News

painting by Nicole Parker

Alums Nicole Parker and Martin Geiger Receive Grants from the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation

Congratulations are in order for alums Nicole Parker (BFA '17, Cert '18) and Martin Geiger (Cert '19) on their recent awards from the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation. The organization supports emerging artists from around the world who are working in a representational style and demonstrate the…

Alumni News
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…

Press Release
Details of works by Gu and Mamba

Two Alums at Commonweal Gallery, Yikui (Coy) Gu and Eustace Mamba

Gu and Mamba engage their first-generation experiences to interrogate the development and deployment of identity in America in the exhibition Living in between worlds, open Wednesday, June 29th through Saturday, July 30th. Visit the opening celebration on Friday, July 1st from 6 - 9 PM.
Alumni News
Colorful promo graphic from Estudio Abierto

Faculty David Dempewolf exhibits in Vigo, Spain

David Dempewolf shows at the Estudio Abierto in Vigo, Spain this summer. The exhibition Spectrum from June 17-19 is curated by Josías Figueirido and Alberto ASH Santos. Read the Spanish preview in La Voz de Galicia by Begoña Rodríguez Sotelino, "La mítica consola «Spectrum» inspira a seis artistas…

bands of Juneteenth colors red green yellow black

Celebrate Juneteenth with us, from President Eric Pryor

All PAFA facilities - studios, museums and college - will be closed on Monday, June 20th in honor of Juneteenth. "As we turn as a nation to commemorate the Juneteenth holiday, I am mindful of those who paved the way for us to get to this national celebration..."
Watercolor of George Hitchcock by John McLure Hamilton

Spotlight on Human Form and Anatomy at Continuing Education

Have you ever felt limited in your art subjects by the challenge of depicting people? Translating the human form from observation is one of the cornerstones of PAFA's long tradition of rigorous instruction. Gain confidence by joining summer Continuing Education courses in Human Form and Anatomy…

Graphite drawing of nude male figure

Old Buildings Provide New Home for BFA Student Faith Castillo

Since her very first visit to PAFA, Faith has truly found her place in a close-knit community where she can focus on her art.
Perspectives
Students painting on river doc

Spotlight on Plein Air Painting at Continuing Education

Each semester Continuing Education offers online, evening, and weekend options for each discipline - Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture, and more. One particular favorite of many participants in the warmer months are outdoor painting classes, continuing a tradition referred to as "Plein Air…
Digital collage of Anna Hoppel with paintings

PAFA-Penn BFA Dual Degree Student Anna Hoppel in 34th Street Magazine

Undergraduate Anna Hoppel was recently featured by Natalia Castillo for 34th Street Magazine, part of The Daily Pennsylvanian, an independent student news organization of the University of Pennsylvania. View her work in person at the 121st Annual Student Exhibition, May 13–June 5.
In the News
Peter Van Dyck painting

Faculty Peter Van Dyck at Sugarlift Gallery in Chelsea, NYC

Painting faculty, Peter Van Dyck, exhibits with a solo show at Sugarlift Gallery, "Peter Van Dyck: A Flight to the World" open May 5–30, 2022.
Ilene Spiewak's artwork Deeper into the Isolation of Self Information and Gender

Ilene Spiewak (Low-Res MFA '17) at the National Portrait Gallery

Ilene Spiewak's self portrait is one of 42 selected out of 2,700 submissions for the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, a juried national competition at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery.
Alumni News
Installation view of ASE 2021

PhillyMag | ASE in May's Best Events in Philadelphia

PhillyMag has featured the 121st Annual Student Exhibition (ASE) in their "highly curated, strongly opinionated guide to things to do this month." ASE is one of only two art events to be selected.
In the News

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.