Save the Date for the 2016 Celebration of the Arts in Howard County

Howard County’s signature event, the Howard County Arts Council’s Celebration of the Arts in Howard County gala, will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College.

Join us for the Celebration…enjoy our reception featuring delectable edibles from area restaurants and caterers, bid on wonderful works of art by local artists at the silent auction, and enjoy musical performances in both the Smith and Studio Theatres. At 8 p.m. guests will be invited inside the Theatres for the Rising Star Competition and the presentation of the 2015 Howie Awards. The performances and awards are presented live in the Smith Theatre and simulcast in the Studio Theatre. Tickets will be available for purchase in January 2016.

The Rising Star Competition showcases ten emerging performing artists or small ensembles (ages 18-35) – that live, work or study in Howard County – vying for a $5,000 professional development award. The audience will select a winner to receive this prize. Applications for the 2016 competition are available at hocoarts.org, with a final submission deadline of November 2, 2015.

The 2015 Howie Awards will also be presented on the Main Stage during the Celebration. Presented annually, the Howie Awards recognize an Outstanding Artist, Outstanding Arts Educator, and Outstanding Business or Community Supporter of the Arts. Nominees are judged on their contributions and the impact they have had on the artistic life of Howard County. Nomination forms are available online at hocoarts.org. Nominations must be received no later than October 28, 2015.

Sponsorships, volunteer, and internship opportunities are available. Celebration Tickets are $100 (Reception and Smith Theatre) and $50 (Reception and Studio Theatre). For more information, visit us online at hocoarts.org or call 410-313-ARTS (2787).