Baum School of Art


The Baum School of Art is a non-profit community art school located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the United States.
In 2016–2017, the school had a total enrollment of 3,346 students, 1,921 of which were children and teens, and 1,425 of which were adults. 178 classes were offered for children and teens, and 168 for adult students.

History

The school was established in the summer of 1926, when artist Walter Emerson Baum was recruited by Blanche Lucas to provide art instruction to art teachers of the Allentown School District. Feedback was so positive that Baum was asked to return again and again. The classes became known as "The Baum School."

Circulating Picture Club

Originally established in 1933 by Walter Emerson Baum, the Circulating Picture Club provides paintings for subscribers including banks, professional and business offices, government offices, and educational institutions. The Circulating Picture Club has over 586 pictures in circulation by artists including Walter Emerson Baum, John E. Berninger, Mel Stark, Ann Yost Whitesell and others.

Historical locations

DatesLocation
1926 to December, 1928Franklin Fire Hall, 14th and Turner Streets
January 1929 to August 1935Hunsicker School, North 6th Street
August 1935 to August 1939Sheridan School, 2nd and Liberty Streets
August 1939 to August 1946Lincoln School, 14th and Walnut Streets
August 1946 to 1952Jackson School, 517 N. 15th Street
1952–1976Moved to own building at 12th and Walnut Streets
Name changed to Baum School of Art
1976Moved to annex of Allentown Art Museum
1987Moved to own building on Linden Street