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(Lehigh Valley, PA) The Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission (BFAC) is pleased to announce the 2025 Tribute to the Arts Award winners, to be honored on Tuesday, September 9th from 5:30-7:30pm at a special ceremony and reception in Bethlehem’s Historic Neighborhood District.

The 2025 BFAC Tribute to the Arts honorees are:

The IceHouse Performing Arts Collaborative:

The Mineral Spring Ice Company opened on Sand Island in 1900, but thanks to the invention of the refrigerator, the ice industry phased out by 1969.

The City of Bethlehem purchased the Ice House in 1963 as part of a plan to restore recreational use to Sand Island.

The building was used mostly for storage until 1989, when Charles Brown, Bethlehem’s Parks Director, gave ity council two options for the historic building: “bulldoze or fix it.”

Through a visionary consortium of performing artists working with the City, the historic building was saved and renovated, establishing a dedicated space for Lehigh Valley artists.

Gratitude is owed to the insight and imagination of Madeleine Ramsey, Founding Artistic director of Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, Dave Fry, co-founder of Godfrey Daniels, Bill and Bridget George, co-founders of Touchstone Theatre, and Doug Roysdon of Mock Turtle Marionette theatre, who came together to not only advise on the design, but to lease the ice house for 100 days after the renovation was completed in 1996.

Since then, Roysdon’s relationship with the City Parks Department has ensured area artists have had access to The Ice House for almost 30 years.

The IceHouse Performing Arts Collaborative is now a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

In it’s 9th year, Ice House presentations shine a light on our local values, issues, and heritage.

Annually, over 800 area artists—actors, dancers, poets, songwriters, musicians, comedians, magicians, and storytellers from over 40 arts organizations will take to the Ice House stage—directly impacting local economic and cultural growth and vitality.

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.”
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. For more on the WYSO Foundation and WYSO's artwork, visit the website: www.frankwyso.org.

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 isadvocating 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.

The Tribute to the Arts is a biennial celebration, hosted by the BFAC since 1991, honoring individuals, businesses and organizations who support or have created meaningful, impactful arts experiences for diverse audiences that have enriched the Bethlehem area community.The Tribute is an opportunity for our community to come together to nominate, and then to toast, these extraordinary people and their contributions to Bethlehem’s artistic vibrancy.

The BFAC invites the public to join them on September 9th for this inspiring evening. Enjoy great company, light fare, and heartfelt tributes as we recognize local artists and advocates who make Bethlehem a more beautiful, expressive, and vibrant place through the arts.

The 2025 Tribute celebration will be held at 424 Center Street in Bethlehem (Center & Wall Sts), a beautiful historic building formerly home to the Unitarian Universalist Church. On street parking is available in the neighborhood. For accessible parking/accommodation for disability, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
A $25 registration is required to attend The Tribute to the Arts, and may be purchased via the BFAC website (bfac-lv.org/tribute-to-the-arts). Your Email confirmation is your “ticket”.A check may also be sent to, PO Box 1851, Bethlehem PA, 18016.
The Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission are volunteers appointed by The Mayor of Bethlehem and Bethlehem City Council. The Commission advises the City of Bethlehem in matters concerning, maintaining, and furthering the arts in Bethlehem; and encouraging a cooperative cultural enterprise in the community. The Commission offers a broad selection of exhibitions, educational programs, public festivals, and events, all with community involvement at the forefront. For more info on the BFAC, see the website at www.BFAC-lv.org. Questions about the Tribute to the Arts event? Just email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .