Arts Council Announces Honorary Chair for Celebration of the Arts in Howard County

The Howard County Arts Council has announced that Dr. Kathleen Hetherington, President of Howard Community College, will serve as Honorary Chair of the 2013 Celebration of the Arts in Howard County.  The Celebration gala, presented by the Arts Council, will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College. Dr. Hetherington will make opening remarks in the Smith Theatre during the 90-minute program, which features the Rising Star Competition.

 

Howard Community College (HCC) and the Arts Council have worked together for many years to foster the arts and encourage community-wide participation in the arts.  This partnership grew even stronger in 2011 when HCC began hosting the Celebration of the Arts gala at the Horowitz Center.  The expanded partnership provides both organizations with even more opportunities to reach out to new audiences and offer quality arts experiences to students and the public alike.

 

About the gala, Dr. Hetherington says "The Howard County Arts Council has long contributed to our county's desire for cultural enrichment by sponsoring the arts, artists and arts organizations. The college shares the council's commitment to serve the citizens of Howard County by fostering an environment that celebrates the arts in many forms. On behalf of Howard Community College, I am delighted to serve as Honorary Chair of the 2013Celebration of the Arts in Howard County and to host this special celebration in the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center once again."

 

Steve Poynot, President of the Arts Council Board says "We are delighted to have Kate serve as this year's Honorary Chair.  As an advocate for community-based arts, it is so important for the Arts Council to have prominent leaders in the community - like Kate - step forward and put a spotlight on the arts."

 

The Celebration is the Arts Council's major source of annual corporate support. In 15 years, the event has netted $1,089,989. 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 all year round.  Celebration 2013 will feature the popular Rising Star competition for emerging performing artists.  The winner of the competition receives a$5,000 professional development award. Richard W. Story, Senior Vice President of Marketing for JPB Enterprises, will reprise his role as emcee.  Other highlights include a reception featuring eclectic entertainment, a silent auction of artwork by local artists, culinary delights from distinctive Howard County restaurants, and 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 live performance in Smith Theatre) and $50 (Reception and performance simulcast in Studio Theatre).  For more information, call 410.313.ARTS (2787) or visit www.hocoarts.org.