Howard County Arts Council

Howard County Arts Council

8510 High Ridge Road
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-2787
www.hocoarts.org

Mon
10:00am–8:00pm
Tue
10:00am–8:00pm
Wed
10:00am–8:00pm
Thu
10:00am–8:00pm
Fri
10:00am–8:00pm
Sat
10:00am–4:00pm
Sun
12:00pm–4:00pm

Enriching and uplifting Howard County communities since 1981. We are devoted to nurturing local artists and arts organizations, furthering the public’s appreciation of the arts, and ensuring that the arts are accessible — regardless of age, ability or economic status.

The Howard County Arts Council (HoCo Arts) enriches the community by supporting artists and arts organizations through grants, scholarships, advocacy, and creative opportunities for all ages. We foster artistic expression, help people discover their talents, and serve as a leading voice for the arts in Howard County. We also provide a home for the arts at the Capitoline Center in Ellicott City.

History


Founded in 1981

Recognizing the important contributions the arts make to community life, the Howard County Council adopted Section 12.804(a) to the County Code in order to establish a private non-profit arts agency to foster the arts and selected the Howard County Arts Council to play that role. The ensuing public-private partnership has resulted in three remarkable decades of artistic programming and growth. This record has been accomplished in large part from recognition by County government and the Arts Council that arts and culture are not a luxury, but rather are vital to the creation of a vibrant, healthy community. Indeed, Howard County has become known throughout the region and beyond for the strength and vibrancy of the arts in its community.

View AllUpcoming Events


Red, White or Blue
Red, White or Blue
Aug 26, 2026, 12:00 AM EDT
Columbia, MD
Red, White or Blue features the works of 28 artists at The Meeting House Gallery. Their work includes oil, watercolor, acrylic and mixed...
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Nature in Two Voices: Paintings by Chris Rapa and Jing-Jy Chen
Nature in Two Voices: Paintings by Chris Rapa and Jing-Jy Chen
Aug 26, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT
Ellicott City, MD
Watercolorist, Jing-Jy Chen offers graceful watercolor works on rice paper. In contrast Chris Rapa’s oversized field paintings approach ...
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Red, White or Blue
Red, White or Blue
Aug 27, 2026, 12:00 AM EDT
Columbia, MD
Red, White or Blue features the works of 28 artists at The Meeting House Gallery. Their work includes oil, watercolor, acrylic and mixed...
Read More
Red, White or Blue
Red, White or Blue
Aug 28, 2026, 12:00 AM EDT
Columbia, MD
Red, White or Blue features the works of 28 artists at The Meeting House Gallery. Their work includes oil, watercolor, acrylic and mixed...
Read More
Red, White or Blue
Red, White or Blue
Aug 29, 2026, 12:00 AM EDT
Columbia, MD
Red, White or Blue features the works of 28 artists at The Meeting House Gallery. Their work includes oil, watercolor, acrylic and mixed...
Read More