Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s Gallanar Wins Howie

Cheasapeake Shakespeare Company's Founding Artistic Director, Ian Gallanar, will receive the 2011 Howie Award for Outstanding Artist from the Howard County Arts Council. The award will be presented at The Celebration of the Arts gala in Howard County celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Howard County Arts Council on Saturday, March 26, 2011.

The Howie Award is presented annually by the Howard County Arts Council to an outstanding artist who has contributed a high level of talent and vision to the artistic life of the community. The Howard County Arts Council provides a variety of services for individuals and organizations through grants and scholarships in addition to overseeing the operations of the Howard County Center for the Arts. Past recipients of the Howie include former Maryland poet laureate Lucille Clifton, Kasi Campbell of Rep Stage, Columbia Orchestra Music Director, Jason Love, renowned dancer and choreographer, Eva Anderson, and Toby Orenstein, founder of Toby's Dinner Theatre and the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts.

As founding artistic director, Ian Gallanar is enjoying his ninth year at the helm of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company advancing its vision to make Shakespeare accessible to all. Under his leadership, the company has gained recognition for producing environmental productions or non-traditionally staged theatre. Since 2006, the company has provided free admission for children to its summer productions at the Patapsco Female Institute and last year gave free admission to active military personnel as well. The tradition of bringing entertainment to the widest range of audiences is certainly at the root of Shakespearean drama; this year's recipient of the Howie Award for Outstanding Artist reflects the spirit of the playwright whose work is the heart of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company.

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