Arts Council's 2013 Celebration Tickets Now Avaiable

Tickets are now available for Howard County's signature arts event, Celebration of the Arts in Howard County, on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, Howard Community College, Columbia, MD.

Tickets are $100 and $50 online at http://www.hocoarts.org/celebration_of_the_arts.php, by phone at 410-313-ARTS (2787), or in the office at Howard County Arts Council, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043.

This year's gala begins with a reception from 6-8 p.m. featuring a silent auction of artwork by local artists, culinary delicacies provided by local restaurants, and a variety of live musical performances. At 8 p.m. the Celebration continues with the presentation of the Rising Star Competition and the 2012 Howie Awards! $100 tickets include the reception, silent auction and reserved seats in the Smith Theatre; $50 tickets include the reception, silent auction and general seating in the Studio Theatre for the simulcast.

The Rising Star Competition showcases ten young performing artists vying for a no-strings-attached professional development award of $5,000! The audience will vote for their favorite performance, with the winner announced live on stage. The ten finalists who will perform at the Celebration are MaryLee Adams, Musical Theatre; Mary Matthews & Melissa Wertheimer, Dahlia Flute Duo; James Ginnever, Musical Theatre; Rebecca Hargrove, Classical Voice; Margaret Kudirka, Dance; Shawn Naar, Monologue; Woobin Park, Piano; Margo Seibert, Musical Theatre; Tian Lu & Yuri Shadrin, Shadrin & Lu Piano Duo; and Jennifer Sung, Classical Voice.
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The Howie Awards honor individuals or businesses that have made a significant impact on the arts in Howard County. The 2012 recipients are: Bruce Nelson for Outstanding Artist, Shawn Costello for Outstanding Arts Educator, and Kevin Kelehan for Outstanding Community Supporter of the Arts. This year, we will also be honoring Pat and Steve Teller with a special Legacy in the Arts Award.

Howard Community College President Dr. Kathleen Hetherington will serve as Honorary Chair at this year's gala, and Richard W. Story, Senior Vice President for Marketing, JPB Enterprises, Inc. will serve as Event Emcee.

As the Arts Council's main source of corporate and foundation funding, the Celebration helps to support the Arts Council's grants and education programs for children and adults throughout the year. The Celebration is also an important showcase for local performing and visual artists. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit us online at www.hocoarts.org or call 410-313-ARTS (2787).