Our Difference

At Elisa Contemporary Art, we choose to represent art and artists who do not fit into any particular current trend or fashion, but who are exploring various media, techniques, materials and ideas about humanity and our world that are timeless and transformational.

We believe that art is a gift to be shared, to be given and received with appreciation, respect and awareness. For that reason, we also believe in sharing the profits from the sale of works of art with philanthropic organizations that are dedicated to the healing, enriching and changing the lives of those in need—or those in underserved communities—through experience and engagement with contemporary art.

Currently a portion of sale of each work of art is donated to supporting the work of the following organizations:

Beyond food, clothing, and shelter, Free Arts NYC believes that children deserve the opportunity to express themselves creatively with the help of a supportive mentor.

Free Arts NYC is a volunteer-based nonprofit established to bring the healing power of the arts to children and families who face poverty, homelessness, and other risk factors. At no cost to the children, families, volunteers, or our collaborating social service agencies.

Free Arts NYC provides programs that are mobile, making it possible for our volunteers to bring creativity and hope directly into the communities where there is the greatest need. Free Arts NYC provides under-served children and families with a unique combination of educational arts and mentoring programs that help them to foster the self-confidence and resiliency needed to realize their fullest potential.

Our core programs use painting, dance, drama, writing, music, sculpture, photography and other creative outlets to help children express themselves and gain confidence and self-esteem. Working with trained volunteers and professional facilitators, Free Arts programs allow young people to gain self-confidence and strengthen their relationships with their peers, parents, guardians and mentors.

Since 1998, founding Director Liz Hopfan has taken the nonprofit from a budget of $100,000 to over $1,400,000. Free Arts NYC volunteers have now served over 24,000 children and families. In 2010, over 1,600 were positively impacted by these programs.

For more information about Free Arts NYC or if you would like to become a member, volunteer or donate directly, visit Free Arts NYC.

Free Arts NYC’s Annual Art Auction was held on May 17th at the Chelsea Art Museum and was chaired by Board Members Amanda Ross, Amy Sacco and Mary Alice Stephenson.

The benefit featured a live and silent auction conducted by Board Member Simon de Pury,Chairman of Phillips de Pury & Company Auction House. Artworks range in value from $1,000 - $50,000. Featured artists this year included Alex Katz, Ed Ruscha, Ryan McNamara, Christopher Wool and many others. Elisa Contemporary Art artists Carol Bennett and Laurel Garcia Colvin also had work at the benefit.

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The benefit helps raise over 40% of the annual operating budget needed to help continue the Free Arts NYC programs.



Arts to Grow (ATG) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that partners with NYC/NJ public schools and community organizations to provide music, visual arts, theater, dance and literary programs to underserved urban youth ages 5-22.

Since launched in 2005, Arts to Grow innovative model helps change children’s lives by utilizing the arts as a means to help children discover their personal, intrinsic motivation. Through highly tailored programs, each child experiences a life-changing journey that inspires them to love to learn, to recognize their value in their community, and to gain self confidence and skills necessary to become future leaders.

Arts to Grow has collaborated with Riverdale Neighborhood House to create a visual arts “tween” program. The program started in the Fall, 2010. Any Elisa Contemporary Art donations will benefit this local Riverdale RNH program.





Creative Arts Workshops for Kids (CAW) is a Northern Manhattan-based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that teaches visual and performing arts to empower children to create change in their communities and their lives.

Creative Arts Workshops for Kids programs include: Saturday, After-School and Summer Art Works. Each is focused on helping economically disadvantaged youth improve their leadership, critical thinking and public speaking skills while enriching the communities of Harlem and Washington Heights. In 2009, CAW worked with over 2,000 kids and teens.

Giraffe Path has been another CAW program for the past several years. In 2008, over 1,050 children and teens throughout Harlem and Washington Heights worked with CAW artists and 21 partner organizations to create 175 giraffe sculptures that were displayed in neighborhood parks, as part of the "Hike the Heights" initiative. These artworks were seen by over 1,000 people within the community.

After participating in CAW programs, children and teens have said, "I've never felt this proud", "I learned how to stand up for myself and my ideas", and "I gave hope to my community; there was nothing before we painted our mural -- now there is hope!"

Thank you for joining us for the First Annual Art Works benefit and Live Painting by Michael Barletta and Michael Swatt.