Mary Kay Sigaty To Serve As Honorary Chair Of 22nd Annual Celebration Of The Arts In Howard County

The Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) is pleased to announce that Mary Kay Sigaty will serve as Honorary Chair of the 22nd Annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County. The Celebration gala will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 6:00-10:00pm at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College. Mary Kay will make opening remarks in the Smith Theatre during the 90-minute program, which will feature the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition.

A Columbia resident since 1972, Mary Kay Sigaty has a long history of community involvement and recently completed a 12-year tenure on the Howard County Council. As a Council member, Mary Kay served as the Patuxent River Commissioner for Howard County, Chair of the Council, Chair of the Zoning Board, and Chair of the Board of License Commissioners. She worked on issues such as the redevelopment of Downtown Columbia and Columbia's village centers, housing affordability, ensuring economic viability for the agricultural community, and a living wage for Howard County workers. Mary Kay also works to foster and promote the arts through membership on the Board of Directors of the Columbia Festival of the Arts.

Mary Kay has also worked as an artist in the community, run a small business, participated as an artist-in residence for the Howard County Public Schools, taught at the Columbia Center for the Arts, and volunteered with the theatre departments at Wilde Lake and Marriotts Ridge High Schools. She began her career as a teacher, earning her undergraduate degree from Boston College and a master's degree from The Johns Hopkins University. She lives in the Village of Wilde Lake with her husband, Tom Graham.

Said Sigaty: "It is my honor and great pleasure to serve as the Honorary Chair of this year's Celebration of the Arts - a showcase for the stellar collection of local artists, educators, and arts supporters that makes Howard County truly special. The arts connect us to one another across barriers - real and perceived - by touching our hearts, souls, and imaginations and recognizing our common humanity. In my experience as an educator, public official, and working artist, I have seen time and again how the arts engage us - and our children - in thinking creatively, taking risks, finding inspiration, exploring possibilities, accepting challenges, and learning about ourselves and others. This event shines a light on the vital role played by the arts in building, growing, and strengthening our community. And, it brings us together in joyful celebration of the diversity of perspective, talent, and purpose that makes us all stronger."

The Celebration of the Arts is the Arts Council's major source of annual corporate support. In its 21 years, the event has netted more than $1.5 million. Proceeds from the event provide the Arts Council with the resources necessary to fund grants and scholarships, to support a guest artist series at HCC, and to offer arts programs year-round. A highlight of the Celebration is the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition for emerging performing artists. The winner of the competition receives a $5,000 professional development award. Other highlights include a reception featuring culinary delicacies from distinctive Howard County restaurants, an art auction of work by local artists, musical entertainment, and the presentation of the Howie Awards, recognizing individuals and businesses for their significant contributions to the arts.

Sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are available. Tickets are $100 (Reception and Smith Theatre) and $50 (Reception and Studio Theatre). For more information, call 410.313.ARTS (2787) or visit hocoarts.org.

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