Alumni Panel & Networking Event
Advance registration is required.
Are you a prospective student or parent, a current Certificate or CE student, a studio renter, or simply new to PAFA and looking to learn more about our programs? Join us at PAFA as we kick off our participation in the 2026 Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST) with an alumni panel and networking event.
What does a sustainable, successful career in the visual arts really look like after graduation? Rather than a formal academic lecture, this event offers a candid look into life post-PAFA. A panel of working alumni will sit down for a real conversation about navigating the art world—sharing their creative wins, unexpected career turns, and practical wisdom on everything from studio practice to freelancing and grant writing.
Networking and connection are built into every part of the event. Kick off the morning over coffee and light refreshments, engage during the panel Q&A, and then explore PAFA’s open studios from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM as part of POST. As you tour working studios across campus, drop in on alumni hosts participating in our "Ask Me About..." series to connect one-on-one about freelancing, grants, gallery representation, and life as a working artist.
Event Schedule
- 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Check-in, Refreshments & Mingling (Top Hat Coffee Lounge)
Check in, grab light refreshments, view alumni artwork on display, and connect with staff and attendees. - 10:30 AM – 11:35 AM | Moderated Alumni Panel Discussion (Studio Classrooms 461/465)
An honest conversation exploring life as a student, transitioning into the industry, and building a lasting practice. - 11:35 AM – 11:50 AM | Audience Q&A
Open floor questions plus written index-card questions collected at check-in. - 11:50 AM – 12:00 PM | Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Closing remarks and preview of afternoon studio tour activities. - 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | POST Open Studios & "Ask Me About..." Series
Explore POST Open Studios and chat one-on-one with alumni hosts displaying "Ask Me About..." signs on freelancing, grants, gallery representation, and more.
Featured Alumni Participants
- Lydia Hamilton Brown — Alumni Council President
- Dee Glazer — Alumni Council Member & Independent Artist
- Arnab Gan Choudhry — Studio Renter & Multidisciplinary Artist
Getting Here & Visitor Information
- Building Entrance: Enter through the main entrance of the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building at 128 N. Broad Street (corner of Broad and Lenfest Plaza). Admissions staff will greet you in the lobby and direct you to the Top Hat Coffee Lounge.
- Public Transit: PAFA is conveniently located steps from SEPTA Regional Rail (Suburban Station), the Broad Street Line (City Hall or Race-Vine Stations), and major SEPTA bus lines.
- Parking Options: Nearby parking garages include the Parkway Corporation Garage (150 N. Broad St) and the Convention Center Garage (1324 Arch St). Limited street parking is also available.
- Accessibility: The Hamilton Building is fully ADA accessible. Ramps are located at the main entrance, and elevators provide access to the Top Hat Lounge and 4th Floor Studio Classrooms.
We're so excited you're planning to visit PAFA!
Make time for art — visit us Thursday to Sunday.
Before reserving your tickets, please review helpful information about museum hours, accessibility, building access, and special admission programs.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at visitorservices@pafa.org — we’d love to help!