On Oct. 24, the Howard County Arts Council celebrated its 29th annual Celebration of the Arts at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center on the Howard Community College campus. The gala attracted more than 400 guests who together raised roughly $119,000 in cash donations and an additional $58,000 in goods and services.
Funds Reinvested in the Community
Since its inception, the event has generated over $2 million, all of which is reinvested back into Howard County to advance the arts. The latest proceeds will fund artist awards, scholarships, grants, exhibitions, and a variety of arts‑education programs for K‑12 schools.
Highlights of the Evening
Christa Kerrigan, principal architect for Michael Graves, served as honorary chair, while Terry N. Eberhardt, a musician and music coordinator for the Howard County Public School System, emceed the program. The Rising Star Performing Arts Competition featured eight finalists competing for a $5,000 award. The double‑bass duo known as the Boundless Basses—Zach Desmond and Eric Liu—won the audience’s vote with their rendition of “Tres Tangos Para Duo de Contrabajos” and were named the 2026 Rising Stars.
Other finalists included flutist Lisa Choi, vibraphonist Samuel Hsu, classical vocalist Claire Marguerite Iverson, dancer Glory John, pianist Junwen Liang, and oboist Lydia You.
Howie Awards Recognize Local Contributors
The ceremony also presented the annual Howie Awards. Elizabeth Higgens was honored as Outstanding Artist, Tammy Suggon as Outstanding Arts Educator, and Harry S. Glass as Outstanding Community Supporter of the Arts. A special Coleen West Leadership in the Arts Award went to Liz Henzey, director of the Columbia Association Art Center.
Students from Centennial High School and Guildford Park High School performed on stage, and the reception featured music from the Maryland Winds Woodwind Quintet and classical guitarist Bruce Casteel.
Culinary Competition and Art Auction
Nineteen culinary sponsors provided food for the gala and competed for Best Culinary Display. Cured | 18th & 21st earned first place, followed by Blackwall Barn & Lodge/Smashing Grapes in second, and The Collective Offshore and Encore sharing third.
The Art Auction showcased works by 35 local artists, offering 45 pieces. Thirty‑two of those works were sold, further bolstering the council’s grant program for schools, emerging artists, and community arts initiatives.
Getting Involved
Community members who wish to support the Howard County arts scene can learn more on the Arts Council’s website, which provides information on volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and ways to donate.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
