News

ashley garner poses with one of her soft sculptures

Ashley Garner '20: Expanding Creative Horizons

PAFA MFA candidate Ashley Garner '20 will expand her artistic practice at MassMOCA's highly competitive emerging artist residency program. Garner was drawn to the residency because of the similarities to PAFA's interdisciplinary and communal MFA program.
Perspectives
students at work in cast hall

COVID-19 FAQ for PAFA Students

This FAQ addresses frequently asked questions about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and PAFA's response for our student community.
behind the scenes look at the making of JLC's print with the brodsky

Artsy | Brodsky Center Featured in "Art Keeps Going" Campaign

The curatorial team at Artsy has rounded up their favorite prints, and for every purchase, Artsy will donate to the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Among the picks are editions from Jonathan Lyndon Chase '13 and Elizabeth Catlett from the Brodsky Center at PAFA.

Explo…

In the News
Students in the West lobby

New Grant Opportunity for Mid-Atlantic Area Students Announced

PAFA is pleased to announce the initiation of a new grant program for incoming undergraduate and graduate students from the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
Press Release
claire huber, spring awakening

PAFA Announces Schedule for the 119th Annual Student Exhibition and 2020 Commencement Exercises

PAFA announces the revised schedule for its 119th Annual Student Exhibition, and commencement exercises for the graduating class of 2020.
Press Release
Image: Elizabeth Robertson / Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia Inquirer | Philly Museums Donate Protective Gear to Local Hospitals

In the scramble to find personal protective equipment (PPE), museums and art schools have stepped in to help local hospitals, all of whom say they are running short. Discover how PAFA, along with other local institutions, are participating in the efforts to fight the coronavirus.
In the News
exterior view of HLB and SMVH

PAFA From Home: Inspiration Everywhere, Anywhere

PAFA’s doors may be closed temporarily to the public, but art doesn’t stop, and neither do we. There are still many ways that you can engage with our vibrant community.
Dr. Constance Clayton and her mother, Williabell Clayton

Artsy | The Mother-Daughter Duo Who Amassed an Incredible Trove of African American Art

Karen Chernick takes a closer look at the mother-daughter duo of Dr. Constance E. and Williabell Clayton, whose personal collection of art is on view in our exhibition, "Awakened in You".
In the News
PAFA online collection screenshot

Association for Public Art | Virtual Art Tours in Philly

Philadelphia's Association for Public Art has compiled a list of online arts resources from local cultural organizations—including PAFA's own permanent collection, which is available online. This resource connects art lovers of all kinds to thousands of artworks from these organizations.

In the News
Maria Berrios

Artsy | What Museums Are Doing to Collect More Work by Women Artists

Claire Voon examines the efforts of museums—which includes PAFA—to expand their holdings of women artists.
In the News
john rhoden, "jupiter"

Artblog | Curators Work to Decolonize Western Art Museums

Kemuel Benyehudah weighs in about the importance of the work and activism of Black curators in collecting institutions, and spoke with curator Dr. Brittany Webb on her efforts at PAFA and beyond.
In the News
historic landmark building stairs

PAFA Museum to Close to the Public Temporarily

In response to the growing public health threat posed by COVID-19, and out of a shared responsibility to take all measures necessary to limit its spread, the PAFA Museum will temporarily close to the public beginning Saturday, March 14, until further notice.

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.