ALLENTOWN, Pa. – From a street sketch by Walter Baum, to a Salubrious summer scene, to stuffed and or oiled poultry, to Percussive pottery.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re all part of the 500 pieces making up the Baum School of Art’s 41st Art Auction. Bidding began Saturday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. and will end Saturday, May 23 at 10 p.m.<\/p>\n
“It provides a lot of necessary operating funds for us to be able to operate throughout the year with classes and programs for all ages,” said Executive Director Shannon Fugate.<\/p>\n
Online since the pandemic, opening bids can start at $50 or $31,000. Art under a new light.<\/p>\n
Fugate says from the ceiling to the floors, the Allentown building itself is a product of its own new design.<\/p>\n
After its May 2025 groundbreaking, $7.3 million total renovation added a third gallery, new and renovated classrooms, with no area left untouched.<\/p>\n
“Allow us to have more programs, more classes, and more access for our community to come experience all of the benefits of the arts,” Fugate said.<\/p>\n
Founded in 1926 by artist Walter Emerson Baum, the school’s mission is to expand showcase and teach a variety of art forms.<\/p>\n
At its 5th and Linden locations since 1987, with the last major renovation in 2001.<\/p>\n
Renovations at a time when adult program attendance has increased 40% in recent years, with 3700 kids in their youth programs. Emmaus’s Mary Benner has been a Baum student for 3 years.<\/p>\n
“What do you like about taking classes here?” 69 News reporter Bo Koltnow asked.<\/p>\n
“Well, I love Monica (instructor), the renovations and the camaraderie,” she said.<\/p>\n
While some may sell for thousands at auction, the value of art is personal.<\/p>\n
“All of these pieces then tell our story in our homes and in our lives, and art is so important for that,” Fugate said.<\/p>\n