New Howard County Arts Council Exhibits to Celebrate 35 Years of the Arts

In 2016, the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) will celebrate 35 years of fostering the arts and artists. To commemorate the occasion, HCAC will begin the year with two exciting exhibits: a special edition of HoCo Open, the popular all-hung exhibit of Howard County artists, and Let's Keep in Touch, an exhibit of postcard-sized works by artists from throughout the HCAC galleries' past. Both exhibits open January 15 and run through February 27.

On Thursday, January 7 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., artists aged 18 years and older who live, work, or study in Howard County may submit one piece of original artwork, completed in the last two years, for HoCo Open 2016. Art will be accepted on a first-come basis until the gallery is full. This exhibit is expected to feature approximately 100 artworks in a wide variety of styles and include 2-D as well as 3-D works in such diverse media as watercolor, oil painting, collage, line drawing, photography, and ceramics.

Artists who have exhibited in HCAC's galleries at any time during its 35 year history were invited to submit an "artful postcard" for Let's Keep in Touch, an eclectic exhibit of works limited only by size: all artwork must conform to standard postcard dimensions - 4x6" or 6x9". Entries for Let's Keep in Touch must be delivered to HCAC, via postal mail or in person, by January 11.

The Arts Council and Howard County Tourism (HCT) will hold a reception for both exhibits on Friday, January 22 from 6-8 p.m. and welcome HCT's partners for a pARTners in ART networking event. The reception, which will include an anniversary celebration for both HCAC and HCT, is free and open to the public. Gallery Hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

To obtain the HoCo Open or Let's Keep in Touch guidelines and entry form or to learn more about these and other HCAC programs call 410-313-ARTS (2787) or visit hocoarts.org.