Don't Miss the Celebration of the Arts Gala!

Tickets are available for Howard County’s signature event, Celebration of the Arts in Howard County, presented by Howard Bank on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, Howard Community College, Columbia, MD. Tickets can be purchased via the Celebration page of the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) website, www.hocoarts.org; by phone at 410-313-ARTS (2787); or at the HCAC office, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Any remaining tickets will be available at the box office on the day of the event.

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 live musical performances. At 8 p.m. the Celebration continues with a 90-minute performance featuring the Rising Star Competition and the presentation of the 2014 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 a simulcast of the event.

The Rising Star Competition showcases nine young performing artists vying for a no-strings-attached professional development award of $5,000! The audience will vote for their favorite performance, with the winner announced live on stage. The nine finalists who will perform at the Celebration are Kayleigh Decker, Classical Voice; Sola Fadiran, Musical Theatre; Chih-Jung Hsu, Violin; Thomas Hunter, Piano; Brittany Proia, Pop; Madeline Rodrigue, Contemporary Dance; Kirsten Salpini, Musical Theatre; Robin Steitz, Classical Voice; and Madelyn Wanner, Classical Voice.

The Howie Awards honor individuals or businesses that have made a significant impact on the arts in Howard County. The 2014 recipients are: Peter BarenBregge for Outstanding Artist, Greg English for Outstanding Arts Educator, and Howard Bank for Outstanding Business Supporter of the Arts. A special Legacy in the Arts award will also be presented posthumously to Yong Ku Ahn.

Lee and Steven Sachs, long-time residents of Howard County who support a number of worthy causes in the community and are strong advocates for the arts, will serve as Honorary Chairs for the Celebration. Richard W. Story, Senior Vice President, Community Relations and Government Affairs, and Business Development Liaison for Howard Bank, will serve as Event Emcee.

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