Mondays, 8:30 AM – 11:30 PM (includes option to add afternoons, 1 – 4 PM, for full-day attendance—see description)
Instructor: Michael Gallagher 
Fifteen-Week Open Academy Course (45–90 Hours) 
Credit: Non-Credit or 3.0 Undergraduate Credits (See Below)

PAFA's Open Academy courses offer CE and non-matriculated students the opportunity to experience PAFA's comprehensive certificate-level instruction on a course-by-course basis. Credits earned are eligible for transfer into PAFA's Fine Arts Certificate program. Note: Early Bird and Membership Discounts do not apply. For additional course options, please see Continuing Education's regular course offerings.

Composition is the structural foundation of the creative process. Learn to build stronger paintings by incorporating the essential principles of design into your work. Develop the ability to recognize and establish rhythmic relationships among two-dimensional shapes, light and dark values, and color harmonies to achieve a unified artistic expression. Instruction emphasizes color, space, and drawing concepts. Course Modality: In person.

Optional: For the full-day option (morning, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM, and afternoon, 1 – 4 PM), this course is available for $2,900 non-credit or $3,600 for 3.0 undergraduate credits*. (Credit available for full-day only.) Select the course length and credit option with the tuition adjustment during checkout.

* See the policy guide below for information about transferring credits.

Register by: August 19 
Materials will be addressed via PAFA's Canvas online platform (if applicable) or on the first day of class.
Please review CE's Fall 2026 Policy Guide, including Withdrawal/Refund Policies, prior to registering. 

Notes: Open Academy courses are not eligible for PAFA membership or promotional discounts.

A minimum 10% fee applies to withdrawals, including same-day withdrawals. Students are advised to confirm their schedules before registering.

Tuesdays, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Instructor: Tony Rosati
Fifteen-Week Open Academy Course (45 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit or 2.0 Undergraduate Credits (See Below)

PAFA's Open Academy courses offer CE and non-matriculated students the opportunity to experience PAFA's comprehensive certificate-level instruction on a course-by-course basis. Credits earned are eligible for transfer into PAFA's Fine Arts Certificate program. Note: Early Bird and Membership Discounts do not apply. For additional course options, please see Continuing Education's regular course offerings.

This course introduces a variety of intaglio techniques, including drypoint and etched processes, as well as solar plate and collagraph methods. Instruction emphasizes creative drawing while establishing foundational printmaking practices. Students develop technical proficiency, gain confidence and ease, and explore self-expression through intaglio processes. Instruction also includes an overview of the history of intaglio through presentations and museum visits. Intaglio Printmaking is a prerequisite for PR 252 Intermediate Intaglio. Course Modality: In person.

Optional: This course is also available for 2.0 undergraduate credits* for $1,800. Select the credit option with the tuition adjustment during checkout.

* See the policy guide below for information about transferring credits.

Register by: August 19
Materials will be addressed via PAFA's Canvas online platform (if applicable) or on the first day of class.
Please review CE's Fall 2026 Policy Guide, including Withdrawal/Refund Policies, prior to registering.

Notes: Open Academy courses are not eligible for PAFA membership or promotional discounts.

A minimum 10% fee applies to withdrawals, including same-day withdrawals. Students are advised to confirm their schedules before registering.

Tuesdays, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Instructor: TBA
Fifteen-Week Open Academy Course (45 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit or 2.0 Undergraduate Credits (See Below)

PAFA's Open Academy courses offer CE and non-matriculated students the opportunity to experience PAFA's comprehensive certificate-level instruction on a course-by-course basis. Credits earned are eligible for transfer into PAFA's Fine Arts Certificate program. Note: Early Bird and Membership Discounts do not apply. For additional course options, please see Continuing Education's regular course offerings.

This course introduces the computer as a fine arts tool and provides an overview of digital arts concepts and terminology. Extend your fine art drawing and painting principles into the digital realm as you engage in critical awareness of new media. Students will have an opportunity to solve design problems using a variety of computer software applications and gain skill in the use of tactile electronic hardware such as touchscreens and digital pen tablet technology. Course Modality: in-person.

Optional: This course is also available for 2.0 undergraduate credits* for $1,800. Select the credit option with the tuition adjustment during checkout.

* See the policy guide below for information about transferring credits.

Register by: August 19
Materials will be addressed via PAFA's Canvas online platform (if applicable) or on the first day of class.
Please review CE's Fall 2026 Policy Guide, including Withdrawal/Refund Policies, prior to registering.

Notes: Open Academy courses are not eligible for PAFA membership or promotional discounts.

A minimum 10% fee applies to withdrawals, including same-day withdrawals. Students are advised to confirm their schedules before registering.

