The Lehigh Valley Arts Council (LVAC) presents “Arts Count 2016,” an annual arts rally and grants ceremony, 5:30 p.m. Oct. 19, Smooth-On, 1725 Willow Lane, East Texas, Lower Macungie Township.

“Arts Count” distributes grants to Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) Project Stream recipients in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Project Stream is open to artists and community groups who apply for support of an arts-related project with strong public impact.

More than $34,000 in state funds will be awarded to 22 applicants for activities held from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, 2017.

PPA grant recipients for 2016-17 are: Allentown Public Theatre, Anthony Smith, Arts Academy Charter School, Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission, Buchanan Elementary School, Concord Chamber Singers, DanceLink, Emmaus Recreation and Entertainment Commission, Fairfield Duo, Friends of the Allentown Parks, Jennie Gilrain, Jim Thorpe Film Festival, Lehigh Valley Dance Exchange, Marilyn Hazelton, Moravian College, Pennsylvania Jazz Collective, Puerto Rican Cultural Preservation, Sarah Steele, Summit Hill Heritage Center, Ukrainian American Heritage Foundation, WDIY 88.1 FM and West Park Civic Association.

“We are very grateful to Smooth-On for hosting this event,” said Randall Forte, LVAC Executive Director.

“This international arts business is a giant in the realm of special effects. Smooth-On’s technologies and materials have been used to make movie figures and props for ‘Star Wars,’ ‘The Hobbit Trilogy,’ ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘The Walking Dead’ and many other films and TV shows,” Forte said.

Smooth-On staff will be on hand to give attendees “scars, bruises and bloody gashes.”

“Arts Count” is free to LVAC members and grant recipients. Refreshments will be served.

Reservations: 610-437-5915