The Baum School of Art hosts its Annual Art Auction May 21.

For more than 30 years, the Art Auction has been the place to buy quality artwork in the Lehigh Valley, from the era of Walter Emerson Baum up to contemporary local and regional artists.

The auction is free and open to the public, and includes a silent and live auction.

The silent auction kicks off 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. May 21 in the David E. Rodale and Rodale Family Galleries with more than 200 pieces of original artwork available. During this time, attendees may enjoy a buffet dinner by Catering by Karen Hunter in the Fowler Community Room, available for an advance fee or at the door.

The live auction begins at 8 p.m. May 21 in the Fowler Family Room, and will feature more thana 100 lots up for bid, called by Auctioneer Boris Wainio. The auction includes six original works from the school’s founder, Walter Emerson Baum, including two miniature paintings which measure 4 in. by 5 in. and 5 in. by 7 in.

The auction features pieces from Baum’s contemporaries, including Wilmer Behler, John Berninger, Mildred Gehman, Grace Gemberling Keast and Antonio Martino.

Other featured artists include Rudy Ackerman, Edgar Baum, Peter Bela Mayer, David Cerulli, Sean Delonas, Raymond Gallucci, Richard Lieberman, Michelle Neifert, George Papashvily, Henry Plumb, David Rodale, Conrad Roland, Dana Van Horn and William Zwikl.

The event is The Baum School of Art’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds support its mission of enriching lives through arts education.

Top-level sponsors for the event include City Center Lehigh Valley-J.B. and Kathleen Reilly, Bob and Sandy Lovett, and the Zelenkofske Family.

To view the artwork before bidding, the public may attend Preview Night, 6 - 8 p.m. May 19. The auctioneer and Baum School staff will be available to answer questions on pieces in the silent and live auctions. Auction items can be viewed baumschool.org.