PHILADELPHIA, PA — September 2, 2025 — The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) proudly announces the Diamond Jubilee Celebration honoring the 75th Anniversary of the Women’s Committee, held on September 28, 2025. Since its founding in 1950 the Women’s Committee has played a transformative role in advancing PAFA’s mission through leadership, fundraising, and advocacy.

Honoring a Legacy of Impact

What began as a social committee dedicated to enhancing student life has evolved into a dynamic group of volunteers committed to supporting PAFA’s educational programs, exhibitions, and community engagement. Throughout its 75-year history, the Women’s Committee has been a powerful force behind some of PAFA’s most important 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 Travel Scholarship, one of PAFA’s most coveted student awards.
• Supported landmark exhibitions, including those featuring women artists and historically underrepresented voices.
• Produced USArtists: American Fine Art Show (1992–2011), a nationally recognized fundraising event that raised over $1.5 million.
• Led restoration and capital campaigns, including a $500,000 pledge to PAFA’s Campus Capital Campaign, fulfilled in 2006.
• Hosted the Annual Student Exhibition Preview Party since 1962, continuing to raise scholarship funds and promote student artwork.

From hosting student events to making record-breaking annual gifts, the Women’s Committee continues to champion PAFA’s mission.

Join us for an evening celebrating 75 years of visionary women and a legacy of support for the arts.

Diamond Jubilee Celebration

Sunday, September 28, 2025 5:30–7:30 PM 

Merion Cricket Club
 

BUY TICKETS
 

Front row (L-R): Camille Peluso, Sandy Nesbitt, Lynn Lehocky, Janice Peck, Lauren Peck, Pamela Felice Second Row: Virginia Baltzell, Katie Rhodes, Marianne Dean, Carmen Navarro Pelaez, Pia Halloran, Donna Salvo, Linda Aversa-Caldwell Back Row: Julia DeMoss, Georgiana Noll, Andrea Alexanian, Libby Sullivan Trammell, Maggie Malone Murphy

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, groundbreaking exhibitions, and exceptional educational programs. Through its museum and school, PAFA is committed to telling America's diverse story through art and expanding who is included in the canon of art history. Esteemed alumni include Mary Cassatt, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, William Glackens, Barkley L. Hendricks, Violet Oakley, Louis Kahn, David Lynch, and Henry Ossawa Tanner. 

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Lisa Willis
Director of Marketing, Communications and Event Services 
lwillis@pafa.org

Featured Artwork: 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.