PHILADELPHIA, PA – USArtists American Fine Art Show & Sale repeats its triumphant year in the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) at 128 North Broad Street on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 23, 24 & 25.
 
2011 marks the 19th year of the show and sale of over 5,000 works of American art, and the second year USArtists will be held at PAFA, the beneficiary of the event. Last year’s attendees overwhelmingly applauded the USArtists move to its home base. The move to the first and second floors of the Hamilton Building makes USArtists the only major American art fair to be held within a museum.

“We’re delighted to return to the PAFA campus again this year,” said Alicia Sterling, President of the Women’s Board and Co-Chair, along with Diana Bittel, of this year’s USArtists. “We love the opportunity to bring our USArtists audience directly onto the PAFA premises and to show off the Hamilton Building. It’s a wonderful venue for both dealers and attendees.”

The event, a fascinating overview of American art from colonial to contemporary, has long been considered a Must See for serious collectors. Some 40 of the country’s most prestigious dealers are invited to bring their finest works. Selected dealers, experts in their field, are also invited to present ten-minute informal floor talks as part of the ongoing effort to help develop new collectors’ knowledge and enrich the USArtists experience for all attendees.
 
The USArtists Preview Gala launches the event on Thursday, September 22. New Collectors Night is slated for Friday, September 23. The Preview Gala attracts the biggest audience and the most serious collectors, as it offers the first opportunity to view and purchase the collections. New Collectors Night focuses on those who may be relatively new to collecting and includes a cocktail party and informal lectures on art and collecting. 

Proceeds from USArtists and other Women’s Board events directly support student scholarships and museum programs at PAFA.  For additional information, visit www.usartists.org or www.pafa.org/About/Women-s-Board/328/.

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Women’s Board
Founded in 1950, the Women’s Board is consistent with the values of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and works to support PAFA in accordance with its mission statement. It assists the Board of Trustees and the President of PAFA in the implementation of programs, supports the Museum and the School through fundraising and volunteerism, and promotes awareness and appreciation of American art and American artists. The Board produces several major fundraising events each year, including several Private Previews of PAFA exhibitions and the USArtists American Fine Art Show and Sale. Proceeds support student scholarships, various museum and school programs, the Annual Student Exhibition, the commencement luncheon, and other special projects throughout the year. For information, contact Patty Castner, Director of the Women’s Board at 215-972-0550, pcastner@pafa.org or visit www.pafa.org/About/Women-s-Board/328/.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is America’s first school of fine arts and museum. A recipient of the 2005 National Medal of Arts presented by the President of the United States, the Academy is a recognized leader in fine arts education. Nearly every major American artist has taught, studied, or exhibited at the Academy. The institution’s world-class collection of American art continues to grow and provides what only a few other art institutions in the world offer: the rare combination of a world-class museum and an extraordinary faculty known for its commitment to students and for the stature and quality of its artistic work. 

Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Academy is located at 118-128 N. Broad Street in Philadelphia. Admission to the Permanent Collection is Adults $10, Seniors (60+) & Students with I.D. $8, Youth ages 13-18, $8. Admission to Special Exhibitions (includes Permanent Collection) is Adults $15, Seniors (60+) & Students with I.D. $12, Youth Ages 13-18, $12. Admission is free for members and children under age of 12. Admission to Morris Gallery exhibitions is free.