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)
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2025
Contact: Mary K. Baxter
development@hocoarts.org
(410) 313-2787
Howard County Arts Council Honors Five Howie Award Recipients at the 28th Annual Celebration of the Arts
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Howard County Arts Council will honor this year’s Howie Award recipients at the 28th annual Celebration of the Arts on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 6-10pm at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College.
The Howie Awards are presented annually by the Arts Council to an Outstanding Artist, Outstanding Arts Educator, and Outstanding Community Supporter of the Arts. Nominees are judged on their contributions to and their impact on the artistic life Howard County. The Howie Committee also awards the Legacy in the Arts Award and the Coleen West Leadership in the Arts Award at their discretion.
This year’s outstanding Howie Honorees are:
Truth Thomas
Outstanding Artist
Poet, Musician, and Photographer
Truth Thomas is an award-winning poet, singer-songwriter, photographer, and former Capitol recording artist born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and raised in Washington, DC. Once known as Glenn Edward Thomas, he is the founder and Managing Editor of Cherry Castle Publishing and the creator of the widely embraced Skinny poetry form, now taught and published around the world. Truth studied creative writing at Howard University under Dr. Tony Medina and earned his Master of Fine Arts in Poetry from New England College.
Truth’s acclaimed collections include Party of Black, A Day of Presence, Bottle of Life, and Speak Water which received the 2013 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work in Poetry. His children’s book, My TV Is Not the Boss of Me, illustrated by Cory Thomas, was a finalist for the Jessie Redmon Fauset Award in 2014. A former Writer-in-Residence for the Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo), he is the Inaugural Poet Laureate of Howard County, Maryland.
Truth’s poems have appeared in more than 150 publications, including The 100 Best African American Poems edited by Nikki Giovanni and This Is the Honey edited by Kwame Alexander. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Skinny Poetry Journal. His latest poetry collection, Focal Lengths, will be forthcoming in 2026.
Jennifer Johannes
Outstanding Arts Educator
Art Teacher, Mt. Hebron High School
Jennifer Johannes is a veteran art educator with over 24 years of experience in public schools. She currently brings her creative spark to Mt. Hebron High School, where she also leads the National Art Honor Society, a service-oriented society that empowers students to use their artistic talents in support of both local and global communities.
A trailblazer in her field, Jen was the second art teacher in Maryland to earn National Board Certification. She holds a Master of Art in Teaching from the College of Notre Dame and has shaped arts education through curriculum writing, presenting at state and national conferences, and working for the College Board. Her leadership roles include serving as Vice President of Advocacy for the Maryland Art Education Association, mentoring 16 student teachers over the years, and leading eight international student art tours.
Jen’s latest endeavor is creating and piloting Unified Art & Leadership in her Mt. Hebron classroom. This innovative Howard County Public School System course unites students of all abilities through art and collaboration. Set to expand district-wide next year, this class embodies her classroom motto: Art is for everyone.
Jen’s classroom radiates inclusivity, kindness, and creative problem-solving—a legacy she’s instilled in thousands of students. Beyond teaching, Jen loves spending time with her family, roller skating, and making art. She lives in Ellicott City with her husband, Kevin, their two children, Daphne and Sully, and their beloved dog, Georgie.
Blossoms of Hope
Outstanding Community Support of the Arts
Hope is a small word, but it is boundless. Hope brings people together; it helps to achieve feats never thought possible. In Howard County, cherry and other pink blossoms have become a symbol of hope. Blossoms of Hope (BOH) has become a champion for those coping with cancer and other illnesses including ever-common mental health issues. They have supported people struggling after a devastating flood or grappling with a worldwide pandemic. For many, the pink blossoms are a way to remember someone who has lost their battle or to honor someone special.
Over the past 20 years, BOH has contributed to the community in a variety of ways including many art-oriented events. In its early years, BOH worked with the community to create lanterns to parade during its first Cherrybration Days event. They held a Haiku for Hope contest with the Columbia Art Center and partnered with Ellicott City Partnership to sponsor the Millstown 5K. BOH is also known for its unique events, including Pretty in Pink, Power of the Purse, The Santa Project, and Beer, Bourbon and Blues.
