It is with great sadness that Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts joins in mourning the death of Peter Paone, whose decades of teaching, leadership, and mentorship left a lasting impact on the Academy’s printmaking program and generations of students.

Peter Paone first joined PAFA in 1977 as a visiting artist, beginning a long relationship with the institution that would span more than three decades. From 1978 to 2009, he served as a faculty member, teaching drawing, printmaking, critique, and professional practice. In 1980, he was appointed by Dean Ephraim Weinberg as the first Chair of Printmaking, a role through which he helped define and formalize the department.

Building a Foundation for Printmaking at PAFA

As chair, Paone organized printmaking into a structured department, hired new faculty, and established essential safety and materials protocols that professionalized studio practice. He developed a tiered curriculum that guided students from introductory to advanced levels: first-year students began with etching, stone lithography, and relief, while intermediate print majors progressed through advanced coursework in the same disciplines. A fourth-year Print Seminar was added as a required component for all printmaking majors.

With support from faculty, Paone also established the Print Shop Manager position to ensure greater oversight of studio operations, equipment, and student work outside of class hours. He maintained high standards for the studio environment, emphasizing cleanliness, order, and strict adherence to safety and conduct protocols for both students and faculty.

Expanding Resources and Opportunities

In 1987, Paone initiated a connection between Wanamaker Department Store personnel and PAFA that resulted in the donation of a 3,000-pound full-size replica of Michelangelo’s David. The cast remains a prominent feature in the Historic Landmark Building’s cast hall, reflecting his role in expanding the Academy’s physical and educational resources.

Following the establishment of PAFA’s master’s degree program, Paone also designated a dedicated section of the print shop for graduate students, outfitted with a press and specialized equipment to support advanced study and independent work.

Advocacy, Mentorship, and Recognition

Beyond curriculum and facilities, Paone was a strong advocate for students and their work. He supported printmaking students in prize selection processes, ensuring their achievements were recognized within faculty discussions and institutional awards.

He also established the Ruth and Ben Wolf Prize in Printmaking in honor of his mentor and friend, Ben Wolf, reinforcing a legacy of artistic lineage and mentorship within the department.

A Lasting Impact

Across his decades at PAFA, Peter Paone shaped the printmaking program through structure, rigor, and care for students’ development as artists. His influence extended across disciplines and generations, and his legacy remains present in the systems he built and the students he taught.

He will be remembered for his commitment to teaching, his contributions to PAFA’s academic and studio life, and his enduring role in shaping the culture of printmaking at the Academy.

It is with deep sadness that PAFA honors his memory and extends its condolences to all who knew him.

View artworks by Peter Paone in PAFA's permanent collection

Featured Artwork: Peter Paone (1936-2026), Dreams (VIII. A HIPPO IN MY LIVING ROOM), 1970. Lithograph, ed. 80/100, 20 1/2 x 15 1/2 in. (52.07 x 39.37 cm.) Gift of the Fishman/MacElderry Collection, 2015.41.38.9. © artist or artist’s estate