Get Your Tickets for the Howard County Arts Council's Celebration of the Arts Gala!

Tickets are now available for Howard County’s signature arts event! Commemorating 35 years of fostering the arts, the Howard County Arts Council presents the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, Howard Community College, Columbia, MD.

Tickets are $100 and $50 online at http://www.hocoarts.org/celebration_of_the_arts.php, by phone at 410-313-ARTS (2787), or in the office at Howard County Arts Council, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043.

The evening begins with a reception from 6-8 p.m. featuring a silent auction of artwork by local artists, culinary delicacies provided by local restaurants, and live musical performances. At 8 p.m. the Celebration continues with the presentation of the Rising Star Competition and the 2015 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 the simulcast.

This year’s Rising Star Competition will showcase ten 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 ten finalists who will perform at the Celebration are Monica Albizo, Musical Theatre; Mark Edwards, Classical Guitar; Crystal Freeman, Musical Theatre; Joshua Hughes, Musical Theatre; Jenny Lehtonen, Flute; Esther Oh, Classical Voice; Cody Quattlebaum, Classical Voice; Elizabeth Rayca, Musical Theatre; Luke Spence, Classical Trumpet; and Shing Ann Yeh, Cello.

The Howie Awards honor individuals or businesses that have made a significant impact on the arts in Howard County. The 2015 recipients are: Maureen Berry for Outstanding Artist, Pamela Land for Outstanding Arts Educator, and Pixel Workshop for Outstanding Business Supporter of the Arts.

Elizabeth and Ken Lundeen, long-time residents of Howard County and active consumers and supporters of 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.

As the Arts Council’s main source of individual and corporate funding, the Celebration helps to support the Arts Council’s grants and education programs for children and adults throughout the year. The Celebration is also an important showcase for local performing and visual artists. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit us online at hocoarts.org or call 410-313-ARTS (2787).