Howard County Arts Council

06/07/2026

06/05/2026

Starting NOW one week from yesterday.

Ok, that's confusing. How about: the final Wilde Readings of the season is next Tuesday, June 9th, starting a 7 p.m. at the wonderful Queen Takes Book bookstore in Columbia, Maryland.

The 'season finale' will feature the three hosts of the series (and an open mic session, so bring your stuff and if you don't have stuff, just bring your ears).

06/05/2026

Girl Scouts - check out the HoCo Youth Poet Laureate at the Creative Cafe later this month!

Coming up later this month, the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland are hosting a Creative Cafe, featuring Howard County Youth Poet Laureate Penelope Tofigh. Not that this event is specifically for Girl Scouts.

To learn more, visit: gscm.info/creativecafe

06/03/2026

💃🏿🕺 Choreographers 👣
The Mark Ryder Original Choreography Grant is now open for applications!

This grant recognizes individual creative expression and provides financial support for choreographers to create new original work.
Deadline: June 18

More here:
https://www.hocoarts.org/grant/mark-ryder-choreography-award/

06/03/2026

Community members are already helping shape the future of public art in Western Howard County. From nature-inspired installations to interactive experiences, we're gathering ideas that will help guide what's next. Haven't taken the survey yet? hocoarts.org/public-garden

06/02/2026

🎨The next General Exhibit Proposal deadline is July 1, 2026!

HoCo Arts accepts exhibit proposals throughout the year from individuals, groups, curators, and arts organizations. Deadlines are quarterly.

🔗Learn more: https://www.hocoarts.org/exhibit/general-exhibits/

HoCo Arts manages two galleries with over 1,600 square feet of exhibit space.

05/29/2026

🎨 NEXT WEEK! Paint It! Ellicott City 2026 – Open Paint is Back🌳😎

Open Paint invites community artists of all skill levels to spend the weekend painting alongside juried artists throughout town. Artwork created during the event will be displayed at the Howard County Welcome Center from June 29 – August 12.

Open Paint registration is $10, June 4-7.
⬇ Go to link for detail and registration information ⬇

https://www.hocoarts.org/product/paint-it-ellicott-city-open-paint-2026/

Image: An artist working en plein air during the 2025 Paint It! Ellicott City (HoCo Arts)

05/27/2026

🎨 LAST CALL for AiE Grant Applications - PTAs & private school supporters!

The Artists-in-Education (AiE) Grant helps schools host professional artists for residencies, workshops, and presentations—giving students hands-on arts experiences.

📅 Grant deadline: June 4

Learn more and apply:
https://www.hocoarts.org/grant/artists-in-education-grants/

Grants for local schools to bring professional artists into the classroom. Applications due in June.