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.