The Baum School of Art

The Baum School of Art is a non-profit community art school located in center city Allentown. It has enriched the lives of thousands of adults and children throughout the Lehigh Valley for the past 76 years. The Baum School is a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts. The student body consists of people from all aspects of the community... from preschool age to senior citizens; young adults pursuing college credit through Lehigh Carbon Community College; teens preparing for college and underprivileged children and families who require full financial assistance.

In 1987, a new building with 15,000 square feet of space was constructed. The school now contains nine classrooms, a black and white photography darkroom, computer lab, metalsmithing studio, ceramics studio, gallery, reception area, administrative center, storage, restrooms and maintenance facilities. In 1998 the Charles C. Dent Sculpture Garden was dedicated.

Classes and workshops are available during weekday mornings, afternoon and evenings for adults, and Saturdays or afterschool for children. These include computer graphics, sculpture, drawing, painting, jewelry and metalsmithing, photography, illustration, watercolor, patternmaking, ceramics, figure studies and more. The exemplary faculty is very dedicated and is considered the heart of the School's educational program. More than 90% of the faculty has a bachelor's degree, 40% have earned masters degrees in fine arts and all are practicing artists.




History

The Baum School of Art began in the summer of 1926 when Mrs.Blanche Lucas recruited Walter Emerson Baum, the noted Sellersville artist, to provide art instruction for 22 Allentown teachers. The following year, classes resumed on the third floor of the old Franklin Fire House which became the first home for the school. Since then, The Baum School of Art has moved on five occasions, each in search of more classroom space to accommodate the ever-growing number of students seeking art instruction.

In 1984, the late Donald Miller donated a parcel of land near Fifth and Linden Streets in Allentown that has become the home to The Baum School of Art. Three years later, a modern 15,000 square foot School and administration facility was constructed and opened to the community. At this point the school contained nine classrooms most dedicated to a specific art form such as photography, jewelry and metalsmithing, computer art, sculpture, painting and drawing.The David E. Rodale Gallery, located inside the main entrance of the School, provides a venue for a wide variety of art exhibitions. The work of students and local and regional artists greets about 6000 visitors each year.

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The Baum School of Art Art School Location

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