LV ARTISTS HONORED AT ARTSQUEST’S LINNY AWARDS
Organization praised for reviving, elevating local arts community.
ArtsQuest honored movers and shakers of the Lehigh Valley's arts community Thursday with its third annual Linny Awards, but recipients repeatedly credited the organization itself with helping to revive and elevate the area's arts community over the past 35 years.
And ArtsQuest gave the first hint that some big changes are on the horizon — changes that ArtsQuest Foundation Jane George said will be “the biggest quest in the history of ArtsQuest.”
It was the third year for the Linny Awards, given by the ArtsQuest Foundation to celebrate extraordinary artists, arts educators, businesses and philanthropists who live and work in the Lehigh Valley.
Actor Daniel Roebuck, a former Bethlehem resident best known for his roles on TV's “Lost” and “Matlock,” received the night's highest honor, the Pinnacle of the Arts Award, given to someone who has lived or currently resides in the Lehigh Valley and has achieved national or international distinction in the visual, literary or performing arts.
And in his acceptance speech, Roebuck credited the Lehigh Valley for having an arts scene that nurtures people such as himself.
“I was asked once why I chose the Lehigh Valley,” said Roebuck, who returned to make his feature film directing debut with “Getting Grace,” in which he also co-wrote, directed, produced and starred. “And I had an epiphany: I didn't choose it; it chose me.”
In his 35-year career, Roebuck has starred in films including “The Fugitive,” “U.S. Marshals,” “Halloween 2” and “Agent Cody Banks,” as well as the television movies “The Late Shift,” “Behind the Camera” and “New York Prison Break: The Seduction of Joyce Mitchell.”
He also has had roles in the TV series “Nash Bridges,” and guest-starred on TV shows including “CSI,” “Criminal Minds,” “Law and Order,” “Jane the Virgin” and “Rosewood.”
“I probably won't ever get an Oscar, so let me just say ‘Thank you' … to all of you in the Lehigh Valley for supporting me,” Roebuck said.
It was a theme repeated several times through the hourlong ceremony at Musikfest Cafe, at which 11 awards were given.
Philip Horn, who as executive director of the state Council on the Arts for 25 years advocated for and promoted the arts in Pennsylvania, received The ArtsQuest Foundation's Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award.
In his acceptance speech, Horn — who said he knew artist and philanthropist Marlene “Linny” Fowler, for whom the awards are named — called his award “really a great honor. This place is absolutely amazing. Thank you for your support of arts in the Valley.”
Actress and comedian Kate Micucci, who was raised in Nazareth and is known for her work with partner Riki Lindhome in the comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates, and for TV appearances on "Raising Hope," "Scrubs,” received the Linny Award for Performing Artist of the Year.
Micucci, in a taped segment, said she couldn't attend the awards because she was working in Los Angeles. But she said, “I'm so grateful. … It's really exciting for a kid who grew up in the Lehigh Valley,” which is “just so rich and full of art. And thrilling to be part of in a small way from L.A.”
George, who was introduced in her new role at last year's Linny Awards, said in opening the night that ArtsQuest is undertaking a “re-imagining” of ArtsQuest.
She declined to give details of what she said was a developing plan, but said it will “take arts to new heights … and be the most exciting thing in the history of ArtsQuest. She said it will allow the organization to “offer more festivals and concerts in a way we never imagined.”
She also said it will let ArtsQuest “reach more children, offer more services and to be the arts destination of the Lehigh Valley.”
In response to a question, she said there will be physical elements to the plan, but said there is no time frame attached to it.
“It will be the most exciting thing ArtsQuest has done.”
Other award winners Thursday were:
Emerging Artist of the Year: Jessica Bastidas
of Bethlehem. Given to an artist no older than 30. Bastidas for two summers spent weeks in Africa teaching art to the community and drawing and painting the indigenous people and has taught at Baum School of Art. It was announced at the ceremony that she has been chosen to design the 2019 Musikfest poster.
The new Committee’s Choice Award: Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell
of Allentown. Vallejo is among America's premier fantasy artists and Bell an award-winning fantasy artist and wildlife painter. The two also have worked on such advertising campaigns as Nike, CocaCola and Toyota.
Visual Artist of the Year: Curlee Raven Holton
of Easton, who recently retired from teaching printmaking and African-American art history at Lafayette College, where he also was founding director of the Experimental Printmaking Institute.
Arts Educator of the Year: Jennifer Wescoe
of Bethlehem. Wescoe has spent 19 years in arts education as the drama teacher and director at Bethlehem's Freedom High School and launched the Freedom High School Playwright Showcase at Steelstacks.
Philanthropy in the Arts Award: Christine Oaklander
of Allentown. Oaklander, an expert in American art, has procured an impressive art collection from local artists for Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Student Artist Scholarship Award: Olivia Lunger
of Bethlehem. A $2,500 award to pursue a career in arts administration. Lunger, a recent Liberty High School graduate, attends Rhode Island School of Design.
Large Business Supporter of the Arts: Sands Casino,
Bethlehem. Sands Bethlehem participates in Las Vegas Sands Corp's global giving program, Sands Cares, and is a supporter of ArtsQuest and other organizations that foster arts and arts education in the community.