Join the Howard County Arts Council for the 20th Annual Celebration of the Arts

The Howard County Arts Council will mark 20 years of recognizing the local arts community's brightest stars at its signature event, the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County gala, to be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 6-10 p.m. at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College.

The evening begins with a reception featuring delectable edibles provided by area restaurants and caterers, a silent auction of beautiful artwork by local artists, and musical performances in the Studio Theatre. At 8 p.m. guests will be invited to take a seat in the Smith Theatre for the live presentation of the 2016 Howie Awards and a special 20th anniversary edition of the Rising Star Competition. Seats will also be available in the Studio Theatre for a simulcast of the show. The Arts Council's 2017 Arts Scholarship recipients will also be announced. Tickets will be available for purchase in January 2017.

Padraic Kennedy, who was the first and longest serving president of the Columbia Association (1972-1998) will act as Honorary Chair. Richard W. Story, Senior Vice President, Community Relations and Government Affairs, and Business Development Liaison for Howard Bank, will serve as Event Emcee.

The Rising Star Competition showcases young performing solo artists and/or small ensembles (ages 18-35) who live, work, or study in Howard County. This year's special 20th anniversary edition will feature previous Rising Star winners vying for a no-strings-attached $5,000 professional development award and the title of Rising All-Star; the winner will be selected by the Celebration audience!

The 2016 Howie Awards will also be presented on the Main Stage at the Celebration of the Arts. The Howie Awards are given annually to an Outstanding Artist, Outstanding Arts Educator, and Outstanding Business or Community Supporter of the Arts. Nominees are judged on their contributions and the significant impact they've had on the artistic life of Howard County.

Sponsorship, internship, and volunteer opportunities are available. Celebration tickets, available in January 2017, are $100 (Reception and live performance in Smith Theatre) and $50 (Reception and simulcast in Studio Theatre).