The Howard County Arts Council has announced its 11th Celebration of the Arts in Howard County, to be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 26 at Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts in Columbia.
The gala will feature a reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a silent auction of work by local artists, gourmet food from area restaurants and caterers and musical performances on the Main Street Stage.
After the reception, guests are invited into the theater for presentation of the Howie Awards and the Rising Star Competition for young performing artists. The audience will choose three winners to receive prices of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000.
Barbara K. Lawson, president and chief executive officer of the Columbia Foundation, is the gala's honorary chairwoman.
The celebration has raised $741,650 for arts grants in the community in the past 10 years.
Information: 410-313-ARTS, or www.hocoarts.org.
League plans two forums for candidates
The League of Women Voters of Howard County will hold a forum for congressional candidates from the 3rd and 7th districts at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Tyson Room of the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City.
The forum will be broadcast live on Gtv channels 44 and 70. The public is invited.
The league will also hold a forum for Board of Education candidates at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the boardroom at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108, Ellicott City.
Information or to reserve a place: 410-730-0142.
Election forum to be held Saturday
AAIHC (African-Americans in Howard County) will hold a presidential primary election forum from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at St. John Baptist Church's Agape Hall, 8910 Route 108, Ellicott City.
The forum will cover major public offices and candidates for the Howard County Board of Education.
Information: Sherman Howell, 301-596-5240.
State of the county address is Jan. 15
County Executive Ken Ulman will deliver his State of Howard County address twice Jan. 15. Following a practice he started during his first year in office, Ulman will present the address first at the Howard County Chamber of Commerce annual luncheon, which is a ticketed event for chamber members, the business community and guests.
Ulman will deliver the same address at 7 p.m. in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building, 3430 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. The evening presentation will be open to the public and carried live on Gtv, the county's government information station.
