The Art of Elysium has chosen veteran rock photographer Henry Diltz as the centerpiece of its upcoming gala, set for Dec. 12 at Chaplin Studios in Hollywood.
Diltz will be recognized as the event's Heaven Visionary. As part of the honor, he will curate a one-night-only art installation that reflects his personal idea of heaven. For Diltz, that means a lush setting reminiscent of Laurel Canyon and Woodstock, the places where he captured many of his best-known images.
Over his career, Diltz has photographed a long list of celebrated musicians and groups, among them America, The Doors, The Eagles, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, The Mamas & The Papas, The Monkees and Neil Young. His pictures have appeared on numerous album covers, helping establish him as one of the most celebrated photographers in rock history.
Jennifer Howell, founder and CEO of The Art of Elysium, praised the honoree in a statement. "Henry has a remarkable gift for making people feel comfortable enough to reveal who they are, and that spirit is at the heart of The Art of Elysium's work: bringing artists and communities together to create moments of connection and possibility," she said.
Howell added that the organization is honored to have Diltz as this year's Heaven Visionary and to support him as he builds his world at Chaplin Studios. She described the venue as a place where he shares "a rich legacy of imagination and storytelling" with the musicians who created many of the world's iconic recordings.
John Mayer, Alix and McG Nichol, Faryal Ganjehei and Sima Morrison are co-chairing the event. Musician Rain Phoenix, the sister of Joaquin and River Phoenix, will receive the organization's Spirit of Elysium honor for her work on behalf of the communities The Art of Elysium serves.
Elijah Wood and Chris Holmes will act as the night's DJs, taking over the booth for the evening.
Money raised at the gala will support the nonprofit's work with people navigating illness, isolation, displacement, disability, emotional challenges and major life transitions. The organization's focus is on offering them connection, belonging, dignity, participation and expression.
