The Baum School of Art Art Auction is traditionally two auctions in one: the Silent Auction, whereby attendees place their bids on lists at items displayed on tables, and a Live Auction, led by auctioneer Boris Wainio in The Fowler Family Room atop the school at Fifth and Linden streets. Allentown.

This year, you might say The Baum School of Art’s Virtual 35th annual Art Auction is an all-silent auction in that it takes place entirely online.

The 35th annual Baum School of Art auction begins noon July 26 and concludes at 10 p.m. Aug. 1.

Baum School of Art Executive Director Shannon Fugate, on May 6 announced postponement of the May 16 auction because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic shutdown.

Of The Baum School of Art’s Virtual 35th annual Art Auction, “There are about 300 or so items, similar to when we held the event in person,” Fugate says in an email to The Press.

“We are taking registrants every day. I think there are over 50 so far, but we expect to have similar or even more participation than in person, because folks can log on with their phones or computers from the comfort of home. It’s free to register, just like in person.

“Our development committee members are hosting virtual watch parties, too, where friends can meet via Zoom or otherwise, bid and enjoy the fun virtually,” continues Fugate.

“There are categories on the site, where bidders can search by price, subject matter and medium, instead of a live versus silent option.

“Boris (Wainio) and I will be making some prerecorded video appearances,” Fugate says. “He can’t necessarily auctioneer anything but will be part of the event nevertheless.

“It’s not the art auction without Boris. He’s been our auctioneer for all 34 prior years and still is an important part of this year’s event,” says Fugate.

As of deadline for this article, artwork to be auctioned is continuing to be uploaded to the Baum School of Art website.

Those who want to see what’s up for auction can go to the Baum website.

On the website, on the top left, look for Menu.

Click on the Menu and then click on Auction Items.

On the Menu are tabs to Register and Sign In.

To bid, select an item, enter your amount and then click Place Bid.

Use the Max Bid function and the system will bid for you up to the amount entered.

Register your details and then click Confirm Your Bid.

Receive outbid text notifications and bid again, if you choose.

For questions, refer to the FAQs section.

Information: www.baumschool.org