Join The Howard County Arts Council for The 21st Annual Celebration Of The Arts

The Howard County Arts Council will mark 20 years of recognizing the local arts community's brightest stars at its signature event, the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County gala, to be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 6-10 p.m. at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center A. Howard Community College.

The evening begins with a reception featuring delectable edibles provided by area restaurants and caterers, a silent auction of beautiful artwork by local artists, and musical performances in the Studio Theatre. At 8 p.m. guests will be invited to take a seat in the Smith Theatre for the live presentation of the Rising Star Performing Artists Competition and the 2017 Howie Awards. Seats will also be available in the Studio Theatre for a simulcast of the show.

The Arts Council's 2018 Arts Scholarship recipients will also be announced. Tickets will be available for purchase in January 2018. Buddy and Sue Emerson, active supporters of a number 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. The Rising Star Performing Arts 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 2017 Howie Awards will also be presented on the Main Stage at the Celebration of the Arts. The Howie Awards are given 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 2018, are $100 (Reception and live performance in Smith Theatre) and $50 (Reception and simulcast in Studio Theatre).

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. TDD: 711