Staff and Partners Honored with Linny Awards

The ArtsQuest Foundation has announced the full list of honorees for the 10th Anniversary Linny Awards presented by Elaine Emrick, an annual celebration recognizing the individuals, organizations and emerging artists whose passion and dedication continue to shape the Lehigh Valley’s thriving arts and cultural landscape.   

This year’s recipients included NCC Culinary Operations Chef, Wilbert Rufe, who was named Culinary Artist of the Year, Adjunct Art Faculty, Katie Hovencamp, named Visual Artist of the Year, and community partner and CCO and Co-Founder of Turnstone Creative, Ashley Russo, awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Chef Rufe is the first ever to receive Culinary Artist of the Year. The category is new to the awards this year, recognizing the artistry and creativity of chefs and culinary professionals whose work elevates food as an expressive and cultural medium.  

For more than a quarter-century, Marlene “Linny” Fowler of Bethlehem was passionate about the arts and education in the Lehigh Valley. Her volunteerism and her support elevated the arts scene, and now, the region celebrates its flourishing arts community and honors Fowler’s memory by taking part in the Linny Awards. Linny was also a lead donor and benefactor for NCC’s Southside educational expansion in Bethlehem. The NCC Fowler Family Southside Center was named in honor of her and her husband Beall Fowler because of their contributions that helped transform the former Bethlehem Steel corporate building into a hub for workforce training and community education.  

“Each year, the Linny Awards reminds us that the strength of our arts community is grounded in the people who show up to create, champion and invest in it year after year,” said Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest. “From artists and educators to business leaders, volunteers and philanthropists, this year’s honorees reflect the tremendous talent and generosity that defines the Lehigh Valley. Their work fuels connection, inspires future generations and helps drive our region forward.”   

Award recipients were selected by the ArtsQuest Foundation Board of Trustees, the ArtsQuest Board of Trustees, the ArtsQuest Performing Arts Board and the ArtsQuest Visual Arts Board.  This year’s celebration will take place on October 15, 2026, in the Musikfest Café at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.   

For additional information, please visit: www.artsquest.org/the-linny-awards.