Howard County Arts Council to Celebrate 35th Anniversary at 19th Annual Celebration of the Arts

The Howard County Arts Council will celebrate 35 years of fostering the arts at its signature event, the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County gala, to be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 6-10 p.m. at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College.

The evening begins with a reception featuring delectable edibles provided by area restaurants and caterers, a silent auction of beautiful artwork by local artists, and musical performances in the Studio Theatre. At 8pm guests will be invited to take a seat in the Smith Theatre for the live presentation of the 2015 Howie Awards and the 2016 Rising Star Competition, or they can enjoy the show via simulcast in the Studio Theatre. The Arts Council's 2016 Arts Scholarship recipients will also be announced. Tickets will be available for purchase in January 2016. Elizabeth and Kenneth Lundeen, long-time patrons of the arts in Howard County, will serve as Honorary Chairs. Richard W. Story, Senior Vice President, Community Relations and Government Affairs, and Business Development Liaison for Howard Bank, will serve as Event Emcee.

The Rising Star Competition showcases ten young performing solo artists and/or small ensembles (ages 18-35) who live, work, or study in Howard County. These artists will be vying for a no-strings-attached $5,000 professional development award; the winner will be selected by the Celebration audience!

The 2015 Howie Awards will also be presented on the Main Stage at the Celebration of the Arts. The Howie Awards are given annually to an Outstanding Artist, Outstanding Arts Educator, and Outstanding Business or Community Supporter of the Arts. Nominees are judged on their contributions and the significant impact they've had on the artistic life of Howard County.

Sponsorship, internship, and volunteer opportunities are available. Celebration tickets, available in January 2016, are $100 (Reception and live performance in Smith Theatre) and $50 (Reception and simulcast in Studio Theatre).