Past Linny Awards Recipients

Tom has more than 40 years of financial experience including serving as Bank Examiner for the US Treasury Department, Senior Accountant at KPMG, Corporate Controller of Johnson March Corporation, VP Finance of Hospital Central Services and as founder of Valley National Financial Advisors (1985).

When Tom started Valley National Financial Advisors in the mid-1980shis mission was to build a one-stop business to handle as many of his clients’ financial issues and give them advice in as many areas as possible, including questions on inflation, how to purchase a car, questions on inheritance and more. Today, with the processes and people in place for the long term, Tom’s time has shifted away from administrating and toward maintaining close contact with his clients.

“I really, really like what I’m doing, and I don’t have any plans to retire,” he says. Tom is a selfproclaimed “City of Bethlehem Fan,” and he believes strongly in keeping his company’s roots firmly planted here in the Lehigh Valley. Tom first came to the area from Western Pennsylvania to play football for Lafayette College. After graduating, Tom went on to earn an MBA from Lehigh University and shortly after received the highest score in the state of Pennsylvania on his CPA exam.

Professional Certifications
Tom’s professional certifications include: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), MBA – Lehigh University, Bethlehem PA, BA – Mathematics & Economics, Lafayette College, Easton, PA, Investment Adviser Representative Valley National Advisers, Inc. and a Registered Representative Valley National Investments, Inc.

Affiliations / Awards

• Member, Financial Planning Association
• Past Board Member, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites
• Past Board Member & Chair, ArtsQuest Foundation
• Past Board Member, Minsi Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America
• Past President, NE Pennsylvania Society of Certified Financial Planners
• Alexander E. Loeb Gold Medal award, 1977
• 2020 LVB ICON Honoree

R. Charles “Chuck” Stehly founded C-Link in November 2015 with longtime friend Bill Lentz. Chuck serves as Director of Business Development for Premier Environments and is former President of Stehly Woodcrafts and SignCorp.

A Lehigh Valley native, Chuck graduated from Easton High School, Northampton Community College and Muhlenberg College.

Chuck currently sits on the board of Directors for the Keystone Savings Foundation, serves as Vice President for the Wildlife Leadership Academy and is a trustee of Northampton Community College. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Priority One and is a member of the Lehigh Valley Advisory Board of Fidelity Bank.

His past board service includes: Keystone Savings Bank, Keystone Nazareth Bank and Trust, Chairman of the Board at State Theater of Easton, Chairman of VIA of the Lehigh Valley, President of First Night Bethlehem and President Bethlehem Sr. Citizens Council. Other board service includes Bethlehem Musikfest Association, Bethlehem Area Jaycees, Northampton Community College Foundation, American Cancer Society, Community Action Committee of Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, Bethlehem YMCA, Northeast Ministries and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Wesley Church.

Chuck also served on the Board of Advisors for the Children’s Home of Easton and KidsPeace. In addition to his board appointments, Chuck was selected to the inaugural class of Leadership Bethlehem, now Leadership Lehigh Valley, and was honored in 1985 with Bethlehem’s Distinguished Service Award. In 1994, he received Northampton Community College’s Alumnus of the Year Award and the Northampton Community College Distinguished Service Award in 2003.

In 2012, he was the recipient of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation’s Most Valuable Player Award. Also in 2012, he received the Community Fabric Award from Northampton Community College. In 2017, Chuck was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of Northampton Community College as part of their 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Chuck and his wife, Wendy, have two children and two grandchildren and reside in Bethlehem Township.

The PPL Foundation empowers communities by supporting student success from cradle to career and promoting the development of vibrant and sustainable communities. PPL gives back to its communities and neighbors in powerful ways by continually seeking new ways to invest their time and resources in our communities. It’s simply how they do business, and it’s their way of keeping a promise to build a brighter tomorrow.

Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that are engaged in innovative and groundbreaking work to create vibrant, sustainable communities and support children’s success from cradle to career in both Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

In 2024, the PPL Foundation contributed more than $6.5 million to support over 400 nonprofit organizations, advancing their mission to foster student success, promote inclusion and build sustainable communities. From providing scholarships and school supplies to supporting public safety and environmental initiatives, their investments are rooted in the belief that every individual deserves the chance to thrive.

Mallory Zondag is a mixed-media fiber artist and artist educator. Her experience with textiles while in art school led her to create both independent and community sculpture through a variety of fiber art mediums. She explores deeply personal and connective universal stories through the meditative, hands-on practices of wet felting, weaving, sculpting and stitching, seeking to bring the ephemeral into physical being. The growth and decay of the natural world, the duality of discomfort and attraction we feel towards it and humanity’s place within this dichotomy informs her dimensional textures and sculptural pieces.

Mallory’s work has been exhibited at The Banana Factory, Bethlehem, PA; The Allentown Art Museum, PA: The International Biennial of Textile Art Scythia, Ukraine; View Arts and Culture Center, Old Forge, NY; Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, Berkeley, CA; Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Towson University, MD; Ceres Gallery, NYC, NY; Main Street Studio, Ballston Lake, NY; Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, AZ; El Museo Del Barrio, NYC, NY; The Whitney Museum of American Art, NYC, NY: Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA; and Moravian University, Bethlehem, PA. She has been an Artist-in-Residence at Acadia National Park, The Allentown Art Museum and The Wassaic Project, Wassaic, NY.

Mallory shares her passion for handmade one-of-a-kind textiles through various educational programs and residencies. Many of these programs involve a collaborative element where the entire school works together on a single project. These programs bring an exciting, hands-on artistic experience to the students as well as emphasizing community and collaboration through art. As a resident artist in over twenty schools and community organizations, she has led her Fiber Living Wall program where handfelted wool living walls are collaboratively created with students of all ages and abilities. The final sculpture finds a permanent home within the school or community space.

Mallory has been the recipient of three NY Statewide Capital Regrants for Independent Artists and Community Arts and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Creative Excellence and Support in Pennsylvania. Her work is held in private collections, The Whitney Museum of American Art, Acadia National Park and The Allentown Art Museum. She studied Fashion Design at Pratt Institute (BFA 2016).

Matt was born and raised in Philadelphia, where he’s worked professionally for 25 years. He’s also a proud resident of the Lehigh Valley, where he has worked with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival for 26 seasons. He’s acted in and/or directed over 50 productions with the Festival and directed 10 Will Power educational tours reaching thousands of students throughout Pennsylvania. Additional credits include Arden Theatre, People’s Light & Theatre, Lantern Theatre, Interact, 1812 Productions, Delaware Theatre Co, Theatre Horizon, Walnut St Theatre, Bristol Riverside, Orlando Shakespeare, The Gulfshore Playhouse, Villanova University, Philadelphia Theatre Co. and Desales University among others.

