Don't Miss The Howard County Arts Council's Celebration Of The Arts Gala

It's not too late to reserve your tickets for Howard County's signature event! The Howard County Arts Council presents the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, Howard Community College, Columbia, MD. Tickets are $100 and $50 and can be purchased online at https://www.hocoarts.org/explore/learn-participate/celebration-of-the-arts/tickets/, by phone at 410-313-ARTS (2787), or in the Arts Council office at 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Any remaining tickets will be available at the box office on the day of the event.

This year's gala will feature a reception from 6-8 p.m. with a silent auction of artwork by local artists, delectable edibles from area restaurants, and live musical performances. At 8 p.m. the Celebration continues with a 90-minute performance highlighted by the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition and the presentation of the 2017 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 a simulcast of the event.

The Rising Star Competition showcases ten young performing artists vying for a no-strings-attached professional development award of $5,000! The Celebration audience will vote for their favorite performance, with the winner announced live on stage. The Rising Stars performing at this year's Celebration are Keely Bosworth Borland, Musical Theatre; Tyler Fitzpatrick, Jazz Guitar; Lindsey Landry, Musical Theatre; Benjamin Lurye, Musical Theatre; Elizabeth Milligan, Flute; Brian Nabors, Musical Theatre; Arelle Oberlander, Classical Voice; Pacing Bodies (Ryan Bailey & Maia Schechter), Dance; Junghoon Park, Piano; and Alexandra Rodrick, Classical Voice. The Howie Awards honor individuals or businesses that have made a significant impact on the arts in Howard County.

The 2017 recipients are Ric Ryder for Outstanding Artist, Tolly Rumbaugh Peddicord, for Outstanding Arts Educator, and Michael J. Clark for Outstanding Community Supporter of the Arts. Buddy and Sue Emerson, active supporters of community and charitable organizations in Howard County and statewide, will act as Honorary Chairs for the evening. Myron "Mo" Dutterer, recipient of the 2003 Howie Award for Outstanding Arts Educator and a pillar of the Howard County theatre community, will serve as Event Emcee.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit hocoarts.org or call 410-313-ARTS (2787).

The Howard County Arts Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve the citizens of Howard County by fostering the arts, artists and arts organizations. The Howard County Arts Council receives major grants from the Howard County Government and the Maryland State Arts Council and sustaining annual support from corporate, foundation and individual sponsors. Howard County Arts Council offices are located at the Howard County Center for the Arts, 8510 High Ridge Road , Ellicott City , MD 21043 . The Howard County Center for the Arts is an accessible facility encouraging the full participation of individuals with disabilities. For information, call 410.313.ARTS (2787), fax 410.313.2790, or email info@hocoarts.org.