Sue and Buddy Emerson to Serve As Honorary Chairs of Celebration Of The Arts In Howard County

The Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) is pleased to announce that Sue and Buddy Emerson will serve as Honorary Chairs of the 21st Annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County.

The Celebration gala will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center A. Howard Community College. The Emersons will make opening remarks in the Smith Theatre during the 90-minute program, which will feature the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition. Sue and Buddy Emerson, who actively support several community and charitable organizations in Howard County and statewide, will serve as Honorary Chairs.

Buddy is Senior Vice President at M&T Bank and a former Trustee of the Columbia Festival of the Arts. Sue is Director of Communications at Leadership Howard County and has volunteered for the Arts Council and organized many community-based arts events. Both have been strong advocates of the extraordinary arts education programs in Howard County's public school system, especially the high school music program, to which they were especially committed. They are longtime residents of Howard County.

"Sue and I are pleased to serve as Honorary Chairs of one of the most highly anticipated events of the year," remarked Buddy. "The opportunity for the artists to showcase their talents for an enthusiastic audience and pursue their dreams for higher achievement highlights how vital the arts are to our community." Sue added: "We're so fortunate to have an event like this that brings people together to enjoy the diverse artistic talents of our community. The artists share their incredible talent as well as their personal stories, which makes it an even more meaningful evening of entertainment."

The Celebration of the Arts is the Arts Council's major source of annual corporate support. In 20 years, the event has netted more than $1.4 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, a silent auction of artwork by local artists, musical entertainment, and the presentation of the Howie Awards, recognizing individuals and businesses for their significant contributions to the arts. Sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and internships 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.