In 2025, in celebration of their 20th anniversary, BOH brought together the Howard County art community to hold a one-month countywide art show. The show placed 500 pieces on display at 14 locations throughout Howard County. This special event was an opportunity to bring a large-scale art exhibit to Howard County while celebrating BOH’s first two decades of fulfilling their mission to provide “Beauty that Heals, Hope that Inspires.”
Doreen Falby
Legacy in the Arts
Founder, Peabody Children’s Chorus
Doreen Falby began singing in choruses as a child in Scotland. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a Graduate Artist Diploma in piano from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She pursued post-graduate studies at St. Andrew’s College, Scotland, and is a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music in London. Fellowships from Rotary International and Syracuse University enabled Doreen to earn two Master of Music degrees from Syracuse, in Piano Performance and Vocal Music Education.
After moving to Columbia, Maryland, in 1989, Doreen started a chorus called the Maryland Children’s Singers. Within a few years, families were enrolling their children by the hundreds, and in 1992, the choir became affiliated with The Peabody Institute. Since then, thousands of Howard County children have joined the Peabody Children’s Chorus, many staying from age six through eighteen.
Under Doreen’s direction, the Chorus has performed with major arts organizations, including Baltimore Opera, Baltimore Symphony, Baltimore Choral Arts Society, and U.S. Naval Academy ensembles. The Chorus has toured in Scotland, England, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Seattle, and Hawaii, performing in historic venues such as: St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, and Pearl Harbor in Honolulu. Other notable performance venues include the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall. In 2009, their recording of Leonard Bernstein’s MASS with Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony received a Grammy nomination.
Jaye Ayres
Coleen West Leadership in the Arts
Visual Arts Resource Teacher, Howard County Public School System
Jaye Ayres has been a dedicated visual arts educator in the Howard County Public School System since 1991, retiring this past spring. She served as the Resource Teacher for Visual Arts from2014 to 2025. Previously, she taught at Patapsco Middle School, Lime Kiln Middle School, and Marriotts Ridge High School. Jaye holds a Master of Education in Art Education from Towson University and a Bachelor of Art from Wilson College, with additional graduate work at Johns Hopkins University, Maryland Institute College of Art, and University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she earned a 2008 Fulbright-Hays Award to study Latin American history and art in Mexico.
A leader in the National Art Education Association (NAEA), Jaye has presented at over a dozen national conferences, was elected to the Board of NAEA, and received the 2008 NAEA Marion Quinn Dix Leadership Award. Her state-level service includes multiple leadership roles within the Maryland Art Education Association, including President and Gazette Editor. She was named Maryland Art Educator of the Year in 2005.
Beyond the classroom, Jaye is passionate about arts advocacy, action research, and teacher mentoring. She is a frequent exhibitor and has been recognized in local juried shows. Deeply committed to advancing student creativity and teacher excellence, her impact spans decades of professional contributions, curriculum innovation, and passionate support for arts education at local, state, and national levels.
About the Celebration of the Arts
Begin the best night of the year with a reception where 15 to 20 local culinary sponsors will showcase their finest foods. Pile your plate high and enjoy the Art Auction featuring work by local and regional artists. Then, at 8pm, guests take their seats for the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition and the presentation of the Howie Awards. Eight talented, local finalists will vie for the audience vote for the $5,000 Rising Star award! In between dazzling performances, the 2025 Howie Awards will be presented to an Outstanding Artist, Arts Educator, and Community Supporter of the Arts in recognition of their contributions to the arts community in Howard County.
Tickets are on sale now and available for $50 and $100. For more information about the Celebration of the Arts and the Howard County Arts Council, please visit hocoarts.org/celebration or call (410) 313-2787.