Matt is a 13-time Barrymore nominee and winner for best Director for The Whale and The Invisible Hand both with Theatre Exile. Matt is also well known for his portrayal of Philly legend Ray Didinger in the play Tommy and Me. He is a proud DeSales University graduate (‘99) and a recipient of the F. Otto Haas Award.

Todd Croslis is a recent graduate of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts and will be attending NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama. An aspiring multi-hyphenate, he has tried his hand at acting, directing, stage managing, producing, designing and teaching.

Tom has had the opportunity to do so in abundance at the Civic Theatre of Allentown and his alma mater. Among a wide range of credits, some favorites on and off the stage include: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Sound of Music, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Laramie Project, A Little Night Music, Blood at the Root, The SpongeBob Musical, Indecent, Rent, Falsettos, Fun Home and Billy Elliot.

Recently, he workshopped and originated roles in Ladies, How Dare You! and The Oscars: A Conversation Among Friends.

Todd is passionate about the intersection of activism and art, with a deep interest in bold new work that pushes the boundaries. His goal is to create and uplift work that does just that.

Dr. MaryJo Rosania Harvie is an artist, educator and advocate whose career in art education spans K–12 classrooms, higher education and community-based programs. Her career in art education started with teaching high school art for seventeen years, focusing on sustaining an inclusive, student-centered classroom that fostered creativity, confidence and connection.

In 2005, MaryJo earned an MFA in studio art from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her work in the classroom led to leadership roles, including Visual and Performing Arts Supervisor in the North Hunterdon-Voorhees School District and Chief of Artistic Programs and Events and Co-Principal at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts.

In 2022, MaryJo earned an EdD in Transformational Teaching and Learning from Kutztown University and is currently Assistant Professor of Art and Director of Art Education at Moravian University. She has taught learners across the lifespan, from young children to adults. MaryJo is an ArtsQuest teaching artist and a rostered teaching artist with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. She serves on the ArtsQuest Visual Arts Board and the Education and Gallery Committees.

MaryJo’s current research includes creating community in the classroom through the arts and the impact of arts experiences on wellness. She shares her work locally and nationally through writing and conference presentations. She is a member of the Fred Rogers’ Institute Educators’ Neighborhood, a global community of educators committed to inclusive and caring systems inspired by Rogers’ legacy. She serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) as the Website and Communications Chair.

MaryJo is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in social work at Moravian University with a goal to further expand the inclusive and transformative potential of the arts in our education and community systems. She believes deeply that art is more than a single subject but rather a powerful bridge that connects disciplines, generations and lived experiences.

Jake Supreme is a visionary artist, executive and cultural builder redefining what’s possible for independent music in the Lehigh Valley. Raised in Pittsburgh with roots in Baltimore and Harrisburg, Jake’s creative journey began behind a drum kit and evolved into a full-fledged mission: to fuse hip-hop, soul and storytelling into experiences that uplift, inspire and move people.

He discovered his calling at Kutztown University, where a fateful roommate pairing with vocalist Exodus led to the formation of Manifest! HB, a hip-hop soul duo that started winning talent shows and energizing campus crowds. Their creative chemistry blossomed into Abstract Music Empire Entertainment, the label and creative house they now co-lead as co-CEOs.

Since its founding, Abstract has made waves by breaking down barriers for hip-hop in traditionally underserved spaces. Under Jake’s leadership, the team has produced music videos featured on MTV, VH1 and BET Jams, booked stages at Bethlehem’s Musikfest (2021, 2022, 2024), and in 2025, Manifest! HB will open for Grammy-winning superstar Nelly.

Jake Supreme’s solo work is equally impactful. As an artist, he’s known for balancing raw lyricism with intention, creating music that hits hard but still radiates hope. His commitment to positive, meaningful expression has helped shift perceptions of hip-hop in the region, proving that family-friendly events and culturally rich performances can co-exist.

But the vision doesn’t stop at the mic. Jake is building long-term infrastructure for emerging creatives across the Valley. Through Abstract Music Empire, he’s launching a “WeWork for artists,” a hub for photo and video production, writing, recording, workshops and brand-building support. The goal is to equip the next generation of talent with the tools, knowledge and confidence to own their art and thrive independently.

Whether he’s performing as Jake Supreme, developing artists behind the scenes, or creating safe, empowering spaces for creatives to grow, his message remains the same: articulate your dream and never give up. Receiving the 2025 Linny Award for Emerging Artist of the Year is more than a milestone—it’s fuel for the next chapter of impact.

Jada Amirah Lewis is a passionate youth advocate, hydroponic gardener and rising leader in sustainable agriculture and social justice. Her story is distinguished by early inspiration, impactful community work and ambitious academic goals.

Born and raised in Allentown, Jada spent part of her childhood in New York City before returning to Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. Her journey into sustainable farming began when, at just seven years old, she was introduced to hydroponic gardening at her charter elementary school. That spark ignited a lifelong passion that led to the creation of her initiative, Amirah’s Hope Hydroponic Garden, aimed at addressing food insecurity while empowering young people.

By age 16, Jada had already gained considerable recognition. Amirah’s Hope Organization launched in 2009 in the Lehigh Valley following the inspiration of a photo of Jada and Barack Obama on the cover of the Morning Call. Her organization has expanded into Charlotte NC, Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown and surrounding communities. In 2025, it became a Northeast UNICEF USA recognized organization and club. Her vision resonates beyond Pennsylvania, with leaders in Sierra Leone and the United Nations have taken note of her work.

Jada’s ability to blend science, community organizing and youth empowerment has made her a sought-after youth speaker, including engagements at the Nurture Nature Center in Easton., various community conferences and local universities. In addition to her gardening initiative, Jada is an award-winning volunteer and civic leader. She received the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2019 and a lifetime achievement in 2020 in recognition of her “exemplary leadership in acts of service.”

Jada’s diverse service activities, spanning education, social justice and environmental stewardship underscore her commitment to making a difference.

Jada is also blazing a bold academic path. At age 16, she’s already enrolled at Northampton Community College with a 4.0 GPA, where she’s pursuing a psychology degree, setting her sights on a future career as an FBI forensic profiler.

Her academic ambition blends her interest in the human mind with a broader mission to effect systemic change.

