While the event doesn’t happen at the Ice House, our collaborative effort is being honored. Here are the details.
This year's ceremony & reception is scheduled for September 9, 2025 from 5:30-7:30pm in Bethlehem's Historic District at 424 Center Street in Bethlehem (Center & Wall Streets), a beautiful historic building formerly home to the Unitarian Universalist Church..
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Elise Schaffer is a Lehigh Valley-based creative and passionate advocate for arts and disability justice. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Museum Experience and Accessibility at Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG). Additionally, Elise is the Gallery Coordinator at the Galleries at Steel Pixel Studios, and co-hosts and co-founded the Lehigh Valley Arts Podcast and the Lehigh Valley Artist Meetup Group. Elise finds joy in attending local arts and cultural events, and playing the violin and ukulele. Her personal artwork often draws inspiration from her hobbies and/or addresses challenges related to disability, depression, anxiety, and CPTSD.
In 2024, Elise was awarded the LEAD Award for Emerging Leadership by The Kennedy Center for work in cultural arts and accessibility. At the intersection of Schaffer’s work is advocating for accessibility in arts and cultural spaces, accessible museum education and experiences, and integrating emerging technologies and assistive technology into arts and cultural spaces in her community.
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Michael Freeman is a prolific abstract artist with a vision impairment known as tunnel vision. He creates colorful, vibrant artworks which feature tactile components and textures. With each deliberate brushstroke, he layers his canvas with his bold use of color and texture. Creating art is a direct means of self-expression and has become a transformative experience for him as an artist. His many roles include artist, speaker, teacher, and disability advocate. He encourages other artists with visual impairments to experience his paintings through tactile exploration. “My work is a way for me to push the limits of my eyesight and allow me to use my art as a creative outlet”, says Freeman. “You can really succeed in anything you put your mind to.”
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Steven Lichak is a multifaceted media professional with a background in media production, education, and cultural preservation. At Lehigh University, Lichak is a Senior Producer within the Library & Technology Services department, and part of the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning and the Digital Media Team. His work includes producing educational and promotional content, as well as mentoring students in media production techniques. Steve is a three-time winner of the Traditions of Excellence award, presented for outstanding work not only within your department, but also service and commitment to the community. The National Canal Museum, Sigal Museum, NCCC, Steamtown National Historic Site, The Hazelton Art League, BAPL, and the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission have all been recipients of Steve’s generous sharing of his time and expertise.
Lichak is founding president and curator of the WYSO Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Frank Wysochansky, known artistically as WYSO. WYSO was a self-taught artist from Blakely, PA, who created over 5,000 works, telling the story of Pennsylvania’s coal miners. After WYSO's passing, Lichak began cataloging the collection, which had been stored away and largely unknown. His efforts led to many exhibitions and increased national recognition of WYSO's contributions to American folk art.
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That’s ALL the artists and creatives who bring their passions to the community in this space!
We cordially invite you to an inspiring evening honoring those who make Bethlehem a more beautiful, expressive, and vibrant place through the arts.
Enjoy great company, light fare, and heartfelt tributes as we recognize local artists and advocates who have made lasting contributions to our city’s creative legacy.
$25 tickets are available through this link. An email confirmation serves as your admission to the event.