PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2025
Contact: Mary K. Baxter
development@hocoarts.org
(410) 313-2787
Kristi Smith of Howard Hughes to Serve as Honorary Chair of the 28th annual Celebration of the Arts
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Howard County Arts Council (HoCo Arts) is pleased to announce that Kristi Smith, President of the Maryland Region for Howard Hughes, will serve as Honorary Chair of the 28th annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County. The Celebration will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 6-10pm at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD. Smith will make opening remarks in the Smith Theatre during the 90-minute program, which will feature the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition and the presentation of the 2025 Howie Awards.
“I’m honored to serve as the Honorary Chair for this year’s Howard County Celebration of the Arts. Thank you to the Howard County Arts Council, and the incredible artists, organizations and supporters who continue to bring creativity, culture, and connection to our community. The arts play a vital role in shaping a vibrant, inspiring place where people want to live, work and grow, and where businesses are proud to call home,” said Smith.
At Howard Hughes, Smith leads the transformation of Merriweather District, Columbia’s urban core, into a dynamic, walkable center. Howard Hughes is deeply committed to the arts as a catalyst for connection and economic vitality, curating a vibrant year-round calendar of music and cultural events, and integrating public art into the fabric of the built environment. Under her leadership, Smith and her team are shaping a place where creativity flourishes and both people and businesses can thrive.
The Celebration of the Arts is the Arts Council’s major source of annual corporate support. In its 27 years, the event has netted more than $1.9 million. Proceeds from the event provide the Arts Council with the resources necessary to fund grants and scholarships and to offer arts programs year-round. This year’s event will include the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition, the presentation of the 2025 Howie Awards, performances by guest artists, and a silent Art Auction.
Tickets are on sale for $50 and $100 at hocoarts.org/tickets or by phone at (410) 313-2787. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available. Please visit hocoarts.org/celebration to learn more.