Jada’s leadership style is both dynamic and inclusive. She mentors peers, collaborates with diverse community groups and emphasizes science-based, youth-centered initiatives. Through Amirah’s Hope, she offers educational workshops on hydroponic systems, nutrition and social responsibility. These efforts not only address local food justice issues but also inspire a new generation to take action.

Her Lehigh Valley initiative’s expansion is strategic; panning Easton, Bethlehem and Allentown and creating a regional network of youth-powered sustainable agriculture. Internationally, she’s begun dialogues with leaders in Sierra Leone and the United Nations, a true testament to her growing influence.

Despite her rapid rise, Jada remains grounded. She balances her academic life with community organizing and volunteerism, supported by family, educators and mentors who believe in her vision. Her story is one of youthful idealism shaped into practical, powerful action, a reminder that meaningful change often begins at the grassroots.

Follow Jada on Instagram @AmirahsHopeOrg

The Philanthropy in the Arts Award recognizes an individual, family or foundation that has made a major commitment to supporting multiple arts and cultural organizations or programs in the region, and through their work has truly enhanced access to the arts and the quality of life in our region. Laurie Hackett is Air Products’ Director of Corporate and Community Relations, where she works to advance the company’s mission and strengthen its communities. Passionate about supporting the arts, she champions organizations like ArtsQuest and highlights the work of Lehigh Valley nonprofit leaders on her NPR podcast. She serves as vice chair of the boards of Miller-Keystone Blood Center, Century Promise, and the Lehigh Valley Chamber and is an active board member of Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Valley Youth House, Greater Easton Development Partnership, United Way and other nonprofit organizations. She served as the first solo Chair of the 2022 United Way Campaign and raised a record $19.7 million for the Lehigh Valley community. Laurie is the grateful recipient of the United Way Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award, Chamber Athena Award, and Girl Scouts Take the Lead Honor.

The Business Supporter of the Arts Award is presented annually to an area business for their dedication and support of arts and culture in the region for five or more years. The award is given to businesses that have a presence in or do the majority of their business in the region. Service Electric Cable TV & Communications, founded by John Walson, Sr. in 1948, pioneered cable television with the nation’s first community antenna system. Now under the leadership of John M. Walson, the third generation of the Walson family, the company continues its legacy of technological innovation and community support in the Lehigh Valley. Its television production arm, the Service Electric Network (SEN), covers everything from high school sports to professional hockey, Musikfest, and other community events. As the exclusive TV provider for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Phantoms, and more, Service Electric also supports numerous nonprofits while showcasing local stories on its flagship program, Lehigh Valley Sports Scene.

This award honors a Greater Lehigh Valley visual artist whose work embodies excellence in its field. This category includes but is not limited to two- and three-dimensional visual arts such as painting, sculpture, digital, fiber, glass, ceramics, jewelry, metal and photography, as well as designers of fashion, musical instruments, furniture and other handcrafted works. Anthony Smith Jr. holds a B.A. in Fine Arts from Amherst College and an M.F.A. in Painting from the University of Michigan. His work has been exhibited nationally, including in the “Mighty Real/Queer Detroit Exhibit” (2022) and at the David Driskell Center, as well as regionally at the Bethlehem House Gallery and Moravian University’s Payne Gallery. Smith has been an artist-in-residence at esteemed programs like the MacDowell Residency (2023) and the Banana Factory Art Center, where he has maintained a studio since 2014. Currently teaching at Kutztown University, he resides in Allentown, PA, and continues to engage in international art programs, such as recent residencies in Senegal and Scotland.

This award recognizes a Greater Lehigh Valley performing artist whose work symbolizes excellence in its field. This category includes but is not limited to theater, film, dance and other forms of performance art, animation, comedy, music, as well as literary art, playwrights and screenwriters. Dina Hall, a lifelong vocalist and self-taught guitarist, relocated to Bethlehem in 2000, where she honed her craft through busking, hosting open mics, and volunteering as a WDIY radio programmer. She began songwriting in her 30s, releasing her debut album, Logic and the Heart, in 2011 and her sophomore album, Firefly, in 2023, featuring collaborations with regional musicians and produced at Red Rock Recording Studio. Over the past 25 years, Dina has produced community concerts, performed at activism rallies, PRIDE events, and Musikfest, while also creating initiatives like the Flex: Adapt with Intent webcast and the Songwriters-in-the-Round concert series. She has shared the stage with notable artists such as KT Tunstall, Joan Osborne, and John Gorka, maintaining a full-time performing schedule across the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

The Student Artist Scholarship Award, in the amount of $2,500, will be presented to one student in the region who demonstrates significant talent and promise in the visual, literary or performing arts and is looking to pursue a degree in arts, art therapy, arts education or arts administration. High school juniors to seniors are eligible for this award.  Sammy Wendland, a freshman at Kutztown University, plans to double major in Fine Arts and Biology with aspirations of pursuing a career in Medical Illustration. Her vibrant, Art Nouveau-inspired artwork explores themes of growing up and life’s “in-betweens,” drawing inspiration from her personal experiences. Working across various mediums, including oil paint, colored pencil, graphite, and digital art, Sammy has earned regional recognition with 16 Gold and 7 Silver Scholastic Keys. Known online as “sikeitssammy,” she shares her creative journey on TikTok and Instagram, aiming to evoke nostalgia and foster a sense of community through her art.

This award is dedicated to a Greater Lehigh Valley-based educator, teaching artist or arts administrator who has made a profound impact on students and/or the community through his or her work in the arts. This award is open to any individual working with students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, or high school.  Daniel E. Zettlemoyer is the instrumental music director at Nitschmann Middle School, where he conducts multiple ensembles, teaches instrumental lessons, and has led student performances at notable events like Phillies games and the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship. A graduate of Liberty High School, he earned his Music Education degree from West Chester University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University. Throughout his career, he has taught in various schools, directed award-winning bands, and performed with prestigious ensembles such as the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps and the Allentown Band. Mr. Zettlemoyer believes that music education offers students an emotional outlet, improves their cognitive skills, and provides them with a community of friends on which they can rely. “I love teaching music because music is expression, music is community, music is life.”