28th annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County
October 25, 2025, 6-10pm
Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center
Howard Community College
Honorary Chair: Kristi Smith, President of the Maryland Region for Howard Hughes
Tickets are going fast for this year’s Celebration of the Arts — don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable evening!
Join us at 6 pm for a lively two-hour reception featuring a gourmet tasting experience from Howard County’s top culinary artists and a chance to bid on stunning works during the Art Auction.
At 8 pm, the excitement continues with the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition, spotlighting the county’s most talented emerging performers. The evening also includes the presentation of the Howie Awards, celebrating those who create, teach, and champion the arts in our community.
To close out the night, you’ll cast your vote to help crown the next Rising Star, who will receive a $5,000 cash prize!
Kristi Smith, President of the Maryland Region for Howard Hughes, will serve as Honorary Chair, and Terry N. Eberhardt will reprise his role as Event Emcee.
$100 ticket includes reception and live performance in the Smith Theatre. $50 ticket includes the reception and simulcast viewing in the Studio Theatre. Reserve your seats at hocoarts.org/celebration or call (410)313-2787.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or volunteer? Visit the website or contact us directly to get involved. Proceeds support the Howard County Arts Council’s grant and arts education initiatives. Visit hocoarts.org/celebration for more!
28th annual Celebration of the Arts
October 25, 2025, 6-10pm
Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center
Howard Community College
Join us at 6pm for an unforgettable evening that begins with a 2-hour reception where guests can bid on artwork during the Art Auction and enjoy gourmet creations from some of Howard County’s top culinary artists.
At 8 pm, the spotlight turns to the Rising Star Competition, showcasing the county’s most promising emerging talent. The evening will also include the presentation of the Howie Awards, honoring individuals who create, teach, and support the arts in our community. As the night draws to a close, you’ll help decide the next Rising Star, who will receive a $5,000 cash prize!
Kristi Smith, President of the Maryland Region for Howard Hughes, will serve as Honorary Chair, and Terry N. Eberhardt will reprise his role as Event Emcee.
$100 ticket includes reception and live performance in the Smith Theatre. $50 ticket includes the reception and simulcast viewing in the Studio Theatre. Reserve your seats at hocoarts.org/celebration or call (410)313-2787.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or volunteer? Visit the website or contact us directly to get involved. Proceeds support the Howard County Arts Council’s grant and arts education initiatives.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2025
Contact: Mary K. Baxter
development@hocoarts.org
(410) 313-2787
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Howard County Arts Council’s signature event, the 28th annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 6-10pm at the Peter & Elizabeth Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College.
Begin the best night of the year with a reception where 15 to 20 local culinary sponsors will showcase their finest foods. Pile your plate high and enjoy the Art Auction featuring work by local and regional artists. Then, at 8pm, guests take their seats for the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition and the presentation of the Howie Awards. Eight talented, local finalists will vie for the audience vote for the $5,000 Rising Star award! In between dazzling performances, the 2025 Howie Awards will be presented to an Outstanding Artist, Arts Educator, and Community Supporter of the Arts in recognition of their contributions to the arts community in Howard County.
Kristi Smith, President of the Maryland Region for Howard Hughes, will act as Honorary Chair for the evening. Terry N. Eberhart, musician and Music Coordinator for Howard County Public School System, will return as the event Emcee.
The Rising Star Performing Arts Competition showcases performers aged 18-35 who live, work, train, or perform in Howard County. Following the performances, the audience will cast their votes for the winner of the $5,000 prize.
The Celebration will also feature the presentation of the 2025 Howie Awards. The Howie Awards are given annually to an Outstanding Artist, Outstanding Arts Educator, and Outstanding Community Supporter of the Arts (business or individual). Nominations are made by community members and nominees are judged on their contributions and the significant impact they’ve had on the artistic life of Howard County.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Event tickets are $50 and $100 and will go on sale to the public on August 1. For more information about the Celebration of the Arts and the Howard County Arts Council, please visit hocoarts.org/celebration or call (410) 313-2787.
