Of Portraiture & Polio - A Tribute Exhibition In Memory of David Emerson Baum

This exhibition honors the late David Emerson Baum, grandson of the school’s founder, Walter Emerson Baum. These portraits of David span the first two decades of his life and were lovingly painted by Walter. David treasured them as they chronicled a special time in his life with his grandfather.

David was a polio survivor, and although this crippling disease forever affected him and limited his mobility, he transcended his disability and never allowed polio to define him. Walter supported David as he came to terms with his physical challenges, and the two enjoyed each other’s company. Their adventures continued throughout David’s youth until the time of Walter’s passing in 1956. Included in this exhibition is Walter’s personal “Trego” easel, along with an evocative, unfinished portrait of David that Walter was working on at the time of his death.

Walter and David’s legacies are forever entwined at The Baum School of Art. David’s legacy joins that of his grandfather’s, with the establishment of a memorial scholarship fund in his name. As the Baum School approaches its 100th Anniversary, future generations will be encouraged to transcend barriers and reach their full potential in the arts through the David Emerson Baum Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Join us for the reception of this memorial exhibition on Third Thursday, January 19, 2023, from 5:00pm—8:00pm. Special thanks to Holly Harter, cousin to David Emerson Baum and member of the Baum School Board of Trustees, who curated this thoughtful exhibition.