The Howard County Arts Council will celebrate 35 years of fostering the arts at its signature event, the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County gala.

The festivities will include a silent auction of works by local artists, culinary delicacies from area restaurants, and wonderful performances featuring the talent assembled for the annual Rising Star Competition, as ten young performing artists and/or small ensembles (ages 18-35) who live, work, or study in Howard County vie for a $5,000 professional development award. The 2015 Howie Awards, awarded in recognition of significant contributions to the artistic life of Howard County, will also be presented.

The Celebration of the Arts is sure to be an unforgettable evening, so mark your calendar now! Tickets are $100 (reception and Smith Theatre) and $50 (reception and Studio Theatre) and will be available in January at hocoarts.org.