In April 2024, artist Kukuli Velarde joined printer Justine Ditto for an engaging conversation about the creation of Philadelphia Pachamama, a vibrant eleven-color lithograph published by the Brodsky Center at PAFA. Attendees were given a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate lithographic process…

As the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) reflects on recent accomplishments and prepares for a promising future and the re-installation of our permanent collection, we must honor the leadership of Eric Pryor. Since stepping into the role of President and CEO in January 2022, Eric has…

Next year, we’ll celebrate PAFA’s 220th Anniversary, ahead of the nation’s sesquicentennial in 2026. While PAFA’s not quite as old as the United States, it has played a significant role in the country’s artistic and cultural development since its founding in 1805. As the first museum and art school…

Nobody can believe it’s the end of 2024, yet the holidays are here, and there’s more shopping to do! Instead of turning to big-box retailers, why not give a unique and meaningful gift that supports the very first art school and museum in the United States? Whether you're shopping for an artist, an…

The recently premiered documentary, The Legacy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: Faculty Recollections, celebrates the personal and professional journeys of six esteemed faculty members. Created as an independent study project by Nina Byerly (BFA ’24) and Raffi Zarzatian (BFA ’24) as…

“I recently cleaned out my parents' garage and stumbled upon my old college essay. I had written about how I wanted to be an artist and change the world.”

Several years later, Maia Palmer is an artist, and she is changing the world. 

Originally from Delaware, Maia has  journeyed across the world, from…

PAFA celebrates the 30th anniversary of the After-School Studio Arts Program, highlighting its impact on underserved youth in Philadelphia by providing free, accessible art education and fostering a supportive community for young artists to thrive.

“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”* This sentiment perfectly captures our excitement and gratitude as we welcome back Harry Philbrick to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) as…

PAFA's Cast Hall preserves a collection of over 120 fine plaster casts, including replicas of iconic sculptures such as Michelangelo’s David and the Nike of Samothrace. These casts serve as vital educational tools, connecting students to classical art traditions. Originally sourced from Paris in…

Behind the Canvas: The Art Conservator's Magic Touch showcases the restoration of key artworks for PAFA’s Layers of Liberty exhibition and the 2026 re-installation. Collaborating with Flux Art Conservation, pieces like Henry McCarter’s Coal Mine and John Carroll’s Agatha were carefully cleaned and…

Laura Storck, a photographer, expanded her art practice during the 2020 pandemic by taking online classes at PAFA. Embracing new mediums like painting, she created award-winning work and found a supportive, non-judgmental community that boosted her confidence. Laura encourages others to explore…

Edgar Degas's quote, "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see," implies that the true essence of art lies in the artist's ability to convey their unique vision and evoke emotions or thoughts in the viewer. Artist and #PafaAlum Chuck Schultz (Cert ‘13) understands the sentiment as a…