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Join us for the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County gala!

One of Howard County’s premier fundraising events and an important showcase for local performing and visual artists who help enhance our quality of life. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of art and entertainment featuring culinary delights courtesy of local restaurants, a fine art auction of local artwork, and incredible performances by rising and guest stars. This event is our main source of private and corporate funding and helps to support our grant and scholarship programs, as well as our education programs for children and adults throughout the year.

David Singleton, Celebration of the Arts 2023 (photo by Katie Simmons-Barth)
Male dancer performs split with arms raised straight up on stage with chair behind him against a red background.

About Celebration of the Arts

The annual Celebration of the Arts is held at the Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College on a Saturday evening in the fall.

The event kicks off at 6pm with a two-hour reception where guests will have the opportunity to bid on artwork from the Celebration 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 in the Smith and Studio Theatres where they will enjoy the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition and the presentation of the Howie Awards. Up to 10 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.

Celebration of the Arts 2025 will be held on Saturday, October 25, 6-10pm at the Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center, Howard Community College.

Audience sits in theater before show begins.

Don’t miss the arts event of the year

Tickets are $50-$100 and include a 2-hour reception featuring up to 18 local restaurants and caterers along with live entertainment and the art auction before guests take their seats for the main performance – the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition and the presentation of the Howie Awards.

Large open lobby with sponsor logos projected high on walls.

Meet our Celebration sponsors

Through the generous support of our sponsors, HoCo Arts presents year round arts programming for all ages. Sponsor levels range from $1,000-$10,000 and include a variety of benefit packages – all of which include tickets to the event and/or a full-color ad in our event program.

Man wearing purple traditional Indian headdress serves food to guests in lobby of the theater.

Taste Howard County’s best bites

Every year, up to 18 local restaurants and caterers get the chance to showcase their culinary talents while supporting the arts by providing their best bites for guests to enjoy during the event reception.

Two smiling couples in formal attire stand in art gallery.

Become a Celebration Extra

Join HoCo Arts as a $500 member and become a Celebration Extra. Celebration Extras receive two $100 tickets to the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County and are acknowledged in the event program.

Man in suit looking up stands center stage holding guitar against purple background.

Help us launch a Rising Star

See Howard County’s Rising Stars at our annual gala and vote for your favorite! Up to 10 performing artists will dazzle guests as they vie for the $5,000 prize selected by live audience vote.

Two smiling women hold glass award.

Celebrate those who teach, create, and support the arts

The Howie Awards are presented at the Celebration to honor those who have made a significant impact on the arts in Howard County. Do you know an Outstanding Arts Educator, Artist or Arts Supporter?

Art gallery with 2-dimensional artwork on walls and six pedestals with 3-dimensional artwork.

Grow your art collection

Bid on artwork from local artists during the Celebration Art Auction to grow your collection while supporting the Arts Council and the contributing artists.

Smiling women in red dress stands behind table with raffle sign.

Enter to win arts and culture experiences in the Celebraiton Raffle

Experience the arts in Howard County and beyond! Each year, we curate three-six raffle baskets with performance tickets, museum passes, restaurant gift cards, and more. For just $5 you can enter to win and support the arts.

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