Eva Mendes' rich painting

Dec 18, 2007, 13:30 GMT

11/08/2007 - Eva Mendes - Aid for AIDS Honors Heroes at 2007 My Heroes Gala - Arrivals - Capitale - New York City, NY, USA © Janet Mayer / PR Photos

Eva Mendes says finger-painting with sick children has "enriched her life".

The Hollywood star often volunteers for charity The Art of Elysium, which invites celebrities to visit hospitalised kids and help them find a "creative escape" through the arts, and insists a "human connection" is more important than donating money.

She told the USA Today newspaper: "Joaquin Phoenix introduced me to this charity when we were working together on 'We Own the Night'. Spending time with these children has enriched my life in so many ways. It's not just about writing a cheque, it's about human connection.

"It's not about any kind of public recognition, it's really about the children, being there with them, reading to them, singing to them, or my favourite - finger-painting with them."

Eva and Joaquin are not the only high-profile names to help the charity.

Stars including Scarlett Johansson, Kanye West, Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek have also offered their support to The Art of Elysium.

Joaquin said: "Looking at art opens your eyes. Creating it, opens your mind. I've seen children who were bound by wheelchairs, fly.

"For me, expression is the key to fulfilment. Because of The Art of Elysium, many children have the opportunity to express their deepest feelings. Through art, they are able to manifest their dreams."

(C) BANG Media International