The 10th Anniversary Linny Awards presented by Elaine Emrick, pay tribute to the legacy of Marlene “Linny” Fowler, a longtime champion of the arts whose advocacy helped lay the foundation for the region’s creative community. Elaine Emrick has served as the title sponsor of the Linny Awards since 2024, helping support and elevate the program’s continued growth and impact across the region. The awards are presented to distinguished individuals from the region for their long-term commitment and dedication to the arts. This year’s celebration will take place on October 15, 2026, in the Musikfest Café at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.
“Each year, the Linny Awards reminds us that the strength of our arts community is grounded in the people who show up to create, champion and invest in it year after year,” said Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest. “From artists and educators to business leaders, volunteers and philanthropists, this year’s honorees reflect the tremendous talent and generosity that defines the Lehigh Valley. Their work fuels connection, inspires future generations and helps drive our region forward.”
New this year, the 10th Anniversary Linny Awards presented by Elaine Emrick will introduce a Culinary Artist of the Year category, recognizing the artistry and creativity of chefs and culinary professionals whose work elevates food as an expressive and cultural medium.
The full list of this year’s honorees include:
- Lifetime Achievement — Ashley Russo
- Philanthropy in the Arts — Michael and Michele Pessina
- Business Supporter of the Arts — C.F. Martin & Co.
- Culinary Artist of the Year — Chef Will Rufe
- Visual Artist of the Year — Katie Hovencamp
- Arts Educator of the Year — Tiffany Anderson
- Performing Artist of the Year — Vernon Mobley
- Student Artist Scholarship — Raeya Bell
- Volunteer of the Year — Ronda Senior
Tickets for the 10th Anniversary Linny Awards presented by Elaine Emrick go on sale May 15, with Early Bird pricing of $199 available for a limited time before increasing on September 7. For tickets and additional information, please visit: www.artsquest.org/the-linny-awards.
Award recipients were selected by the ArtsQuest Foundation Board of Trustees, the ArtsQuest Board of Trustees, the ArtsQuest Performing Arts Board and the ArtsQuest Visual Arts Board.
About the Linny Awards
For more than a quarter-century, Marlene “Linny” Fowler of Bethlehem worked tirelessly to elevate the Lehigh Valley’s arts organizations and artists through her volunteerism and her support. Now, the region celebrates its flourishing arts community and honors Fowler’s memory by taking part in the Linny Awards, the multi-disciplinary arts awards program focused on the greater Lehigh Valley’s artists, innovators and arts leaders.
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, using arts and culture as drivers of economic development in our urban communities. ArtsQuest supports this mission through performing and visual arts, film, arts education and outreach, youth programming and a wide range of cultural events, anchored by signature venues and initiatives including its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a centerpiece for the Valley’s artistic communities; the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks; and the LVHN, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, an adaptive reuse project expanding space for programming, festivals, private events and nationally touring exhibits. ArtsQuest welcomes more than 2 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, generating a regional economic impact of close to $193 million in 2025. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.