The Howard County Arts Council, in its 32^nd year of service to the public of Howard County, presents the 16^th Annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College (HCC) in Columbia. HCC President Dr. Kathleen Hetherington will serve as Honorary Chair and Richard W. Story, Director of Marketing at JPB Enterprises will emcee the event.

The Celebration is a multi-faceted event showcasing and promoting the arts and raising funds in support of the arts, artists and arts organizations in Howard County.  A highlight of the gala is the Rising Star Emerging Performing Artist Award Competition, in which ten finalists compete for a cash prize of $5,000. In December, individual performing artists and small ensembles — aged 18 to 35 years and currently or recently living, working, performing regularly, or receiving training in Howard County — auditioned before a panel of professionals in their discipline.  Review criteria included artistic merit, demonstrated experience in the arts, and commitment to a career in the arts. The winner of the Rising Star Competition will be selected by the Celebration audience of artists, arts patrons, business and political representatives and community members, with the award presented live on stage that evening!

The ten finalists performing at the Celebration are:

MaryLee Adams – Musical Theatre

Dahlia Flute Duo (Mary Matthews & Melissa Wertheimer)

James Ginnever – Musical Theatre

Rebecca Hargrove – Classical Voice

Margaret Kudirka – Dance

Shawn Naar – Monologue

Woobin Park – Piano

Margo Seibert – Musical Theatre

Shadrin & Lu Piano Duo

Jennifer Sung – Classical Voice

Tickets to the 16^th Annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County will be available online at www.hocoarts.org or by phone to the Howard County Arts Council, 410-313-2787.