ArtsQuest Foundation is accepting nominations for the 10th Anniversary Linny Awards.

The awards ceremony celebrates contributions made by the Lehigh Valley region’s artists, educators, businesses, volunteers and philanthropists.

The awards ceremony carries on the legacy of area philanthropist Marlene “Linny” Fowler.

Nominations are being accepted through April 3.

The 2026 Linny Award recipients will be honored at the 10th Anniversary Linny Awards celebration, Oct. 15, Musikfest Café, ArtsQuest Center, SteelStacks, Bethlehem.

According to a March 2 press release from ArtsQuest, the nomination process has been streamlined.

Those submitting nominations no longer need to provide extensive information about the nominee. Instead, nominators are to submit the nominee’s name with a brief explanation as to why they should be nominated for the award, and the ArtsQuest Foundation Board will gather 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

Recipients, selected by the ArtsQuest Foundation’s Board of Trustees and ArtsQuest’s Board of Trustees, Performing Arts Board and Visual Arts Board, will be announced May 1.

“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,” Cort stated in the press release.

Three honorees have been selected for the 2026 celebration.

Michael and Michelle Pessina will receive the Philanthropy in the Arts Award in recognition of their commitment to advancing arts and culture in the region.

C.F. Martin & Co. will be honored with the Business Supporter of the Arts Award for support of creative expression and community enrichment.

Ashley Russo has been selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award for her storytelling, leadership and dedication to elevating voices across the Lehigh Valley.

ArtsQuest Foundation has opportunities for sponsors. Those interested in sponsoring an award or table at the 2026 ceremony are to, contact ArtsQuest Senior. Director of Development Joanne Anderson: janderson@artsquest.org

Proceeds from the Linny Awards support the ArtsQuest Foundation, which Fowler played an important role in its inception in 2002.

The Foundation supports 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 percent are free to attend.

Information on the ArtsQuest Foundation and to submit nominations for the 10th Anniversary Linny Awards: https://www.artsquest.org/