A community of dedicated artists of all ages and skill levels
When you join a PAFA Continuing Education (CE) class you become part of a two-century-old tradition of teaching excellence in the fine arts. Art sharpens your powers of observation, opens you up to the beauty in the world around you, and allows you the opportunity to "give back" by creating something original and personal to share with others. Let us help you nurture your artistic muse as you explore your creative potential. Whether you're drawn to art for the first time, preparing a portfolio for art school or bent on mastering your craft, our program will offer you the right environment in which to flourish.
Benefits of PAFA CE!
- A stellar faculty of practicing, professional artists.
- Small-sized classes for plenty of individual attention.
- Access to the PAFA campus including our famous Cast Hall, Arcadia Fine Arts Library and state-of-the art Printmaking and Sculpture Shops.
- An art supply store on the premises, Academy Art Supply, offering CE students a 20% discount on all purchases.
- Free admission to the PAFA Museum, featuring a renowned permanent collection of American Art and special exhibitions.
- The opportunity to exhibit your work during the Continuing Education Annual Juried Student Exhibition in April
- Frequent Student Discount - take five classes or workshops and received your sixth for free!
- All PAFA Continuing Education classes and workshops are eligible for Act 48 credit hours and New Jersey Department of Education Professional Development credit.
CE Community Scholarships NEW!
PAFA Continuing Education is pleased to present the CE Community Scholarship to students who demonstrate dedication to their art. Partial tuition scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis on the basis of need and merit. The Fall 2010 application deadline is Friday, August 27. For an application, click here.
Evening, Weekday, and Weekend Courses
Evening, weekday, and weekend courses meet for three hours once a week for 14 weeks. Condensed courses usually meet for a greater number of hours and for fewer weeks. Courses are open to all levels of experience, unless noted otherwise, and feature a combination of demonstration/lecture, studio work and individual and group critique.
Tuition: $525 for 1.5 undergraduate credits or $425 for non-credit, unless otherwise indicated. Please refer to individual course descriptions for any additional lab/materials fees.
Summer Courses
The summer semester is the largest and most extensive in the CE program. The semester is divided into two six-week sessions, late May through July and July through August. Within each session are one-week intensive sessions, six-week day and evening courses. Running through the entire summer are twelve-week evening courses.
- One-Week Intensive courses meet for six consecutive days, Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Six-Week Day courses meet for six consecutive days, Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Twelve-Week Evening courses meet once a week for twelve weeks, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Six-Week Evening courses meet twice a week for six weeks, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Most courses are available for half-day, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Please refer to individual course descriptions for half-day restrictions.
- Tuition is $525 for 1.5 undergraduate credits; $425 for non-credit and $275 for half-day, non-credit, where available. Additional lab and materials fees where indicated.
Workshops, Lectures, and Seminars
Workshops are an enjoyable way to learn about a particular topic in a condensed format. They are designed for all levels of experience, unless otherwise indicated. Workshops are scheduled year-round. Please refer to course descriptions for dates, times, tuition and any applicable lab/materials fees.
High School Student Programs
High School Student Programs offer young people a valuable opportunity to develop and hone their skills under the guidance of experienced and professional Academy faculty. Students also receive assistance in preparing a portfolio for art school/college.
Core Curriculum Program
Are you new to art? Taking classes, but unsure of your artistic direction? Returning to art after a long absence? If any of these situations apply to you, we invite you to enroll in the
Core Curriculum Program. To help you achieve your artistic goals, this program provides a structured curriculum of classes in logical sequence to build your basic skills and the confidence necessary to move forward in any artistic direction. Call 215-972-2028 for more information.
The Academy Comes to You
Earn Academy credit for classes taught by Academy faculty at participating regional art centers! Additional tuition and course work apply. Please contact our art center partners for current Academy Comes to You course offerings.
The Wayne Art Center, located in the Main Line suburbs of Philadelphia, has been enriching the cultural needs of the community since 1930. For more information, call 610-688-3553.
Main Line Art Center, located in Haverford, Pennsylvania, supports the development of artists of all levels and the growth of audiences for the arts. For more information, call 610-525-0272.
Our Faculty
The Continuing Education Faculty is comprised of professional, practicing artists with national and international reputations. Click here for complete faculty biographies and examples of their artwork.
For Educators
PAFA Continuing Education courses and workshops are eligible for Act 48 credit and New Jersey Department of Education Professional Development credit.
Contact us
We're here to help! For more information, assistance in course selection, or to register, please call 215-972-7632 or email continuinged@pafa.edu. You may also visit our office on the third floor of the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building.
Summer Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday until 6:30 p.m.
Mailing Address:
Continuing Education ProgramsPennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
128 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
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