"It covers everything," says Dr. Rudy S. Ackerman of his recently-published book, "Living the Dream," which traces his career as Baum School Of Art Executive Director and Moravian College Art Department Chairman.

A book release and signing of "Living the Dream," written by Ackerman and edited by Tim Higgins, will be held 5 - 8 p.m. March 25 and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. March 28, The Baum School of Art, 510 W Linden St., Allentown.

The 87-page book includes 30 black and white photographs.

The book tells a public and personal story, including a photo, Ackerman says, "from the time I was in the Army. I was in Special Services and am playing the saxophone."

Preordered books may be picked up. Some copies are pre-signed. Ackerman will sign copies for purchase.

The memoir tells the story of Ackerman's Lehigh Valley arts leadership role as Executive Director (1965 -2005), along with that of his wife, Rose Ackerman, Director of Development (1974 -2011) at The Baum School, and as Chairman of the Art Department of Moravian College.

"A lot of it has to do the progress of the school, and also my career at Moravian College. The two are kind of joined together.

"That rarely ever happens: that a full-time professor is so connected to another place."

Ackerman's lifelong connection to The Baum School began in his youth when he received a merit scholarship to study with the school's founder, Walter Emerson Baum. The book tells the story of Ackerman's life and career, beginning as a young musician to receiving degrees in art and education from Kutztown, Temple and Penn State universities.

The book's narrative includes the school's growth from from the first building at 12th and Walnut streets to the lower level of the Allentown Art Museum to what is now the Russell Baum Building.

"We tried to present a historical view," says Ackerman. "It ends with the [Da Vinci] horse. That was a really fantastic dream."

Ackerman acknowledges the role played by trustees, friends, governmental agencies and foundations to help the Baum School succeed.

"There's a beautiful photo of Harry Bertoia. He was a friend of mine. When we had our first sculpture show, which preceded the craft show, he donated a sculpture. It sold for about $1,000. It could be worth $10,000 today.

"Over the years, so many people have been generous to the school," Ackerman says, mentioning, for example, The Circulating Picture Club, which numbers 1,200 works. "Most came from gifts."

Proceeds from sales of the book go to the Baum School.

Information: 610-433-0032