Join us for the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County on Friday, October 25, from 6–10pm at the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, Howard Community College—our signature arts event of the year!
Proceeds support HoCo Arts’ year-round mission, including $900,000+ in grants, arts outreach, scholarships, exhibitions, low-cost studios, and classes for all ages.
Sponsorships range from $1,000–$10,000, with benefits which include event tickets and full-color ads in the program. Or, become a Celebration Extra at the $500 level and receive two event tickets and recognition in the program. Your support keeps the arts thriving in our community. We can’t wait to celebrate with you in October! More here
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2025
Contact: Mira Lamson Klein
dce@hocoarts.org
(410) 313-2787
Call for Howie Award Nominations and Rising Star Performing Arts Competition Applications
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Howard County Arts Council seeks nominations for the 2025 Howie Awards and applications for the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition.
Celebrate those who create, teach, and support the arts in Howard County by nominating someone for a Howie Award! The Howie Awards are presented annually to an Outstanding Artist, Arts Educator, and Community Supporter of the Arts (business or individual) that have made significant contributions to the arts in Howard County. The 2025 Howie Awards will be presented at the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County on October 25, 2025.
Nominations are due April 7, 2025. For full guidelines and to submit an online nomination form, please visit hocoarts.org/celebration.
Those who nominate a 2025 Howie Honoree will receive two complimentary tickets to the Celebration of the Arts.
Please note: Previous honorees, current members of the Howard County Arts Council Board of Directors, and Howie Committee members are not eligible. Honorees will be notified in writing no later than June 20, 2025.
Early career performing artists who live, work, train, or perform in Howard County could win $5,000 in the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition!
Applications are now open for the 2025 Rising Star Performing Arts Competition. Performers, both individuals and ensembles (maximum of four members), ages 18-35, who live, work, train, or perform in Howard County are encouraged to apply. Up to ten finalists will be selected to perform at the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County on October 25, 2025. Following the performances, the audience-including over 500 artists, arts patrons, community members, and business and political leaders-will cast their votes for the winner of the $5,000 prize.
Applications are accepted in Voice (classical, musical theatre, and other), Instrumental Music, Dance, and Theatre/Monologue. Performing artists who do not fall into a traditional category are also encouraged to apply.
Applications are due May 1, 2025, by 5pm. Auditions will be held at the Center for the Arts in Ellicott City on May 12, 2025. Please visit hocoarts.org/celebration for complete details, guidelines, and to apply.
For more information, please visit hocoarts.org or call the Arts Council at (410) 313-2787.
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Celebration Tickets – On Sale Now!
Don’t miss the best night of the year! The 27th annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 6-10 pm at the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College (HCC) in Columbia. Tonya Aikens, President and CEO of the Howard County Library System, will act as Honorary Chair for the evening. Terry N. Eberhardt will serve as Event Emcee. The evening kicks off at 6pm with a 2-hour reception where guests will have the opportunity to bid on artwork from the Art Auction, indulge in the delicious creations of some of Howard County’s best culinary artists, and buy raffle tickets for their chance to win one of the Celebration baskets. At 8pm, guests will take their seats to enjoy the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition and the presentation of the Howie Awards. Nine talented, local finalists will vie for the audience vote for the $5,000 cash prize. In between dazzling performances, the Howie Awards will applaud the significant contributions of this year’s honorees who create, teach, and support the arts in our community. At the end of the evening, our audience’s choice for this year’s Rising Star will be announced!
Experience Howard County’s signature arts gala! Tickets are available now: $100 (includes reception and live performance in the Smith Theatre), and $50 (includes reception and simulcast viewing in the Studio Theatre.). Reserve your seats online at www.hocoarts.org/celebration or call 410-313-ARTS (2787).
Explore sponsorship opportunities and volunteer roles today. For more details, visit the links or contact 410-313-ARTS (2787). Proceeds from the Celebration support the Arts Council’s grant and education initiatives.