Last Chance For Tickets To Howard County Arts Council's 22nd Annual Celebration Of The Arts Gala

A limited number of $50 and $100 tickets are still available for Howard County's signature event, the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County. The Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, Howard Community College, Columbia, MD. Tickets may be purchased online at hocoarts.org, by phone at 410-313-ARTS (2787) or in the office at Howard County Arts Council, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Any remaining tickets will be available at the box office, which will open at noon on the day of the event.

The Celebration begins with a reception from 6-8 p.m. featuring an auction of beautiful artwork by local artists, delectable edibles from area restaurants, and live musical performances. At 8 p.m. guests will take their seats for a 90-minute presentation featuring the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition and the 2018 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 a talented group of emerging performing artists competing for a 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 the 2019 Celebration are Curtis Bannister, Musical Theatre; Tae Ho Hwang, Saxophone; Kate Jackman, Classical Voice; Haerin Jee, Violin; Min Sang Kim, Classical Voice; and L'abri Trio, Instrumental Ensemble.

The Howie Awards honor individuals or businesses that have made a significant impact on the arts in Howard County. The 2018 recipients are: Brenda Kidera Outstanding Artist; David Matchim, Outstanding Arts Educator; and HorseSpirit Arts Gallery, Outstanding Business Supporter of the Arts. This year, two special Howie Awards will also be presented: a Legacy in the Arts Award to Fern Eisner (posthumously) and the Coleen West Leadership in the Arts Award to Theresa Colvin, Director of the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation and former Director of the Maryland State Arts Council.

Mary Kay Sigaty, former Howard County Council member, artist, teacher, and active supporter of numerous community and charitable organizations in Howard County, will act as Honorary Chair for the Celebration. Joseph Ritsch, Producing Artistic Director for Rep Stage, will serve as Event Emcee.

For more information about the Celebration of the Arts, visit hocoarts.org or call 410-313-ARTS (2787).