exhibition

New Digital Resource: Index of Annual Exhibition Jurors (1882–1969)

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The Archives is happy to announce a new digital research tool: the Index of Annual Exhibition Jurors. This resource provides a centralized, searchable record of the jurors who shaped one of the most significant exhibition series in American art history.

From the inception of the juried system in the late 19th century through the final annual in 1969, the information provide valuable research details for researchers, curators, and historians tracing the evolution of American taste and institutional standards.

1942 Annual Exhibition Jurors (PC0104_1942_003)

Access the Resource: Index of Annual Exhibition Jurors

Key Research Data & Insights

The database allows for a granular analysis of PAFA’s institutional decision-making. Initial findings from the data reveal several significant trends:

  • Institutional Influences: The records document the recurring involvement of important Academy instructors, including Thomas Eakins, Cecilia Beaux, William Merritt Chase, Thomas Anshutz, Hugh Breckenridge, and Charles Grafly.
  • Specialized Jury Structures: The data tracks the professionalization of the jury system, ranging from “Hanging Juries” responsible for gallery aesthetics to specialized committees for Painting, Sculpture, and Architectural Drawings.
  • Geographic Reach: Documentation of regional juries in St. Louis, Chicago, Cleveland, and Indianapolis demonstrates the Academy’s historical role as a national arbiter of fine arts.
  • Gender and Professional Status: Researchers can track the increasing—though initially limited—inclusion of women in leadership and jury roles, providing a metric for shifting professional standards in the early 20th century.

Why This Matters for Scholarship

The Annual Exhibitions at PAFA brought over 100,000 works of art to the public. By making the names and roles of the jurors accessible, we provide the “missing link” in provenance and exhibition history research. Understanding who selected the art is as vital as knowing which art was shown.

This digital resource reduces the need for manual catalog searches, streamlining the workflow for provenance researchers and academic historians.

Digital Treasure Trove: Parallel projects-John Rhoden sculptures 

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Contributed by Adrian Cubillas, Photographer and Digital Collection Coordinator & Zoe Smith, IMLS Project Museum Collections Assistant

PAFA’s Digital Treasure Trove project and the exhibition Determined to be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden both embody the institution’s mission by expanding the stories of American art. The grant project preserves and makes artworks more accessible to the public, while the exhibition showcases the work of an artist whose contributions challenge conventions and broaden the understanding of American art. Together, these projects reinforce our commitment to inspiring and educating through its world-class museum and school. For the Rhoden exhibition, Dr. Brittany Webb, Evelyn and Will Kaplan Curator of Twentieth Century Art.

John W. Rhoden (1916-2001). Three Headed Lion, 1954. Bronze, The John Walter Rhoden and Richanda Phillips Rhoden Collection, 2019.27.3

Zoe and I had the pleasure of attending the opening of Determined to be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden. We were lucky enough to walk through the exhibit as it was being installed with the curator Dr. Brittany Webb. Getting to see the behind-the-scenes as well as the final exhibit was a great experience that opened my eyes to how much goes into creating such a big show. We also had the amazing opportunity to make some gifs of the sculptures to promote the show! (see below). We loved being able to contribute to such a wonderful project.

Setting up for the 122nd Annual Student Exhibition

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Opening this month is PAFA’s Annual Student Exhibition (ASE), now celebrating its 122nd year. Our archives have a long practice and record of documenting the ASE, and its connection to student life here at the school and museum, like in the image here from 1910.

Below are some images of the installation process from this year’s exhibition, which span all three floors of the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building.

Learn more about this year’s Annual Student Exhibition and its corresponding events here: https://www.pafa.org/school/annual-student-exhibition

Learn more about the history of the Annual Student Exhibition here: https://pafaarchives.org/page/ase

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit https://www.imls.gov/and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

122nd Annual Student Exhibition

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It’s that time of year again! Students, faculty, and staff from the school and museum are actively working to complete the installation of the Annual Student Exhibition (ASE). ASE is considered a capstone event for BFA and MFA students that coincides with graduation.

ASE “Walls” vary from student to student, each pursuing an individual interest. The emphasis of the exhibition is on creating a cohesive body of related works through sustained studio practice and critical inquiry. 

While the ASE is spearheaded by the school, the Museum also plays an active role in guiding and providing assistance to students. PAFA’s art preparators help students prepare their works to be hung, help with installation, and provide feedback on aesthetics.

Contract art preparator Travis Grant

PAFA Assistant Art Preparator Jacob Stevens

Exhibition Opening: Women In Motion – 150 Years of Women’s Artistic Networks at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

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PAFA is proud to announce the opening of the exhibition Women In Motion, curated by Dr. Anna Marley.

Before the exhibit opened to the public, museum staff were able to get a private tour by Dr. Marley. The majority of the work will be from PAFA’s permanent collection, including many recent acquisitions.

  • women in motion exhibition entrance
Curator Dr. Anna Marley giving tour to PAFA staff

Reserve your tickets now!