Classes & Workshops

We welcome dedicated artists of all ages and skill levels. PAFA Continuing Education (CE) offers a two-century-old tradition of teaching excellence in the fine arts. Whether you're venturing into art for the first time, returning after a long absence, preparing a portfolio for art school or sharpening your skills, PAFA CE has something for you.

• Summer Schedule Now Available!
• Registration Information

Image:  Instructor Ted Xaras (far right) with students, Portrait in Pastels at PAFA

Benefits of PAFA CE

• A stellar faculty of practicing, professional artists
• Small classes for plenty of individual attention
• Access to the PAFA campus, including the famous Cast Hall and PAFA Library
• A 20% discount on all purchases at the PAFA Art Supply Store
• Free admission to the PAFA Museum, featuring a renowned permanent collection of American art and special exhibitions
• The opportunity to exhibit your work during the Continuing Education Annual Juried Student Exhibition in April
• Frequent Student Discount—take five classes or workshops and receive your sixth for free!

Course Schedule

During the fall and spring, evening, weekday and weekend courses meet for three hours once a week for 14 weeks. Condensed courses usually meet for a greater number of hours and for fewer weeks.  Summer classes are offered in one-, six- and twelve-week formats. 

Courses are open to all levels of experience, unless noted otherwise, and feature a combination of demonstration/lecture, studio work and individual and group critiques. 

Workshops, Lectures and Seminars

Workshops are an enjoyable way to learn about a particular topic in a condensed format. They are designed for all levels of experience, unless otherwise indicated. Workshops are scheduled year-round. Please refer to course descriptions for dates, times, tuition and any applicable lab/materials fees.

Tuition and Credit

Click here for tuition information

High School Student Programs

High School Student Programs offer young people a valuable opportunity to develop and hone their skills under the guidance of experienced and professional Academy faculty. Students also receive assistance in preparing a portfolio for art school/college.  Click here for details.

Core Curriculum Program   

To help you achieve your artistic goals, this program provides a structured curriculum of classes in logical sequence to build your basic skills and the confidence necessary to move forward in any artistic direction.  Click here for more information.

For K–12 Educators

• PAFA CE is an authorized provider of Act 48 hours to Pennsylvania K–12 educators and of professional development credit to New Jersey K–12 educators. 
• The Ace Program for Educators allows educators to advance their artwork while earning graduate credit. 
• The Summer Academy for Teachers provides educators with a great opportunity to advance their personal work and refresh their teaching and artwork with fresh ideas amidst a new community of artists and teachers. 

For more information about programming for K-12 educators, click here.

Our Faculty

The Continuing Education faculty are professional, practicing artists with national and international reputations. Click here for complete faculty biographies and examples of their artwork.

Contact us

We're here to help! For more information, assistance in course selection, or to register, please call 215-972-7632 or email continuinged@pafa.edu. Or visit our office on the third floor of the Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building. 

Office Hours

When evening and/or weekend courses are not in session, the office will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mailing Address