they’ve landed “the job”. The contrast between my life and the life Stephen was leading--there are no words. Everyone around me seemed to be focused on their own lives, and there seemed to be very little that people were giving back. I realized that in the artistic community, the artist tends to create in a vacuum, often unable to extend outside of his/her expression. In terms of my own experience, I found my personal artistic expression was no exception. The Art of Elysium set out to change all of that. The Art of Elysium started as an experiment when I asked some artists that I knew to share their creative process with the children at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. What was revealed was a joyous surprise. The children received the artists with anticipation and smiles! They were happy, unaware of their surroundings, singing and laughing. After the first several visits, I realized something else—the artists were touched as well! I am a great believer in human nature and feel that individuals crave communication and giving. Since August of 1997, The Art of Elysium has given me an even greater faith in both humanity and the arts. Without exception, every artist visiting the hospital has requested to revisit. It is my hope that The Art of Elysium will serve as a visible outlet for artists to continue to give and for children to relish in these shared experiences. It is my belief that art is a reflection of society and if it reflects people sharing their creativity, joy and love, then we truly live in Elysium! Stephen passed away in May 1998. His spirit lives on at every artistic workshop that we do. He believed that no child should face the fear of treatment alone, and The Art of Elysium is trying to make that a reality. It is my wish that each of you will ask yourself, “What is the best way for me to give back to society?” Perhaps you will give through The Art of Elysium, perhaps not. Without a doubt, there are many children’s lives waiting to be touched by your actions. Stephen touched my life through his example of unselfish and unconditional giving. For that I am deeply grateful. The Art of Elysium exists because of the passion that artists hold in their hearts. By serving children in need, the artist is allowed to express this passion in ways that could never be revealed on stage, in a gallery or behind a camera. We invite you to join in our efforts to make a difference or to invent your own way to reach out and share yourself with others. As Saint Francis said, “It is in giving that we receive”. Sincerely, |
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