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Maryland has stood as a beacon of arts and cultural support for decades. It is recognized nationally for its robust investment in the arts, consistently coming in the top five in the country. This distinction is not accidental but deeply rooted in the Arts Stabilization Act of 1994. This legislation has ensured that the Maryland State Arts Council’s (MSAC) funding grows in tandem with the state’s General Fund, creating a stable foundation upon which the arts sector has flourished. The potential removal of this act threatens to undermine this legacy, impacting not only arts organizations but the fabric of our communities across Maryland. Any cuts in MSAC’s funding would disproportionately impact smaller organizations, those in rural areas, and those who serve underserved populations, ultimately leading to a less diverse and accessible arts landscape.

For more information about how important the Arts Stabilization Act is, see the Maryland Citizen’s op-ed piece here. 

And join the Howard County Arts Council at Maryland Arts Day hosted by Maryland Citizens for the Arts in Annapolis on February 13 to advocate for arts funding by registering here.

A Fresh Look for the Howard County Arts Council

On January 16, HoCo Arts launched a redesigned website and a vibrant new logo! The updated site is easier to navigate, offering quick access to classes, exhibits, grants, rentals, and more. The colorful homepage features a dynamic and streamlined design which makes finding what you need effortless—whether it’s art classes, camps, grants, venue rentals, or volunteer opportunities. With direct links to top sections like Exhibits, Grants, and Events, plus action buttons like “Visit an Exhibit” or “Apply for a Grant,” it’s your one-stop destination for all things arts in Howard County. Visit HoCoArts.org to get started! 

Howard County’s Arts & Culture Plan officially launched to an audience of 50 arts stakeholders and community members on January 23 at the Horowitz Center’s Monteabaro Hall.  

Remarks were given by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, Maryland State Arts Council Executive Director Steven Skerritt-Davis, Howard County Councilmember Opel Jones, Howard Community College Vice President of External Affairs, Communications, and Advancement Jarret Carter Sr., HoCo Arts Board President Adam Stull, HoCo Arts Executive Director Coleen West, and an introduction to the Arts & Culture Plan goals and timeline by consultants from planning firm, Designing Local. The event also featured a performance from pianist Alan Blackman.  

The Howard County Arts & Culture Plan will build upon the existing arts and culture foundation and harness the power of arts for the benefit of all residents and visitors. The plan will identify community priorities, policies, funding, and programming recommendations to support a thriving arts ecosystem.  

Coleen West, Executive Director of HoCo Arts, stated, “Arts and culture are essential to the vibrancy of Howard County, bringing people together and uplifting our communities. It is time to develop a new plan to address changes and strengthen Howard County’s position as a regional hub for innovation and creativity.” 

The Arts Council is working with a steering committee and the firm Designing Local to develop a shared vision for the future of arts and culture in Howard County. Community engagement activities, including interviews, listening sessions, surveys, and other channels, are planned to help guide the development of the new plan by 2026. 

The Steering Committee includes a diverse group of local community leaders, artists, and organizations, such as representatives from the Howard County Public School System, Howard Community College, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, Howard County Library System, and many more. 

The HoCo Arts & Culture Plan is supported by funding from the Maryland State Arts Council, Howard County Government, and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

View the Arts & Culture page and stay tuned for updates! Learn more 

Pages by Richard Pitts

Artist Richard Pitts sees art as a spiritual guide, bringing together imagination from the past, present, and future. It’s a timeless language that encodes and decodes the best of our culture, offering a poetic connection to what matters most. Pages is installed at Slayton House in Columbia.  

ARTsites 2024 will be on display through July 2025 at various locations throughout Howard County. Sculptures and sites are listed on hocoarts.org. 

More here 

 

ARTsites Up Close: Fully Realized by Jack Howard-Potter 

Fully Realized is an ode to feeling like you are the real, true self you want to be. The artist embodies the feeling of being exactly the person someone wants to be without outside intervention – an inspiration to love who you want, how you want, and to embrace our true selves without regard for what other people think.  

ARTsites 2024 will be on display through July 2025. Click here to see a list of all twelve sculptures and locations. Email info@hocoarts.org to request your free copy of the ARTsites brochure.    

HCAC’s Arts Chat – January 24 at 1pm

HCAC’s ARTS CHAT is a monthly virtual gathering designed to connect arts organizations and presenters in Howard County. Join us to share successes, challenges, and insights. Registration is required—simply click the link to sign up. After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the meeting details.

Call for Art Installers 
Do you have experience hanging artwork in exhibitions and gallery spaces? The Arts Council seeks professional art installers for future exhibits and special projects.  Interested? Email exhibits@hocoarts.org for further details. 

Summer Camp Registration Opening Soon!
HCAC’s Summer Art Camps
June 23 – August 22 

Get ready for an ARTmazing summer! Registration for our Summer Art Camps will open later this month! Give your child the chance to explore a wide range of fun and creative weeklong camps with both full- and half-day sessions. Open to students entering grades K–7, we offer morning and afternoon extended care options for your convenience. Don’t miss out on the adventure—stay tuned for more details! 

The Center for the Arts & Arts Council Offices will be CLOSED:  

The Center & Arts Council Offices will be OPEN 9am-5pm on:

 

Regular Building Hours: 

Mon – Thu 9am-10pm
Fri 9am-8pm
Sat 10am-4pm
Sun 12-4pm

 

 

 

Gallery I: HoCo Open 2025

An annual salon-style, non-juried exhibit showcasing artwork in a variety of media by Howard County artists.

Gallery II: Chroma

Featuring abstract artwork by Cheri Glover, Josef Keyes, and LUSMERLIN.

Reception: January 17, 2025, 6-8PM

Enjoy live music, refreshments, and the presentation of the Covington Emerging Artist

Award sponsored by Robin Holliday. Free & open to the public.

Snow date: January 24