Join The Howard County Arts Council For The 22nd Annual Celebration Of The Arts

The Howard County Arts Council will mark 22 years of recognizing the local arts community's brightest stars at its signature event, the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County gala, to be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 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 culinary delicacies from area restaurants, an art auction of wonderful works by local artists, and musical performances in the Studio Theatre. At 8 pm, guests will be invited to take a seat in the Smith Theatre for the live presentation of the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition and the 2018 Howie Awards. Seats will also be available in the Studio Theatre for a simulcast of the show. The Arts Council's 2019 Arts Scholarship recipients will also be announced. Tickets will be available for purchase in January 2019.

Mary Kay Sigaty, retiring Howard County Council member, artist, teacher, and longstanding active supporter of a numerous community and charitable organizations in Howard County, will act as Honorary Chair for the evening. Joseph W. Ritsch, Producing Artist Director, Rep Stage, will serve as Event Emcee.

The Rising Star Performing Arts Competition features up to ten young performing solo artists and/or small ensembles (ages 18-35) who have lived, worked or studied in Howard County. These artists will compete for a no-strings-attached $5,000 professional development award, with the winner selected by the Celebration audience and announced live on stage!

The 2018 Howie Awards will also be presented at the Celebration. 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 2019, are $100 (Reception and live performance in Smith Theatre) and $50 (Reception and simulcast in Studio Theatre).

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