The Baum School of Art will hold its annual Fall Gala honoring Dr. Martha “Missy” Hutson-Saxton on Friday, Oct. 20.
Hutson-Saxton is a remarkable friend to The Baum School who has played an instrumental role in defining the legacy and shaping the future of the arts community in the Lehigh Valley. She is a dedicated trustee, esteemed author, and visionary advocate for the arts.
The event will be held at Lehigh Country Club in Allentown, where in years past Hutson-Saxton had chaired the school’s annual dinner dances. These dinner dances raised significant funds for the school, and it is nostalgic to host a party in her honor back at this special location.
As a passionate trustee, Hutson-Saxton has championed The Baum School of Art during her tenure; first in 1987 for a decade, and currently after rejoining the board in 2020.
In the 1980s, Hutson-Saxton supported fellow Baum School board member Charles C. Dent, to help create the dream of bringing DaVinci’s horse to life. She was president of the DaVinci Horse Association Board when the 12-foot bronze sculpture was dedicated at The Baum School of Art in 2002. Her unwavering commitment has helped to shape the school into the vibrant artistic community resource that it is today.
As an art historian specializing in American Art with a PhD from Harvard University, Hutson-Saxton has published numerous articles, exhibition catalogs, and books. Her profound dedication to preserving Baum School’s rich history led her to write a book on the life and work of Walter Emerson Baum, the founder of The Baum School of Art and the Allentown Art Museum.
The school has nurtured creativity in thousands of students for nearly a century. The Baum School’s 10 classrooms host over 300 classes for children, teens, and adults each year. Last year, the school served over 3,200 students through our tuition and community outreach programs. Of those students, over 1,200 were able to attend classes through scholarship, outreach, or financial assistance programs.
Hutson-Saxton’s advocacy and philanthropy has had a lasting impact on many organizations in the arts community. Her commitment to preserving the past, nurturing the present, and uplifting the future of The Baum School of Art has helped to inspire generations of artists, educators, and art collectors.
The gala will begin with a cocktail hour from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by dinner. In addition to cocktails and dinner, there will be a silent auction with numerous gift certificates, items and experiences from around the Lehigh Valley up for bid. Attire is black-tie optional, and tickets are $200 per person. For information, call 610-433-0032.
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