Author finds words and wisdom

The program, held by the Women?s Giving Circle, honors female arts organizers and artists who have distinguished Columbia and will include a champagne reception.

The group, founded in 2002 by Howard County residents, raises money and gives grants to organizations that provide services to women and girls in the community. WGC has also established a scholarship for women seeking training to improve their employment options and a summer camp for girls at Washington College.

“Lucille Clifton is one of our hometown treasures,” said Yolanda Bruno, one of the founders of WGC and an organizer of the event. “Hearing her read her inspiring and beautiful poetry is a pleasure we wanted to share with the women we honor and others in the community.”

Clifton, 71, was Coppin State University?s poet-in-residence from 1971 to 1974 and Maryland?s Poet Laureate from 1974 to 1988. Since 1991, she has been Distinguished Professor of Humanities at St. Mary?s College of Maryland.

“Howard County, and particularly Columbia, are places that are very supportive of the arts,” Clifton said. “Arts are part of what nourishes us as humans.”

Howard County Arts Council Executive Director Coleen West will speak about the history of women in the arts in Howard County.

“What is unique about Howard County is that so many of the original organizations are still in existence, and still being led by their original founders,” West said. “And women, by and large, have driven the arts in the community of Howard County.”

“I think that this event shows the commitment that we have to the arts and that we can recognize a treasure like Lucille,” Bruno said. “The arts are important to all of us.”

IF YOU GO

WGC?s Salute to Women in the Arts

Montebaro Recital Hall, Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center

Venue: Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia

When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday

Price: Free

Information: 410-997-2447

[email protected]