Anna Hodges completed PAFA’s BFA program as a painting major. Before coming to PAFA, Hodges attended the Baltimore School for the Arts for painting, as well as the Schuler School of Fine Art. She chose PAFA for its intimate environment and the expectations that are “formulated for the individual student rather than for a general group, which is very important to me,” Hodges explains.

Hodges feels that the majority of the faculty encourages a broad range of creative processes, often suggesting relevant artists to draw inspiration from. Technical skills that are learned build upon those gained in the previous year, and students' creative initiative is encouraged throughout the learning process. She also enjoys faculty bringing their own practice to the classroom. “I was surprised to find how strongly the faculty advocates unbridled self-expression. This was unexpected but very helpful because in the past I had generally remained in a very controlled comfort zone of creativity.”

Outside of the studio, Hodges writes fictional stories that focus on themes of time, memory, and physical experience. “I warp these themes and create stories I can vicariously live within. This helps expand my understanding of everything around me, while providing abundant ideas for my paintings.”