The Emerging Artist honor celebrates an artist from 18 to 30 years of age who demonstrates excellence in his/her field. This award is designed to honor an up-and-coming artist or an artist who has had a breakthrough year, and through his or her work has contributed to the region’s culture and community in a very positive way. Lilly Moss, a rising singer-songwriter from Bethlehem, PA, discovered her passion for music in sixth grade, started writing songs at 16, and performed live for the first time at 17. In 2023, she released original songs produced by Grammy-nominated Dan Malsch, garnering over half a million streams and placement on prominent playlists. Her upcoming debut country album, Meet Me on Broadway, features singles like “Heartbreak Summer,” which landed on Spotify’s “All New Country” playlist. A pediatric cancer survivor, Lilly uses her music and art to support charitable causes, performing at events like the Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s Hearts of Gold Gala and co-hosting the Dream Come True Telethon, all while pursuing a degree in government and law at Lafayette College.

This award recognizes an individual who has served in a volunteer leadership role in one or more arts organizations and whose hard work, dedication and passion for the arts have led to a significant difference for the organization(s) and our community. Dawn and Roger Cressman have been dedicated volunteers for ArtsQuest for over 30 years, beginning with pouring beer at Musikfest and expanding their roles to events like Oktoberfest, Christkindlmarkt, and SangriaFest. Roger has served on the Performing Arts Committee since 2012, joined the Musikfest Staging Team in 2014, and became a Performing Arts Board member in 2024, leveraging his flexible schedule as a Realtor to support various events. Dawn, a paraeducator in special education, has been a Stage Manager at Musikfest, poured beer at Oktoberfest since its inception, and served as an usher, while also joining the Levitt Pavilion Board of Directors. Both are long-time ArtsQuest Members, known for their generous donations and hands-on commitment to fostering the arts in their community.

The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates and honors those who have given 25 or more years of service to the arts. It is because of their commitment, dedication, and/or support of the arts that the Greater Lehigh Valley’s art community thrives. This award is open to artists or philanthropists whose work symbolizes the highest level of excellence, commitment and achievement. Jeffrey A. Parks is an attorney, author, and social entrepreneur renowned for leveraging arts strategies to foster community and economic development. He founded Musikfest, a free music festival in Bethlehem, PA, to revitalize the downtown area, which has since grown into a non-profit agency attracting a million guests annually. As the founder of ArtsQuest, Parks oversaw initiatives like Christkindlmarkt, the Banana Factory Arts Center, and the $90 million SteelStacks Arts & Culture Campus, transforming the city’s tourism and cultural landscape. After retiring as Chief Quest Officer in 2015, Parks became an advocate for the role of arts in community development and authored Stronger than Steel, detailing Bethlehem’s revitalization. He chaired the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (2016–2024), where he launched the Creative Communities Initiative to integrate arts into community development projects. Parks is now Chief Operating Officer of Alibi Music, LP, managing its global music publishing operations while working alongside his son, who founded the business.

This award celebrates and honors those who have given 25 or more years of service to the arts. It is because of their commitment, dedication, and/or support of the arts that the Greater Lehigh Valley’s art community thrives. This award is open to artists and philanthropists whose work symbolizes the highest level of excellence, commitment, and achievement. Jack and Barb were born in Pottsville, PA and graduated from Pottsville High School. Jack graduated from Lehigh University and Barb graduated from Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing. Living in the Lehigh Valley, Jack founded Cornerstone Financial Consultants. They have both volunteered and financially supported various charities throughout their lives including ArtsQuest, ArtsQuest Foundation, Lehigh University, St. Thomas More Church, and Holy Infancy School.

This award recognizes the individual or individuals who have served in a volunteer leadership role in one or more arts organizations and whose hard work, dedication and passion for the arts have led to a significant difference for the organization(s) and our community. Cindy & Chuck Yeoman have dedicated countless hours serving the community. Some of the organizations Cindy volunteered for are the Cub and Boy Scouts, Pocono Wildlife Rehab, and the Celtic festival. Some of the organizations Chuck volunteered in are organizations: the Boy Scouts, the Eagle Scouts, as well as a multitude of local organizations. The Yeomans are both active volunteers within the community and for the many events and festivals that take place at ArtsQuest.

This award recognizes an individual, family or foundation that has made a major commitment to supporting multiple arts and cultural organizations or programs in the region, and through their work has truly enhanced access to the arts and the quality of life in our region. The McGlade’s are avid supporters of the arts, including ArtsQuest (John was an ArtsQuest Foundation Trustee), Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Zoellner Arts Center, Community Music School and Artist Naples. Brenda has also been very active in bringing the arts to children, volunteering in after school voice, piano and theater activities with the Boys and Girls Club of Allentown and sponsoring summer camp scholarships in arts and music programs for children. Musikfest is, of course, one of the McGlade’s favorite events, having been to most every festival since the beginning.

This award honors a Lehigh Valley-based business that has made a profound impact on the community through their support in the arts. Boyle Construction has been a leader in construction management in the Lehigh Valley since 1977. The company has over 100 construction professionals working to ensure projects are ‘Built Better.’ They are proud of the long list of repeat clients and businesses they have had the pleasure to work with over the last 45 years. Their Building Better Together Committee invests in local organizations such as ArtsQuest that help support the lives of people in the community where employees, customers and partners live, work and play.

This award celebrates an artist from 18 to 30 years of age who demonstrates excellence in his/her field. This award is designed to honor an up-and-coming artist, or an artist who has had a breakthrough year, and through his or her work has contributed to the region’s culture and community in a positive way. Sean Cousland danced and now teaches with Easton’s O’Grady Quinlan Academy and has earned an astounding competitive career status which includes: seven-time regional champions, two-time US Open Champions, top five at the All-Scotland, Great Britain and North American Championships. He was also 2-time runner up in 2021&2022 and placed 3rd at the 2023 An Chomhdháil World Championships held in Ireland. Cousland has performed locally at Celtic Classic and Musikfest along with these professional Irish dance shows: “Celtic Angels” across the United States in 2020, “Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance” in Belfast 2022 and US tour 2024, “Feet of Flames” within Taiwan 2020/2022/2023, and USATODAY’s #1 best theme park entertainment show “Celtic Fyre” at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia for 5 seasons 2021-present.

This $2,500 scholarship award is presented to one student in the region who demonstrates significant talent and promise in the visual, literary, or performing arts. Morales has been drawing her whole life and is primarily self-taught. Inspired by the works of Jaiden Dittfach, Kazuma Kaneko, and Hirohiko Araki; studying the works of Rui Komatsuzaki; and learning from her art teachers, she honed her art skills through mediums such as oil and acrylic painting, pen and ink, oil pastels, charcoal, graphite, colored pencils, and digital means using programs such as Paint Tool SAI and Clip Studio Paint. Morales’ artwork displays a complex level of understanding in anatomy, color, line and weight, shading and lighting, texture, and communicating complex themes and emotions. She plans to pursue a career in illustration as first-generation college student.

