Howard County Arts Council's 18th Annual Celebration of the Arts Set for March 2015

Howard County's signature event, the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County gala, will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 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 delights provided by area restaurants and caterers, a silent auction of stunning artwork by local artists, and musical performances in the Studio Theatre. At 8pm guests will be invited to take a seat in the Smith Theatre for the live presentation of the 2014 Howie Awards and the 2015 Rising Star Competition, or they can enjoy the show via simulcast in the Studio Theatre. The 2015 Arts Council Arts Scholarship recipients will also be announced. Tickets will be available for purchase in January 2015.

Lee and Steve Sachs, who support a number of worthy causes in the community and are strong advocates for the arts, will serve as Honorary Chairs.

Lee currently serves on the Columbia Festival of the Arts Board of Trustees; Steve is executive vice president and director of Real Estate and Hotel Practice at Willis and Board Emeritus of the Columbia Festival of the Arts. Both are long-time residents of Howard County. 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 ten young performing solo artists and/or small ensembles (ages 18-35) who live, work, or study 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 2014 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 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 2015, are $100 (Reception and Smith Theatre) and $50 (Reception and Studio Theatre).