Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA. March 2, 2026 – The ArtsQuest Foundation invites the public to submit nominations for the 10th Anniversary Linny Awards, marking a decade of celebrating the extraordinary individuals and organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley who strengthen our community through the arts.
The interdisciplinary arts award ceremony celebrates the astounding contributions made by the region’s artists, educators, businesses, volunteers and philanthropists. This award ceremony is a fundamental part of celebrating those individuals who are instrumental in creating a better community through the arts, carrying on the legacy of Marlene “Linny” Fowler. Nominations are being accepted now through April 3, 2026.
This year, the nomination process has been significantly streamlined to make it easier than ever to recognize deserving members of the community. Individuals submitting nominations no longer need to provide extensive information about the nominee. Instead, nominators simply submit the nominee’s name with a brief explanation as to why they should be nominated for this award, and the ArtsQuest Foundation Board will gather the remaining details as part of the review process.
The 2026 Linny Awards categories open for submissions include:
- Emerging Artist of the Year Award
- Culinary Artist of the Year Award (a NEW category for 2026!)
- Student Artist Scholarship Award
- Arts Educator of the Year Award
- Visual Artist of the Year Award
- Performing Artist of the Year Award
- Volunteer of the Year Award
Anyone interested in nominating an individual for the Linny Awards can do so here. Winners will be selected by the ArtsQuest Foundation’s Board of Trustees and ArtsQuest’s Board of Trustees, Performing Arts Board and Visual Arts Board. Award recipients will be announced on May 1, 2026.
“The Linny Awards are a powerful celebration of the people and organizations who strengthen the Lehigh Valley through creativity, education and service,” said Jason Cort, Chair of the ArtsQuest Foundation Board of Trustees and Chief Growth Officer at Quadrant Capital. “As we mark the 10th anniversary of this special event, we’re excited to make the nomination process more accessible so even more community champions can be recognized. I encourage everyone to take a moment to nominate someone who is making a meaningful impact through the arts.”
In addition to the open nomination categories, we are pleased to share that the three honorees have already been selected for this year’s celebration! Michael and Michelle Pessina will receive the Philanthropy in the Arts Award in recognition of their extraordinary commitment to advancing arts and culture in our region. C.F. Martin & Co. will be honored with the Business Supporter of the Arts Award for its long-standing support of creative expression and community enrichment. Ashley Russo has been selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award for her impactful storytelling, leadership and dedication to elevating voices across the Lehigh Valley.
All 2026 Linny Award winners will be honored during the 10th Anniversary Linny Awards celebration on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Musikfest Café, located in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.
ArtsQuest Foundation also has select opportunities for sponsors who are interested in saluting the creative visionaries of the Lehigh Valley arts scene. If you or your company are interested in sponsoring an award or table at the 2026 awards ceremony, contact ArtsQuest Sr. Director of Development Joanne Anderson at janderson@artsquest.org.
Proceeds from the Linny Awards go to support the ArtsQuest Foundation, which Fowler played an important role in its inception in 2002. The Foundation is focused on supporting and strengthening the long-term sustainability of ArtsQuest, the nonprofit organization that presents Musikfest, Oktoberfest presented by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) and Christkindlmarkt presented by Univest Financial with Winter Wonderland presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health. In addition, the Foundation supports 4,500 programs, events and education classes annually for the region, of which 40% are free to attend.
For complete information on the ArtsQuest Foundation and the 10th Anniversary Linny Awards, please visit https://www.artsquest.org/.
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 1.9 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, generating a regional economic impact of more than $143 million annually. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.