Collaborative Art Exhibit Featuring The Arc Artists Opens at Columbia Art Center

The Arc of Howard County, a nonprofit organization supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in partnership with the Columbia Art Center, a program of the Columbia Association, invites the community to experience a special exhibition celebrating creativity, collaboration, and artistic expression. The exhibit will be on display July 23 through July 31 at the Columbia Art Center, with a free opening reception on Wednesday, July 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The exhibition showcases original artwork by artists supported by The Arc of Howard County, highlighting their talents, perspectives, and artistic voices. Many of the featured works were created through collaboration with respected local arts icon Lee Andersen, founder of DoodleHATCH,ManneqART, and the newly launched Maryland Fashion Institute.

The exhibit also features collaborative art that debuted at The Arc's annual Chocolate & Cheers gala this past May. A noteworthy piece in this exhibit is a honeycomb-inspired painting created with artist and Army National Guard veteran, Brian Kennedy. The gallery exhibition expands on that momentum, bringing these works into a public space where the broader community can experience the artists' creativity and celebrate the power of collaboration. Select pieces will be available for purchase.

Community members are invited to attend the opening reception, meet the artists, and experience a collection that celebrates creativity, inclusion, and the many ways art brings people together.