“This groundbreaking represents not just an expansion of our physical space, but an expansion of our mission and impact,” said The Baum School of Art Executive Director Shannon Fugate in her remarks ahead of the ceremonial turning of the soil May 15.

Joining her to break ground for the school’s Centennial Expansion and Renovation Project at 510 W. Linden St., Allentown were Board of Trustees President Janet Gross, State Sen. Nick Miller (D-14th), State Rep. Josh Siegel (D-22nd) and Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk (D).

Among those on hand were North Star Construction Management President Craig Johnson and Executive Vice President Andrew Miller, and Baum board members, supporters and staffers J.B. Reilly, Kathleen Reilly, Shelbi R. Stoneback, Celene Hadeed and Laurie Seigfried.

“As we approach our Centennial, we’re ensuring that our facilities match the excellence of our programming, providing students of all ages with the modern tools, technology, and spaces they need to thrive artistically,” said Fugate.

Fugate thanked Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) for approving a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program Grant.

Fugate thanked Miller, Siegel and Tuerk for their support.

In commending Gross and the board, Fugate said, their “guidance, governance and generosity continues to steer our success.”

In turn, Gross praised Fugate for her stewardship, causing both to briefly tear up with emotion.

Timed to be ready for The Baum School of Art’s Centennial celebration in 2026, the project includes a new three-story wing on the southeast side of the building featuring gallery space, youth classroom, and life drawing, painting studio. A second-story addition on the south side will house a multipurpose classroom to accommodate the school’s growing enrollment.

“Art education builds more than skills. It cultivates curiosity, confidence and community,” said Gross, adding, “These new spaces will multiply those benefits throughout the Lehigh Valley.”

The existing Russell E. Baum Building, erected in 1987, will be renovated and modernized. The art school remains open during construction.

Siegel lauded the partnership of state and local government and the private sector that made the school’s expansion possible.

“For nearly a century, the Baum School of Art has stood as a pillar of creativity in the Lehigh Valley,” said Miller.

“I’m proud to have secured $2 million last year, in partnership with Representative Siegel, to support these much-needed renovations,” Miller said.

“The expansion will allow future generations of artists and professionals to pursue their passions and ensure the Lehigh Valley remains a place where arts and culture thrive,” said Miller.

In charge of the project is North Star Construction Management, Allentown.

Information: The Baum School of Art, 510 W. Linden St., Allentown. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday. 610-433-0032, https://www.baumschool.org/