Community Outreach Programs

The Baum School of Art’s community outreach programs aim to reach a population that would otherwise lack the opportunity to experience and study the visual arts. Of the over 3,200 students we served in 2022-2023, 1,236 were served through some form of financial assistance, discounts, scholarships, or tuition-free outreach programs. We could not do this without the generosity of our community and philanthropic foundations. Below is a list of our main on-site outreach programs:

Allentown Neighborhood Arts Program

The Allentown Neighborhood Arts Program has run for over 30 years and serves elementary, middle, and high schools within the Allentown School District (ASD). Students in this 10 week program study drawing, painting, and sculpture, using a wide variety of art media. Fashion design, graphic design, digital illustration, and comic book illustration are also included in the areas of study. Through this program, we aim to engage, inspire, and motivate students to achieve success, solve problems, and use their imagination.

Creative Abilities

The Autism Society and The Baum School of Art partner to offer a fun in-person art class for teens. Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of art materials to create imaginative painting, drawing, and sculpture projects that include their interests. We welcome all students regardless of their skill level in art. From beginner to experienced artist, Baum School faculty will work with students to build skills as well as confidence.

Of the over 3,200 students we served in 2022-2023, 1,236 were served through some form of financial assistance, discounts, scholarships, or tuition-free outreach programs.

Grace Montessori School Art Program

Students in Grace Montessori School in downtown Allentown attend weekly art classes at The Baum School of Art as a part of their art curriculum for the school year. Students learn a variety of artistic techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media.

Lehigh County Probation | Young Artists Program

Teens on probation in Lehigh County participate in this afterschool program, designed to help students complete their community service requirements in a creative learning environment. Students build artistic skills while contributing artwork for various community causes and projects. These classes provide a healthy outlet for at-risk youth to express themselves and increase their self-confidence. Upon completion of the program, a student exhibition and graduation ceremony is held.

Mercy School for Special Learning Program

Students with intellectual and/or development disabilities from Mercy School for Special Learning attend art classes at The Baum School of Art for two sessions over the year.

Teenage Scholarship Program

Talented eighth grade students are recommended by their middle school teachers from across the Lehigh Valley to attend a 10 week class at The Baum School of Art. This program has inspired hundreds of students since it began in 1965. Students will study different media through a traditional drawing and painting class with instructor, Rosemary Geseck. Other outreach includes programs with KULA Children’s Center, CAI Learning Academy, Commonwealth Charter Academy, and Roberto Clemente Charter School.

Offsight Community Outreach Programs

During 2023-2024, we served an additional 378 students off-site through our community partnerships. Our partnerships include programs with the Allentown School District, Casa Guadalupe Center, The Refugee Center, and more!