Diamond Jubilee: 75th Anniversary of PAFA’s Women’s Committee
Join us for a joyful evening celebrating the 75th Anniversary of PAFA’s Women’s Committee — honoring 75 years of visionary women, powerful partnerships, and a legacy of support for the arts.
Sunday, September 28, 2025
5:30–7:30 PM
Merion Cricket Club
Founded in 1950 at the request of PAFA President John Frederick Lewis Jr. and Director Joseph T. Fraser Jr., the Women’s Committee of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts has played a vital role in supporting the institution’s mission for over 75 years. What began as a committee focused on enhancing student life has grown into a dynamic group of dedicated volunteers committed to advancing PAFA’s educational programs, exhibitions, and community initiatives.
Notable Accomplishments of the PAFA Women’s Committee
- Raised millions of dollars in support of scholarships, exhibitions, and special projects at PAFA.
- Established the Women’s Board Scholarship Fund to directly benefit PAFA’s emerging artists.
- Supported landmark exhibitions, including those featuring women artists and underrepresented voices.
Rose Naftulin, Garden Before Nancy’s House, 2000, Oil on canvas. Gift of Linda Lee Alter, Art by Women Collection. Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Archives, Philadelphia.
75 Years of Vision: Celebrating Art and the Women Who Champion It
Enjoy festive drinks and light bites as we raise a glass to the artists, collectors, philanthropists, and especially the extraordinary women who have helped shape the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts into a true Philadelphia cultural treasure.
Event Co-Chairs
Linda Aversa-Caldwell and Katie Rhodes
Honoring
Linda Lee Alter, Julie Jensen Bryan, Elizabeth Osborne, Eileen Rosenau, Ann Sorgenti, the late Barbara Greenfield & past and present Members of the Women's Committee
Committee Members
Heather Andrews, Johanna Chehi, Amy Coes, Marianne Dean, Julia DeMoss, Keri Laign, Lynn Lehocky, Ashley Stewardson McGuinness, Nicole McLaughlin, Sandra Mezzanotte, Marigrace Morris, Janice Peck, Donna Salvo, Rebecca Segall
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY
Please RSVP by September 24, 2025
Questions?
Contact Janelle Carter, Donor Relations Officer
jcarter@pafa.org | 215-972-2007
Sponsors
Underwriter
Julie Jensen Bryan
Linda Aversa-Caldwell and Donald R. Caldwell
Marianne Dean
Northern Trust
Sam and Happy Shipley
Benefactor
Dennis J. Alter
Ann Sorgenti
Collector
Johanna Chehi
Betsy and Kevin Donohoe
Jill Durovsik
Susan Klehr
Exhibition
Lynn Lehocky
Nicole and Ryan McLaughlin
Katie Rhodes
Iris and Greg Shea
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!