The ArtsQuest Foundation invites the public to submit nominations for the seventh annual Linny Awards. 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 30.

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.

The 2025 Linny Awards categories open for submission include:

• Emerging Artist of the Year Award

• 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 at https://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.

All 2025 Linny Award winners will be honored during the Linny Awards celebration on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Musikfest Café, located in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

Proceeds from the Linny Awards go to support the ArtsQuest Foundation, which Fowler played an important role in helping found in 2002. The Foundation is focused on supporting and strengthening the long-term sustainability of ArtsQuest, the nonprofit organization that presents Musikfest, Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt, in addition to 4,500 programs, events and educational classes annually for the region, of which almost 40 percent are free to attend.

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