This award honors a Lehigh Valley-based educator, teaching artist or arts administrator who has made a profound impact on students and/or the community through his or her work in the arts. This award is open to any individual working with students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, or high school. McFadden attended BASD schools, graduated from Liberty High School, and as she prepared for art school applications, she took private art classes at the newly opened Banana Factory. She later attended Tyler School of Art, receiving a BFA in Glassblowing. After working at various glass studios, including Corning Museum of Art, Wheaton Art and Cultural Center, and Goggle Works, she helped build the Banana Factory’s glass studio. Afterwards, she pursued a Masters in Art Education Kutztown University. For the past decade, as a teacher at Liberty High School, she’s created “McFadden’s World”, where she emphasizes inclusivity and designs lessons that introduce students to contemporary artists–especially highlighting female and BIPOC artists communities.

This award is for two- and three-dimensional visual art. As the Chief of Oncology at St. Luke’s University Health Network, and with no formal training in glass or art, Riley sought classes and workshops starting at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem PA. It was his cold glass workshop with Martin Rosol at Corning Museum where he envisioned combining his interest in minerals with his glasswork. During COVID, Riley became a resident artist at the ArtsQuest Banana Factory. Riley began incorporating art into his medical practice helping cancer patients create glass pendants while undergoing therapy. Dr. Riley’s work has been exhibited in Lehigh Valley galleries, newspapers, regional TV spotlights, the Bethlehem’s Visitor’s Center, and at Globe Fine Art in Sante Fe, NM.

This award recognizes a Lehigh Valley performing artist whose work symbolizes excellence in its field. Batista began studying Latin percussion at the age of nine and has made performing percussion his life. He has worked with Grover Washington, Jr., and has performed, recorded, and toured internationally with some of the biggest stars in rhythm and blues, jazz, Latin pop and gospel such as Alicia Keyes, Patti Labelle, Kirk Franklin, Jill Scott, Gerald Levert, Jeffrey Osbourne, Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Pendergrass, Diana Reeves, Norman Brown, Manny Oquendo and Libre, Eddie Palmieri, Musiq and H.E.R. Batista has performed on Grammy-winning recordings in jazz, R&B, and gospel, as well as on a Oscar winning soundtrack. Pablo Batista and his Latin Jazz Ensemble and Pablo Batista’s Mambo Syndicate perform throughout the region.

Each year the Linny Awards Committee may, at its discretion, offer this prestigious award to an individual who has lived or currently resides in the Lehigh Valley and has achieved national or international distinction in the visual, literary, or performing arts. While the honoree may or may not be a resident of the Lehigh Valley, the individual will embody and recognize the importance that the Lehigh Valley has in nurturing the creative spirit. Carol Guzy was born in Bethlehem, graduated from Liberty High School, and studied nursing at Northampton Community College, earning an associate degree before a change of heart led her to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale to study photography. Guzy began her photojournalism career at the Miami Herald, and later worked at the Washington Post. She spent years documenting everything from natural disasters to political turmoil. Guzy won her first Pulitzer Prize in 1986 for her pictures of the devastating mudslide in Armero, Colombia, was recognized again in 1995 for her coverage of the military intervention in Haiti, a third time in 2000 for her work in Kosovo, and again in 2011 for her coverage of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Guzy is the only photojournalist to have received four Pulitzer Prizes. She has been named Photographer of the Year for the National Press Photographers Association three times and for the White House News Photographers Association eight times.

This award recognizes one individual who has served in a volunteer leadership role in one or more arts organizations and whose hard work, dedication and passion for the arts have led to a significant difference for the organization(s) and our community. Having volunteered at Musikfest since 1984 when he was fresh out of college and crediting Jeff Parks for inspiring his volunteerism, David Yanoshik has given his time to many organizations over the years including the United Way, Civic Theatre, the Downtown Allentown Business Alliance, Dream Come True, and other organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley.

The Philanthropy in the Arts Award is presented to an individual, family, or foundation that has made a major commitment to supporting arts and cultural organizations in the region. Winners demonstrate a substantial and sustained commitment to arts and culture, thereby playing a leadership role in enhancing access to the arts and improving the quality of life in the Lehigh Valley. Through the years, the Osters have supported numerous community and nonprofit organizations. Bob served as the CEO of Concannon Miller and was instrumental in the establishment of Musikfest. Under his leadership, the firm supported Musikfest in 1984 and continuously expanded its involvement in ArtsQuest, and other education and music programs. In 2016, Concannon Miller was honored with the Business Supporter of the Arts Award. Cindy was a nursery schoolteacher at First Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem for 20 years, a longtime Musikfest volunteer.

This award is presented annually to an area business for dedication to and support of arts and culture in the region for five or more years. The award is given to a business that has a presence in, or does the majority of their business in, the region. Just Born Confections has been an avid supporter of the arts for many years in a variety of ways, including grants, product donations, volunteerism, and employee participation on area boards and committees. Just Born recognizes that a strong cultural life is important and essential to the quality of life in the Lehigh Valley. The third general, family-owned company supports programs designed to make the arts more accessible and inclusive such as the Satori music and art appreciation program in Bethlehem Community Schools, Allentown Art Museum’s Discover Art program, and Mikala’s Voice Wheels of Friendship painting program, which inspires children of all abilities. Since 2009, Just Born has partnered with ArtsQuest to present PEEPFEST, drawing up to 10,000 people to Bethlehem December 30-31 to welcome the New Year

In 2018, the Committee’s Choice Award was created by the Linny Awards selection committee to honor deserving nominees that do not necessarily fall into one of the traditional Linny Award categories. For 45 years, Viera served as Director and Chief Curator of the Lehigh University Art Galleries Museum, where he established a visual laboratory and teaching collection program, as well as a nationally recognized collection of Latino and Latin American photography and video. Recently retired to Miami, he is a noted lecturer, panelist, portfolio reviewer and consultant for government arts and cultural agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private enterprise/visual art projects.

This award honors an artist from 18 to 30 years of age who demonstrates excellence in his/her field. This award is designed to honor an up-and-coming artist or an artist who has had a breakthrough year, and through his or her work has contributed to the region’s culture and community in a very positive way. Cabrera’s work, which is meant to capture the subtle nuances of what it means to be human, is featured in private collections throughout the United States and Europe and can be viewed in the permanent collections of Lehigh Valley Health Network, Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts and the Hunterdon Art Museum in New Jersey. “Humanism II,” Cabrera’s most recent solo exhibition, was shown at Dacia Gallery in New York in fall 2018.

