Provenance

1897 to 2023

The Fellowship of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is one of the oldest Alumni art nonprofits in America. Staffed solely by volunteers, which speaks of the impressive loyalty and dedication of our Board and artists. An independent entity, its purpose is to benefit the entire PAFA family, including students, faculty and staff in addition to Alumni.

About Our Beginnings:

On Monday evening, April 19, 1897, approximately five hundred people met in the Pennsylvania Academy lecture room to form an organization of alumni that would come to be known worldwide as The Fellowship of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. They came together at the behest of Edward H. Coates, President of PAFA, and Harrison S. Morris, Managing Director. The idea had been endorsed by 32 prominent artists. Robert Vonnoh, a former student and later Academy instructor, suggested that a notice be sent to several thousand alumni. As stated in the notice of the meeting, those in attendance at this initial gathering were then, as now, affirming their interest "in the welfare of the Academy and the benefits to be derived from a common purpose and close union." That night the Philadelphia painter, Charles Dana, was elected as president and six vice presidents, including Cecilia Beaux and Charles H. Stevens, were chosen.

In 1926 the Mary Butler Trust was started along with the Henry J, Thouron Trust. These funds allow our Board to purchase works from Academy Alumni annually. The result is a large exciting collection owned and maintained by our Fellowship organization. 

 As an independent nonprofit entity, its purpose is to benefit all Academy Alumni. All donations are tax deductible and can be sent via our gmail at: fellowshippafa@gmail.com

After 124 years we are still going strong. We remain "Artists Helping Artists."

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