Collaborative Art Takes Center Stage at The Arc of Howard County’s “Chocolate and Cheers”
Ellicott City, MD — A long-held vision is coming to life at The Arc of Howard County.
At this year’s Chocolate and Cheers, the organization’s reimagined signature event, collaborative art will be the highlight. People supported by The Arc will collaborate with local artists to create artwork for the event’s silent auction, Sapphire Alley.
Executive Director Katie Collins-Ihrke has dreamed of this for years. “Creating space for people to express themselves as artists and be recognized for that work has always been a goal,” she said. “This is about partnership, visibility, and value.”
Day Program participants will visit DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum throughout April to create artwork with guidance from founder and Howard County arts icon Lee Andersen. Andersen will help participants develop and complete framed portrait pieces that reflect their perspectives. She said, “I’m excited to work with The Arc and help the people they support discover the 'artist within.' My goal is to meet each person where they are creatively. Whatever they make, with the right frame and thoughtful arranging, becomes something truly lovely and worthy of being shared.”
Residential Program participants will collaborate with artist Brian Kennedy at The Arc’s Homewood office on several weekends. A veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom who continues to serve in the Army National Guard, Kennedy also works in cybersecurity and uses art to build connection and community. He will create a series of honeycomb-inspired paintings symbolizing teamwork and collaboration, with participants contributing directly to each piece. Kennedy said, “Art has always been a way to connect—whether across distance, language, or experience. When people create something together, that distance starts to close.”
These collaborative works will be the centerpiece of Sapphire Alley, the event’s silent auction, and will be available for bidding during the evening. This year also marks The Arc’s 65th anniversary, and the organization hopes to raise $65,000 in celebration of 65 years of inclusion. More than an event feature, the art reflects The Arc’s mission in action: supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live full, connected lives in their communities.
Event Details:
May 9, 2026
VIP Hour 5-6pm, Main Gala 6-9:30pm
Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park
198 Laurel Race Track Road
Laurel, Maryland 20725