This $2,500 award goes to a high school junior or senior in the region who demonstrates significant talent and promise in the visual, literary, or performing arts and is looking to pursue a degree in arts, art therapy, arts education, or arts administration. High school juniors to seniors are eligible for this award. Primarily self-taught, Montero has been drawing her whole life. Her Gold Key Award winning portfolio, Liberty for All, was displayed at Liberty High School and at the Scholastic Art and Writing Galleries. Montero hopes to become a children’s book illustrator and publish a line of original stories. She recently graduated from Liberty and will attend Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia in Fall 2019 to major in illustration.

This award is dedicated to a Lehigh Valley-based educator, teaching artist or arts administrator who has made a profound impact on students and/or the community through his or her work in the arts. This award is open to any individual working with students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle or high school. Following a year as an educator in Philadelphia, Putlock has served as the General/Vocal Music Teacher, Choir Director and Theatre Co-Director at Bethlehem’s Broughal Middle School for the past eight years. In addition to the six periods of classroom music she teaches daily, she directs the Broughal Choir and Southside Singers before school, as well as the Broughal Theatre and Dance Troupe after school ends. Putlock is a quarter finalist for this year’s Music Educator GRAMMY Award.

This award is for two- and three-dimensional visual art. Educated at the School of Visual Arts in New York, Hogan has won numerous awards for her work. Her art is featured in many private and public collections including Lehigh Valley Hospital, St. Luke’s University Health Network, the Sigal Museum in Easton and the Northampton Historical and Genealogical Society. A resident artist at the Banana Factory, she is currently using her talents to help individuals and family members affected by cancer by teaching healing arts workshops in the region.

This award recognizes a Lehigh Valley performing artist whose work symbolizes excellence in its field. This category includes but is not limited to theater, film, dance and other forms of performance art, animation, comedy, music, as well as the literary art, playwrights, and screenwriters. Meixner made his stage debut at age 6, and since then has made performing his life. He has
worked with Jack Black on the Sundance-screened Netflix movie, “The Polka King,” with Post Modern Jukebox and as an on-screen spokesperson for Hormel Pepperoni. He is also a 2007 GRAMMY Award nominee for “Polka Freak Out,” his co-led album with Brave Combo’s Bubba Hernandez. Meixner has performed at festivals throughout the region including Musikfest.

This award celebrates and honors those who have given 25 or more years of service to the arts. It is because of their commitment, dedication, and/or support of the arts that the Greater Lehigh Valley’s art community thrives. This award is open to artists and philanthropists whose work symbolizes the highest level of excellence, commitment, and achievement. Horn has served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) for 25 years and advocated for and promoted the arts in Pennsylvania. Horn’s hard work, dedication, and passion for the arts have led to a significant difference for the organization and our community. During his tenure, the PCA established innovative cultural tourism strategies, and fostered the development of the Pennsylvania Cultural Data Project. Horn had served on several boards and has received numerous honors for his work and that of the agency, including the National Accessibility Leadership Award from the National Endowment for the Arts

Each year the Linny Awards Committee may, at its discretion, offer this prestigious award to an individual who has lived or currently resides in the Lehigh Valley and has achieved national or international distinction in the visual, literary or performing arts. While the honoree may or may not be a resident of the Lehigh Valley, the individual will embody and recognize the importance that the Lehigh Valley has in nurturing the creative spirit. Actor, writer and director Daniel Roebuck, a Bethlehem Catholic High School graduate, recently made his feature film directing debut with Getting Grace, which was filmed in and around Bethlehem, and he also co-wrote, produced, and starred in. In his 35-year career, Roebuck has starred in many films including The Fugitive and U.S. Marshals, as well as had roles in the TV series such as Nash Bridges and Amazon Prime’s Man in the High Castle. Roebuck also guest-starred on TV shows including CSI, Criminal Minds, and Law and Order. Roebuck has produced and directed other documentaries and films, including “Christmas is Here Again,” “A Timeless Love” and “Give Till It Hurts.”

In 2018, the Committee’s Choice Award was created by the Linny Awards selection committee to honor deserving nominees that do not necessarily fall into one of the traditional Linny Award categories. Boris Vallejo is America’s premier fantasy artist and is famous for his illustrations of Tarzan, Conan the Barbarian, Doc Savage and many other fantasy characters, as well as movie poster illustration, advertisement illustration and artwork for collectibles, trading cards and sculpture. Julie Bell is a world-renowned, award-winning fantasy artist and wildlife painter. Bell has won two Chelsea Awards and was the designer of the popular and award-winning Dragons of Destiny series. Vallejo and Bell are married and often collaborate on projects. They have worked on many paintings together for advertising campaigns such as Nike, Inc., Coca-Cola and Toyota.

This award recognizes an individual, family or foundation that has made a major commitment to supporting multiple arts and cultural organizations or programs, and through their work has truly enhanced access to the arts and the quality of life in our region. Oaklander is an expert in American art and has a keen eye for remarkable talent in our region. She has procured an impressive art collection from local artists for Lehigh Valley Health Network, and she was an interim director of Collections and Exhibitions of the Allentown Art Museum. During her time with the museum, Oaklander showcased some of the region’s prominent local artists.

This award honors a Lehigh Valley-based business that has made a profound impact on the community through their support in the arts. Sands Bethlehem participates in Las Vegas Sands Corp’s global giving program, Sands Cares. Through this program, Sands Bethlehem focuses its charitable efforts on our people, planet and community. The business is a proud supporter of ArtsQuest and other organizations who foster arts and arts education in the community. It also donated the 10 acres that were developed into the SteelStacks arts campus, having a positive impact on more than one million people who enjoy arts and cultural programming on the site each year.

This award honors a Lehigh Valley-based business or corporation for the quality, innovativeness and creativity of its goods and products. Through more than 50 years of innovation, Lutron has invented hundreds of lighting control devices and systems and expanded its product offering from two products to 15,000. Its light control products range from individual dimmers to total light management systems that control entire building complexes. Taken as a whole, Lutron light controls have reduced electrical use by 9.2 billion kWh, reducing customers’ electric bills by $1 billion annually.

