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The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Opens Determined To Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, the First Comprehensive Retrospective of African American Sculptor John Rhoden

PHILADELPHIA – Aug 29, 2023 - The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) celebrates 20th century African American sculptor John Rhoden (1916-2001) with the exhibition, Determined To Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, the first comprehensive retrospective of the artist’s work. The exhibition…

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graphic with arcs of red-orange, light orange, light pink, light green

Collaborative Exhibition “Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America” Debuts Art From 20 Artists at Two Philadelphia Museums

Open to the public on March 23, the new exhibition hosted by the African American Museum in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts will explore a reoccurring question in American history.
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gallery with Making American Artists text and two large portrait paintings

Rewriting the Story of American Art with Making American Artists

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts rewrites the story of American Art with Making American Artists: Stories from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1776–1976. (October 6, 2022—April 2, 2023)
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Installation view of Gift Deeds Kholer collection

“Gift/Deeds: Collectors at PAFA” Exhibition Series, Features 20th Century and Contemporary Art Selections Gifted to PAFA

PHILADELPHIA - June 30 2022 - The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is pleased to present, “Gift/Deeds: Collectors at PAFA,” an exhibition of 20th century and contemporary art gifted to PAFA’s permanent collection by six significant and influential Philadelphia art collectors. The…

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Eric Pryor in Museum

PAFA Appoints Eric Pryor as Its Next President

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is pleased to announce that Eric Pryor has been appointed president of the historic museum and college, beginning January 18, 2022. One of Philadelphia’s cornerstone cultural institutions, PAFA is poised to move forward into its next significant…
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Joan Semmel's Centered Oil on canvas 48 x 53 in

"Joan Semmel: Skin in the Game" is First-ever Career Retrospective of Iconic Painter

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) presents the first-ever retrospective of iconic painter Joan Semmel in a career-spanning exhibition, Joan Semmel: Skin in the Game, October 28, 2021 through April 3, 2022. With over 50 works that will trace the artist’s career from early abstract…
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Anne E. McCollum profile

Anne E. McCollum Announced as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is pleased to announce the election of Anne E. McCollum as the organization's new chairperson of the Board of Trustees. McCollum will succeed Kevin Donohoe as the first female leader of America's first art museum and school. Donohoe will remain on the board…
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PAFA Announces Organizational Changes as reimagining and Presidential Search begins.

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) announced that on the heels of a nationwide search for its next President & CEO, it has paused the Edna S. Tuttleman Director of the Museum position to reimagine its work post-pandemic.
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PAFA's Buildings at Night

Honoring Hospital Workers with Free Admission Days

In honor of National Hospital Week, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the Barnes Foundation, Eastern State Penitentiary, the Franklin Institute, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), and the Philadelphia Museum of Art jointly announce Free Admission Days for Hospital…
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ASE 2021 and 1913

120th Annual Student Exhibition & Preview Fundraiser: Celebrate and Support Today's Emerging Artists

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) presents its 120th Annual Student Exhibition (ASE), May 14 through June 6 at 128 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, in the Historic Landmark Building and the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building. On May 13, PAFA will host the school's Commencement ceremonies…
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Dyani White Hawk

PAFA Announces New Additions to the Permanent Collection

PAFA announces the latest acquisitions of a wide range of artworks to its renowned American art collection. Ranging in date from 1869 to 2020, the museum acquired 168 works of art through purchase and gift.
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Joan Semmel work

National Endowment for the Arts Awards PAFA $40k Grant for Retrospective Exhibition

PAFA is the recipient of a $40,000 Grant for Arts Project award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This grant will support the museum’s upcoming exhibition "Joan Semmel: Skin in the Game," opening October 28, 2021 and remain on view through April 3, 2022.
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About PAFA

Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is the United States’ first school and museum of fine arts. A recipient of the National Medal of Arts, PAFA offers a world-class collection of American art, innovative exhibitions of historic and contemporary American art, and educational opportunities in the fine arts. The PAFA Museum aims to tell America's diverse story through art, expanding who has been included in the canon of art history through its collections, exhibitions, and public programs, while classes educate artists and appreciators with a deep understanding of traditions and the ability to challenge conventions. PAFA’s esteemed alumni include Mary Cassatt, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, William Glackens, Barkley L. Hendricks, Violet Oakley, Louis Kahn, David Lynch, and Henry Ossawa Tanner.