Tix Available for 2012 Celebration of the Arts in Howard County Gala 3/24

Tickets are now available for Howard County's signature event, Celebration of the Arts in Howard County, on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, Howard Community College, Columbia, MD.

Tickets are $100 and $50 via web at http://www.hocoarts.org/celebration_of_the_arts.php, by phone at 410-313-ARTS (2787) or in the office at Howard County Arts Council, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043.

This year's gala will feature a reception from 6-8 p.m. with a silent auction of artwork by local artists, culinary delights from area restaurants and caterers, and live performances. At 8 p.m. the Celebration continues with a 90-minute presentation featuring the Rising Star Competition and the 2011 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 the simulcast.

The Rising Star Competition
showcases nine, young performing artists vying for a no-strings-attached professional development award. The audience will vote and choose the winner to receive $5,000! The nine finalists who will perform at the Celebration are: Mark Allen (Musical Theatre), Antonio Beverly (Modern Dance), Joe Duffey (Irish Step Dance), Luke Grooms (Opera), Rasa Mahmoudian (Violin), Samantha McEwen (Musical Theatre), Tim McKay (Percussion), Alexandra Rodrick (Opera), and Eddie Sanders, III (Bassoon).

The presentation of the Howie Awards honors individuals or businesses that have made a significant impact on the arts in Howard County. The 2011 recipients are: Dr. Tom Benjamin for Outstanding Artist, Brooke Kuhl-McClelland for Outstanding Arts Educator, and Mays & Associates for Outstanding Business Supporter of the Arts. This year, we will also be honoring John Taylor "The Kinderman" with a special Legacy in the Arts Award.

County Executive Ken Ulman and his wife Jaki will serve as Honorary Chairs at this year's gala and Richard W. Story, Senior Vice President for Marketing, JPB Enterprises, Inc. will serve as Event Emcee.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit us online at www.hocoarts.org or call 410-313-ARTS (2787).