2013 CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS IN HOWARD COUNTY Set for March 23, 2013

Howard County's signature event, the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County gala, will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2013 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 culinary delicacies from area restaurants and caterers, a silent auction of wonderful works of art by local artists, and musical performances in the Grand Hall and Studio Theatre. At 8pm guests will be invited inside the Smith Theatre for the live presentation of the 2012 Howie Awards and the 2013 Rising Star Competition, or they can enjoy the show via simulcast in the Studio Theatre. The 2013 Arts Council Arts Scholarship recipients will also be announced. Tickets will be available for purchase in January 2013.

Howard Community College President Dr. Kathleen Hetherington will serve as Honorary Chair for the event, and Richard W. Story, Senior Vice President for Marketing at JPB Enterprises, Inc., will reprise his role as Emcee.

The Rising Star Competition showcases ten young performing solo artists and/or small ensembles (ages 18-35) who are living, working or studying in Howard County. These artists will be vying for a no-strings-attached $5,000 professional development award; the winner will be selected by the Celebration audience!

The 2012 Howie Awards will also be given out on the Main Stage at the Celebration of the Arts. The Howie Awards are presented annually to an Outstanding Artist, Outstanding Arts Educator, and Outstanding Business or Community Supporter of the Arts. Nominees are judged on their long-term contributions and significant impact they've had on the artistic life of Howard County.

Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. Celebration tickets, available in January 2013, are $100 (Reception and live performance in Smith Theatre) and $50 (Reception and simulcast in Studio Theatre).

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