This award celebrates an artist from 18 to 30 years of age who demonstrates excellence in his/her field. This award is designed to honor an up-and-coming artist or an artist who has had a breakthrough year, and through his or her work has contributed to the region’s culture and community in a very positive way. Bastidas recently earned a combined B.F.A. and M.A. in illustration, humanistic literature, and art education at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), on a complete five-year scholarship. For two summers, she spent several weeks in Africa, as part of her MICA program, teaching art to the community and drawing and painting the indigenous people. Bastidas has taught on multiple occasions at the Baum School of Art, and her work has been featured at two galleries in the Lehigh Valley.

This $2,500 award goes to a high school junior or senior in the region who demonstrates significant talent and promise in the visual, literary or performing arts and is looking to pursue a degree in arts, art therapy, arts education or arts administration. Lunger uses artwork as a mode of expression to bring awareness to contemporary issues. In one of her works, she used a drawing of hands to make a statement about Tourette’s syndrome. In a more recent piece, she questioned gender binarism. Her artwork has been displayed in the school art gallery during the annual art shows at Liberty High School and was the scholastic winner of the 2017 ArtPop competition, as well as featured in Teen Ink Magazine. Lunger recently graduated from Liberty High School and will attend Rhode Island School of Design in Fall 2018.

This award is dedicated to a Lehigh Valley-based educator, teaching artist or arts administrator who has made a profound impact on students and/or the community through his or her work in the arts. This award is open to any individual working with students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle or high school. Wescoe has spent 19 years in arts education as the drama teacher and director at Freedom High School. In addition to her full-time teaching job, she constantly holds rehearsals, crew days and fundraisers for the arts at Freedom High School. Wescoe also launched the Freedom High School Playwright Showcase at SteelStacks.

This award honors a Lehigh Valley visual artist whose work embodies excellence in its field. This category includes but is not limited to two- and three-dimensional visual arts such as painting, sculpture, digital, fiber, glass, ceramics, jewelry, metal and photography, as well as designers of fashion, musical instruments, furniture and other handcrafted works. Recently retired from Lafayette College, printmaker Holton now serves as the interim executive director of the David C. Driskell Center for the Study of the Visual Arts and Culture of African Americans and the African Diaspora at the University of Maryland. In addition to receiving international recognition for his work, he is the founding director of the Experimental Printmaking Institute (EPI) at Lafayette which brought world-renowned artists to the Lehigh Valley. Holton was also the David M. and Linda Roth Professor of Art at Lafayette, where he taught printmaking and African American art history.

This award recognizes a Lehigh Valley performing artist whose work symbolizes excellence in its field. This category includes but is not limited to theater, film, dance and other forms of performance art, animation, comedy, music, as well as the literary art, playwrights and screenwriters. Actress and comedian Micucci was raised in Nazareth, where she learned to play classical piano, taught by her mother. Best known for the critically acclaimed film “Don’t Think Twice,” as well as her work with partner Riki Lindhome in the comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates, Micucci started her career at Upright Citizens Brigade theater in Los Angeles and has since appeared on TV in “Raising Hope,” “Scrubs,” “The Big Bang Theory” and “Steven Universe.”

This award celebrates an artist whose work in the arts symbolizes the highest level of excellence, commitment and achievement in his/her field over a period of 20 years or more. The award is presented annually to an individual who has made significant, longtime contributions to the visual, literary or performing arts. A nationally acclaimed saxophone player, Coleman has been called “the linear heir to the instrument’s greats, like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane.” In 2000 he received the Herb Alpert Award, and more recently he received one of America’s most prestigious awards, a MacArthur Fellowship. When he is not on tour, Coleman and his band offer free workshops and performances in low-income areas in the U.S. and abroad.

Each year, countless individuals throughout the region generously donate their time and talents to make a difference in arts organizations, arts programs and scholastic art initiatives. This award recognizes one individual who has served in a volunteer leadership role in one or more arts organizations and whose hard work, dedication and passion for the arts have led to a significant difference for the organization(s) and our community. For nearly two decades Laputka has been involved with community and arts organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley. She currently serves as chair of the Board of Trustees of the Allentown Art Museum and has served as chairperson of the Board of Directors of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, assisting that organization in weathering the impact of the worldwide financial crisis.

Each year the Linny Awards Committee may, at its discretion, offer this prestigious award to an individual who has lived or currently resides in the Lehigh Valley and has achieved national or international distinction in the visual, literary or performing arts. While the honoree may or may not be a resident of the Lehigh Valley, the individual will embody and recognize the importance that the Lehigh Valley has in nurturing the creative spirit. A graduate of Freedom High School, Kim is perhaps best known for his role as Chin Ho Kelly on the 2010 reboot of the classic TV show “Hawaii Five-0,” and as Jin Soo Kwon in the TV series “Lost.” He also played the King of Siam in Rogers & Hammerstein’s “The King and I” in London and on Broadway. Kim has received an AZN Asian Excellence Award, a Multicultural Prism Award, and a Vanguard Award from the Korean American Coalition, all for Outstanding Performance by an Actor.

This award recognizes an individual, family or foundation that has made a major commitment to supporting multiple arts and cultural organizations or programs in the region, and through their work has truly enhanced access to the arts and the quality of life in our region. The Trexler Trust’s mandate is to improve the quality of life for citizens in Lehigh County. In 2016, the trust provided grants to regional bands and orchestras, public and private art schools, local theaters, and arts festivals.

This award is presented annually to a small business for dedication to and support of arts and culture in the region for five or more years. The award is given to a business that has a presence in, or does the majority of their business in, the region. Connexions is the oldest running art gallery in the Lehigh Valley. Along with showing the works of local artists and artisans, the gallery is renowned for offering free improvisational jazz and funk performances.

This award is presented annually to a large business for dedication to and support of arts and culture in the region for five or more years. The award is given to a business that has a presence in, or does the majority of their business in, the region. Lafayette Ambassador Bank believes that it is crucial to give back to the community in ways that align with its core mission. It has generously supported ArtsQuest, as well as other arts organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley.

This award honors a Lehigh Valley-based business or corporation for the quality, innovation and creativity of its goods and products. C.F. Martin & Company produces what are considered the finest acoustic guitars in the world, prized for their optimum selection of tonewoods, as well as their consistent attention to handcrafted detail. Professional and amateur musicians in every musical genre use Martin guitars. Among those who have owned and played Martins are Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Gene Autry and Willie Nelson.

