Howard County Center for the Arts: Arts Council

Celebration of the Arts in Howard County

Enhance our Quality of Life

The Celebration of the Arts gala is one of Howard County’s premier fundraising events and an important showcase for local performing and visual artists.

As the Arts Council’s main source of corporate and foundation funding, the Celebration helps to support the Arts Council’s grants and education programs for children and adults throughout the year which are vital to the quality of life in Howard County.

(Photo: Guests sample culinary delights from over 20 local Howard County vendors at the 2012 Celebration of the Arts in Howard County)

Sponsorships

Each level of sponsorship offers its own set of benefits from tickets to marketing initiatives to networking opportunities for sponsors and their guests. Contact the Arts Council at 410.313.ARTS (2787) to determine which sponsorship level is right for you!

Rising Star Competition

The Arts Council established the Rising Star award in 2003 to provide opportunities for emerging performing artists with roots in Howard County and to assist them in the development and practice of their art. Selected applicants will be auditioned and 10 artists will be selected as finalists. Each finalist performs at the Celebration of the Arts gala. Audience members then vote to decide the winner and the announcement is made on stage! Congratulations to the 2012 Rising Star Award winner, Samantha McEwen.

(Photo, courtesy of James Ferry: 2012 First-place winner Samantha McEwen accepts the $5,000 Rising Star Award)

Howie Awards

Each year, the Arts Council honors individuals and businesses for making significant contributions to the arts in Howard County. Nominations can be made in three categories:

Outstanding Artist — presented to a person who has contributed a high level of talent and vision to the artistic life of the community.

Outstanding Arts Educator — presented to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to arts education in Howard County.

Outstanding Business or Community Supporter — presented to a business (large or small) or individual that demonstrates a record of commitment to the arts in Howard County.

Legacy in the Arts Award — recognizes an individual or group for their life-time achievements in the arts in Howard County and is presented at the discretion of the Howie Committee.

The 2011 recipients were Dr. Tom Benjamin for Outstanding Artist, Brooke Kuhl-McClelland for Outstanding Arts Educator, and Mays & Associates for Outstanding Business Supporter of the Arts. John Taylor, "The Kinderman," was honored with the Legacy in the Arts Award.

Fabulous Food

Each year the Celebration showcases delectable edibles from over 20 area restaurants and caterers. Our Food Sponsors are encouraged to create an artistic display table that promotes their business and adds to the excitement of the evening. Each year we honor three food sponsors with outstanding presentation awards. The 2012 awards were given to Biddle Street Catering & Events, Absolutely Perfect Catering, and Putting on the Ritz.

(Photo, courtesy of Lee Waxman: Biddle Street Catering & Events received first place in the Outstanding Food Presentation Awards at the 2012 Celebration of the Arts in Howard County)

Silent Auction

The Silent Art Auction is the visual arts component of the Celebration. The Rouse Company Foundation Gallery provides the perfect setting to showcase the stunning work of artists who live, work or study in Howard County. The breadth of style and medium of the two- and three-dimensional artwork in this exhibit is amazing – 2012's Auction included over 105 pieces from 82 artists! Proceeds from the Auction are split 50-50 with the artists, providing bidders with a unique opportunity to purchase a beautiful piece of art while supporting the arts of Howard County.

Click Here to see a sampling of items from 2012's Silent Auction!

(HCAC Photo: 2012 Celebration guests peruse the Silent Auction offerings)

Thanks!