Congratulations 2025 Rising Star Lynique Webster!
The 28th annual Celebration of the Arts was a terrific success! The Celebration audience cast their votes and selected Lynique Webster as the 2025 Rising Star for her Musical Theatre performance of “I’m Here” from The Color Purple.
Guests enjoyed food and drink provided by 17 area restaurants, bid on artwork created by 45 local artists, and were amazed by the performances of the Reservoir High School Advanced Chamber Choir and Orchestra as well as this year’s eight Rising Star finalists.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Howie Awards honoring individuals whose contributions helped make our community such a wonderful place for the arts. This year’s Howie Honorees were Truth Thomas, Outstanding Artist; Jennifer Johannes, Outstanding Arts Educator; and Blossoms of Hope, Outstanding Community Supporter of the Arts. Two special awards were also presented to Doreen Falby, Legacy in the Arts, and Jaye Ayres, Coleen West Leadership in the Arts.
THANK YOU to our Celebration committee and volunteers – this event would not have been possible without your extraordinary efforts! And special thanks to the generous contributions of our sponsors and culinary and beverage vendors.
For complete information on the Celebration of the Arts, visit hocoarts.org/celebration.
(Photo courtesy of Katie Simmons-Barth)