This award honors an artist from 18 to 30 years of age who demonstrates excellence in his/her field. This award is designed to honor an up-and-coming artist or an artist who has had a breakthrough year, and through his or her work has contributed to the region’s culture and community in a very positive way. Pobiedzinski is an active performer, choreographer, teaching artist and executive director of the Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange (LVDE). With LVDE she created and manages the Dance Exposure at SteelStacks and the SpringUp Dance Festival, which is the only professional dance festival in the Lehigh Valley. Pobiedzinski’s award-winning choreography has been featured at festivals in Philadelphia and New York City.

This $2,500 award goes to a high school junior or senior in the region who demonstrates significant talent and promise in the visual, literary, or performing arts and is looking to pursue a degree in arts, art therapy, arts education, or arts administration. Pickel, a 2017 graduate of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, is described as “standing out in a school of exceptional students.” Her work is a mix of oil, watercolor, pencil and collage, with a focus on the repetitive patterns in line and shape within the subject matter. Pickel plans to study painting and fine arts, and museum and gallery practices, at Pratt Institute in New York in the fall.

This award is dedicated to a Lehigh Valley-based educator, teaching artist or arts administrator who has made a profound impact on students and/or the community through his or her work in the arts. This award is open to any individual working with students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle or high school. Affectionately known as “Shu,” Shemonsky has been an arts educator for 42 years and is currently head of Parkland High School’s Visual Arts Department. He has an exceptional skill for finding the unique talent in his students and then helping them advance in both their education and life.

This award is for two- and three-dimensional visual arts, as well as designers of fashion, musical instruments, furniture and other handcrafted works. Lukas is a process-oriented artist who describes his works as a cross between painting and sculpture. He is perhaps best known for his “thread paintings,” which are shallow wooden trays over which he crisscrosses thread to create complex, glowing color fields. Lukas has exhibited in shows and museums across the country and around the world including the Baltimore Museum of Art, Maryland; the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia; and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, California.

This award recognizes a Lehigh Valley performing artist whose work symbolizes excellence in its field. This category includes but is not limited to theater, film, dance and other forms of performance art, animation, comedy, music, as well as literary art, playwrights, and screenwriters. An accomplished accordion player and band leader, Groller has been providing entertainment in the Lehigh Valley and beyond for more than seven decades. He was inducted into the International Polka Hall of Fame in 1986, received a Grammy nomination in 1988 and has been a regular at Musikfest since 1984.

This award celebrates an artist whose work in the arts symbolizes the highest level of excellence, commitment, and achievement in his/her field over a period of 20 years or more. The award is presented annually to an individual who has made significant, longtime contributions to the visual, literary, or performing arts. Tobin is a world-renowned sculpture who is perhaps best known for his Trinity Root, the large-scale sculpture placed at St. Paul’s Chapel in Lower Manhattan after the 9-11 attack.

Each year, countless individuals throughout the region generously donate their time and talents to make a difference in arts organizations, arts programs, and scholastic art initiatives. This award recognizes one individual who has served in a volunteer leadership role in one or more arts organizations and whose hard work, dedication and passion for the arts have led to a significant difference for the organization(s) and our community. A longtime volunteer in the Lehigh Valley region, Brake has been involved with numerous community, arts, and cultural organizations for more than three decades.

Each year the Linny Awards Committee may, at its discretion, offer this prestigious award to an individual who has lived or currently resides in the Lehigh Valley and has achieved national or international distinction in the visual, literary, or performing arts. While the honoree may or may not be a resident of the Lehigh Valley, the individual will embody and recognize the importance that the Lehigh Valley has in nurturing the creative spirit. Roth is an Oscar, Tony and British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award winning costume designer. She has worked on more than 100 movies and plays, including The Odd Couple, The Nance and Midnight Cowboy.

This award recognizes an individual, family or foundation that has made a major commitment to supporting multiple arts and cultural organizations or programs in the region. Farr serves on the ArtsQuest Visual Arts Board and Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center Honorary Board, and he previously served on the Board for the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and was its 2013 Campaign Chairman. In 2016, he and his wife, Kym, founded the Cesar Bourdon Memorial Fund through the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation to honor organizations or individuals dedicated to helping neighbors in Allentown’s inner city.

This award is presented annually to a small business for dedication to and support of arts and culture in the region for five or more years. The award is given to a business that has a presence in, or does the majority of their business in, the region.

This award is presented annually to a medium business for dedication to and support of arts and culture in the region for five or more years. The award is given to a business that has a presence in, or does the majority of their business in, the region.

This award is presented annually to a large business for dedication to and support of arts and culture in the region for five or more years. The award is given to a business that has a presence in, or does the majority of their business in, the region.

This award honors a Lehigh Valley-based business or corporation for the quality, innovativeness and creativity of its goods and products.

This award honors an artist from 18 to 30 years of age who demonstrates excellence in his/her field. This award is designed to honor an up-and-coming artist or an artist who has had a breakthrough year, and through his or her work has contributed to the region’s culture and community in a very positive way. Gipson creates both visual art and music and was the winner of the inaugural ArtPop Lehigh Valley Scholastic Billboard Competition presented by Adams Outdoor Advertising in 2016.

This $1,500 award goes to a high school junior or senior planning to pursue a career in arts administration. Werner is a senior at Liberty High School and a film/video producer. “We are very fortunate to have such an extraordinary array of highly talented artists in our region; however, it made the selection process very difficult,” says Jeffrey Parks, Executive Director of the ArtsQuest Foundation. “It was also a challenge to select only three businesses and one philanthropist, as we are extremely grateful to all those who continue to support the arts in the region.”

This award is dedicated to a Lehigh Valley-based educator, teaching artist or arts administrator who has made a profound impact on students and/or the community through his or her work in the arts. This award is open to any individual working
with students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, or high school. Parker is the vocal music/choral director at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem, teaching all 790 students there. She has been described as “deeply dedicated to her students and passionate about helping them create music.”

This award is for two- and three-dimensional visual arts such as painting, sculpture, digital, fiber, glass, ceramics, jewelry, metal, and photography, as well as designers of fashion, musical instruments, furniture, and other handcrafted works. DaSilva has been credited with the term “light graffiti” and was the first to use the medium as a solo art practice, as well as to create text-based work and work using fluorescent tube lamps as light painting tools.

This award recognizes a Lehigh Valley performing artist whose work symbolizes excellence in his/her field. This category includes but is not limited to theater, film, dance and other forms of performance art, animation, comedy, music, as well as literary art, playwrights, and screenwriters. Thatcher is a renowned rock and blues musician who has toured across country and around the
globe, while also opening or performing with artists ranging from Roseanne Cash and Roger McGuinn to Jonny Lang and Ted Nugent.