The Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) is pleased to announce that Kevin Kelehan, Partner with Carney, Kelehan, Bresler, Bennett & Scherr, LLP and recipient of the 2012 Howie Award for Outstanding Community Supporter of the Arts, will serve as Honorary Chair of the 2014 Celebration of the Arts in Howard County. The Celebration gala, presented by Howard Bank, will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the Peter and Elizabeth Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard Community College. Mr. Kelehan will make opening remarks in the Smith Theatre during the 90-minute program, which features the Rising Star Competition.
Howard County has benefitted greatly from Mr. Kelehan’s longstanding and generous support of the arts community. As part of his commitment to making art accessible to the public, he has provided legal representation to the Columbia Festival of the Arts for nearly a decade and also worked pro bono with Howard County Government, Howard County Public School System, and HCAC to draft a memorandum of understanding which stipulates the number of days the Jim Rouse Theatre for the Performing Arts is used for community events. Mr. Kelehan invests in our next generation of artists through his support of Howard Community College. He serves on HCC’s Educational Foundation Board and co-chaired the recent Capital Campaign, which helped support the college’s numerous art disciplines.
Mr. Kelehan also lives out his commitment to the arts, performing in numerous community theatre productions, patronizing County art and performance venues, and helping raise funds for the arts. His support demonstrates his passion for all arts — visual, spoken, crafted, and danced.
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About the Celebration gala, Mr. Kelehan says, “I am happy to serve as the Honorary Chair for such an enjoyable event that showcases the many arts programs offered in Howard County and celebrates the talented artists within the County.”
Steve Poynot, President of the Arts Council Board says, “We are delighted to have Kevin serve as this year’s Honorary Chair. As an advocate for community-based arts, it is so important for the Arts Council to have prominent leaders in the community — like Kevin — step forward and put a spotlight on the arts.”
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The Celebration is the Arts Council’s major source of annual corporate support. In 16 years, the event has netted $1,167,465. Proceeds from the event provide the Arts Council with the resources necessary to fund grants and scholarships, to support a guest artist series at HCC, and to offer arts programs year-round. Celebration 2014 will feature the popular Rising Star competition for emerging performing artists. The winner of the competition receives a $5,000 professional development award. Richard W. Story, Senior Vice President, Community Relations and Government Affairs, and Business Development Liaison for Howard Bank, will serve as Event Emcee. Other highlights include a reception featuring culinary delights from distinctive Howard County restaurants, a silent auction of artwork by local artists, musical entertainment, and the Howie Awards, recognizing individuals and businesses for their significant contributions to the arts.
Sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and internships are available. Tickets are $100 (Reception and Smith Theatre) and $50 (Reception and Studio Theatre). For more information, call 410.313.ARTS (2787) or visit www.hocoarts.org.
