News

One Artist’s Journey Begins at PAFA

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…

Perspectives

August 27, 2018

PAFA Presents First Major Retrospective of Artist Rina Banerjee

PAFA is pleased to present its major fall exhibition, "Rina Banerjee: Make Me a Summary of the World," the first mid-career retrospective on the contemporary practice of Bengali-born, New York-based artist Rina Banerjee, co-organized with the San Jose Museum of Art.

Press Release

August 27, 2018

Coming to PAFA for Thoughtful Critiques

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.

Perspectives

August 18, 2018

A Second Act For A Veteran

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.

Perspectives

August 17, 2018

PAFA Congratulates Martin Puryear for Being Chosen to Represent the United States in 2019 in Venice

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) congratulates artist Martin Puryear (b. 1941) for being chosen to represent the United States at the 2019 Venice Biennale. PAFA currently has 25 works by the 77-year old African American artist and sculptor in its permanent collection, including 23…

Press Release

August 15, 2018

Summer Academy Allows High School Students to Try Art School

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…

August 13, 2018

Melanie Delach '19: Leaving New York for the Philadelphia

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…

Perspectives

August 8, 2018

Currents: An Opportunity for Artists to Learn From Other Artists

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

August 6, 2018

PAFA Mourns the Passing of Philadelphia Philanthropist, H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest

PAFA mourns the loss of H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest, 88, the philanthropist and civic leader, who died Sunday morning. Gerry and his wife, Marguerite, have been longstanding leaders within the PAFA community and since 2002 Marguerite has served as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Press Release

August 6, 2018

Muralist Alum helps PAFA Transform its Space

To infuse art into the construction process of the John and Richanda Rhoden Arts Center, PAFA commissioned Matthew Chapman (MFA '15) to paint a temporary mural in the Frances M. Maguire Gallery around what will become the entrance of the new space. To create the geometric design, he drew inspiration…

Perspectives

August 2, 2018

Challenging the Patriarchy by Way of a Hot Pink Taj Mahal

Ahead of PAFA's Rina Banerjee exhibition this fall, the museum is activating several of its gallery spaces with Banerjee’s work. During the installation of Banerjee's 18-foot bright pink recreation of the Taj Mahal, the artist discussed the significance of the building, the role of marriage in…

August 1, 2018

A Teacher Takes Time Off to Learn

For much of her career, Anne Greenwood has been a teacher. But right now she’s relishing being taught. The second-year student in PAFA's Low-Residency MFA program is taking a break from her career in teaching for the 26-month program. Even though she’s away from home, Greenwood is thinking of what…

Perspectives

July 31, 2018

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, Thomas Eakins, William Glackens, Barkley L. Hendricks, Violet Oakley, Louis Kahn, David Lynch, and Henry Ossawa Tanner.