PAFA Museum Director Brooke Davis Anderson, along with members of the staff and faculty recently toured the museum with new students to better introduce them to the gems inside the Historic Landmark Building, and what visitors might be missing when they visit. As the galleries change frequently, the…
As first-year students navigate their first few weeks at PAFA, they know they can look to second-year student and orientation leader Andy Fecile (BFA '21). Being a friendly face and supportive friend for their fellow students has been a goal for Fecile since they arrived at PAFA. From working as a…
After high school, Collin Cousart (BFA '18) moved to New York City to study psychology but realized the city and the major wasn’t for him. After leaving NYC and continuing his studies at Montgomery County Community College, PAFA kept coming up on his radar as a possible next step. Though it took…
After setting out on a path that wasn’t her own, Suji Kannenganti chose to pursue her artwork seriously and started taking classes at PAFA in sculpture and painting. Kannenganti is a recipient of the Andrew W. Mellon Undergraduate Curatorial Fellowship Program, where she will receive hands-on…
As construction continues on the John and Richanda Rhoden Arts Center, PAFA is accessioning eight John Rhoden sculptures to serve as the focal points for the new auditorium space, opening this winter. Dr. Brittany Webb, the curator of the collection, says the eight sculptures chosen for the arts…
Judith Brodsky addressed the second graduating class of PAFA's Low-Residency MFA program at the intimate August commencement ceremony. In her commencement speech, she thanked the graduating class for the artwork they make, as well as sharing in her own path to becoming an artist.
Two years ago, incoming PAFA student Grace Mox didn’t see art as the direction for her. But going through a rough patch during her junior year of high school opened Mox’s eyes to what art could mean for her life. As Grace continued working on her art, she began visiting art schools. PAFA’s Center…
The pace and tone of weekly critiques from PAFA faculty, visiting artists, and fellow students in the Low-Residency MFA program are different from Kevin Hetzel's (MFA '20) previous experiences. They are a welcome addition as he continues to develop his art practice.
For most of his life, Mark White (MFA '18) has kept his artwork on the sidelines. Although he majored in art in college, his career path took him another way. After a career in the army, he retired and enrolled in the Low-Residency MFA Program at PAFA.
An art education at PAFA can begin long before students enroll. For students looking to strengthen their art practice, PAFA’s Summer Academy offers high schoolers a five-week, college-level art-making experience. Many students see Summer Academy as the opportunity to "try out" art school or an art…
Growing up in the New York City area, MFA student Melanie Delach thought she already was where she needed to be as an artist. But her undergraduate professors encouraged her to branch out. Now about to enter her second year in the MFA program, Delach spoke about how a change of scenery has impacted…
The Currents summer studio residency program, hosted by the graduate program at PAFA, provides an intensive summer learning opportunity for rising undergraduate seniors. Thalia Hernandez, who is attending this year's Currents program, was attracted to the residency because of its unique location of…
Perspectives
About PAFA
Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is America's first school and museum of fine arts. A recipient of the National Medal of Arts, PAFA offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the fine arts, innovative exhibitions of historic and contemporary American art, and a world-class collection of American art. PAFA’s esteemed alumni include Mary Cassatt, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, William Glackens, Barkley L. Hendricks, Violet Oakley, Louis Kahn, David Lynch, and Henry Ossawa Tanner.
