Our 23rd annual Celebration of the Arts was a bit different from past galas, but it was still an awe-inspiring evening, featuring the talents of our amazing Rising Star finalists and guest performer Gayle Danley, as well as recognition for those who have helped make Howard County a thriving arts community.
Mary Ann and Chuck Scully served as Honorary Co-Chairs for the event. In her opening remarks, Mary Ann spoke not only about what the arts have meant to her family personally but also about how important they are to everyone during these challenging times. She urged everyone to “continue to support something that lifts us out of ourselves and in the process changes our lives and the lives of our communities.”
The presentation of the 2019 Howie Awards was another highlight of the evening, with acceptance speeches from each of the honorees.
Dr. Hsien-Ann Meng was honored with the Howie Award for Outstanding Artist. Chair of the Music Department at Howard Community College, Director of HCC’s Music Institute and Concert Series, and an active duo-pianist with Octtava Piano Duo, Dr. Meng thanked family, colleagues, and the students she teaches at HCC for supporting and inspiring her. She also expressed gratitude for her career as an artist, saying, “I am thankful that I get to do this. Nothing comes close to the awe and the lift in spirit that one feels in the presence of great music.”
The Howie Award for Outstanding Business Supporter of the Arts went to The Howard Hughes Corporation. Accepting the award, Vanessa Rodriguez, HHC’s Vice President of Marketing, explained that the company sees the arts as a foundation for building communities. “We want the arts to set the standard for excellence, to serve as a bridge between cultures, races, economic classes, ages, and gender, and to inspire the people who live and work in this community.”
Mt. Hebron Theater Director Tom Sankey was honored with a special Legacy in the Arts Award. A math teacher at Mt. Hebron, Sankey stepped into the void after the departure of the school’s theatre director in 1980 and has directed Mt. Hebron’s theatre productions ever since. Sankey has also served as the director of Howard County Summer Theater since 1984. Noting that he is asked frequently how he finds the time and energy to direct three major productions every year, he humbly credited “the many people in my life who have supported me over the years,” adding that it is a special thrill to “see former students which I have directed, now on Broadway or teaching theatre arts in Howard County or who now, as adults, work beside me on current productions.”
The Outstanding Arts Educator award went to Donna Pidel. The freelance dance teacher and choreographer thanked a former student for nominating her for the award, saying, “I’m always so honored to continue to impact the lives of my students but more overjoyed when the roles are reversed.”
We’re pleased to report that in addition to providing an evening of exceptional entertainment and tributes, our virtual gala netted nearly $70,000 in support of the arts! We’re already hard at work on plans for our 2021 Celebration of the Arts gala, so stay tuned…