The ArtsQuest Foundation invites the public to submit nominations for the sixth annual Linny Awards. The interdisciplinary arts award ceremony celebrates the astounding contributions made by the region’s artists, educators, businesses, volunteers and philanthropists. The award ceremony is a fundamental part of celebrating those who help create a better community through the arts; carrying on the legacy of Marlene “Linny” Fowler. Nominations are being accepted now through April 30.

The 2024 Linny Awards categories open for submission include:

• Visual Artist of the Year Award

• Performing Artist of the Year Award

• Emerging Artist of the Year Award

• Arts Educator of the Year Award

• Student Artist Scholarship Award

• Volunteer of the Year Award

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-discipline arts awards program focused on the greater Lehigh Valley’s artists, innovators, and arts leaders.

Anyone interested in nominating a person for the Linny Awards can do so at www.artsquestfoundation.org/linnyawards. 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 by July 15.

Previous Linny Award winner, Beth McFadden, a Bethlehem Area School District teacher, describes the achievement as truly honorable and says, “Winning the 2023 Arts Educator of the Year Award, I was truly honored by a community that I hold very dear.” McFaddenencourages people to nominate an exceptional person in the arts community. “It will “boost their career and validate them as an artist,” she says. “It will also be a great opportunity for them to connect to ArtsQuest and open more doors after they are recognized for their achievement.”

All 2024 Linny Award winners will be honored during the Linny Awards celebration on Nov. 7 at the Musikfest Café at SteelStacks.

ArtsQuest also has select opportunities for sponsors who are interested in saluting the ‘rock stars’ of the Lehigh Valley’s arts scene. Companies or individuals interested in sponsoring an award or table at the 2024 awards ceremony can contact ArtsQuest Foundation Executive Director Selena Lavonier at slavonier@artsquest.org.

Proceeds from the Linny Awards go to support the ArtsQuest Foundation, which Fowler helped found in 2003. T

For complete information on the ArtsQuest Foundation and the Linny Awards, please visit?www.artsquestfoundation.org/linnyawards.