Wednesdays, 8:30 AM – 11:30 PM (includes option to add afternoons, 1 – 4 PM, for full-day attendance—see description) 
Instructor: Jill A. Rupinski 
Fifteen-Week Open Academy Course (45–90 Hours) 
Credit: Non-Credit or 2.0/3.0 Undergraduate Credits (See Below)

PAFA's Open Academy courses offer CE and non-matriculated students the opportunity to experience PAFA's comprehensive certificate-level instruction on a course-by-course basis. Credits earned are eligible for transfer into PAFA's Fine Arts Certificate program. Note: Early Bird and Membership Discounts do not apply. For additional course options, please see Continuing Education's regular course offerings.

The ability to depict objects in space is essential to representational drawing, and understanding these principles is fundamental to manipulating them for expressive and abstract effects. Gain a firm foundation in the concepts and terminology of perspective while practicing linear perspective drawing using both grid-based and freehand techniques. Instruction focuses on the interpretation of space, the organization of objects within space, and the relationships of relative proportion. Course content defines and examines a variety of methods for representing three-dimensional objects on a flat, two-dimensional surface, including orthographic, oblique, and isometric drawing systems. Course Modality: In person.

Optional: For the full-day option (morning, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM, and afternoon, 1 – 4 PM), this course is available for $2,900 non-credit or $3,600 for 3.0 undergraduate credits*. (Credit available for full-day only.) Select the course length and credit option with the tuition adjustment during checkout.

* See the policy guide below for information about transferring credits. 

Register by: August 19 
Materials will be addressed via PAFA's Canvas online platform (if applicable) or on the first day of class.
Please review CE's Fall 2026 Policy Guide, including Withdrawal/Refund Policies, prior to registering.

Notes: Open Academy courses are not eligible for PAFA membership or promotional discounts.

A minimum 10% fee applies to withdrawals, including same-day withdrawals. Students are advised to confirm their schedules before registering.

Thursdays, 8:30 AM – 11:30 PM (includes option to add afternoons, 1 – 4 PM, for full-day attendance—see description)
Instructor: John Horn
Fifteen-Week Open Academy Course (45 – 90 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit or 3.0 Undergraduate Credits (See Below)
Note: No class on November 26 (Thanksgiving Break)

PAFA's Open Academy courses offer CE and non-matriculated students the opportunity to experience PAFA's comprehensive certificate-level instruction on a course-by-course basis. Credits earned are eligible for transfer into PAFA's Fine Arts Certificate program. Note: Early Bird and Membership Discounts do not apply. For additional course options, please see Continuing Education's regular course offerings.

This first-year-level comprehensive figure modeling course focuses on geometry, anatomy, and proportion, as well as the crucial elements of gesture, rhythm, spontaneity, and the spirit of form-making. Students are encouraged to work in a variety of sizes. Independent study and experimentation are always encouraged, and outside projects should be expected. Broader topics, including the nature, history, and philosophy of figurative art, are also discussed. Course Modality: In person.

Optional: For the full-day option (morning, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM, and afternoon, 1 – 4 PM), this course is available for $2,900 non-credit or $3,600 for 3.0 undergraduate credits*. (Credit available for full-day only.) Select the course length and credit option with the tuition adjustment during checkout.

* See the policy guide below for information about transferring credits.

Register by: August 19
Materials will be addressed via PAFA's Canvas online platform (if applicable) or on the first day of class.
Please review CE's Fall 2026 Policy Guide, including Withdrawal/Refund Policies, prior to registering.

Notes: Open Academy Courses are not eligible for PAFA membership or promotional discounts.

A minimum 10% fee applies to withdrawals, including same-day withdrawals. Students are advised to confirm their schedules before registering.

Fridays, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Instructor: Steve Nocella
Fifteen-Week Open Academy Course (45 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit or 2.0 Undergraduate Credits (See Below)
Note: No class on November 27 (Thanksgiving Break)

PAFA's Open Academy courses offer CE and non-matriculated students the opportunity to experience PAFA's comprehensive certificate-level instruction on a course-by-course basis. Credits earned are eligible for transfer into PAFA's Fine Arts Certificate program. Note: Early Bird and Membership Discounts do not apply. For additional course options, please see Continuing Education's regular course offerings.

This drawing class focuses on the invention of images based on imagination rather than copying physical objects through observational techniques. Explore the formation of images based on ideas, mark-making, and personal expression. Apply the principles of drawing with a more open-ended approach that includes exploring abstract and symbolic forms, interpreting compositional implications, and remaining receptive to how the creative process informs image-making. Work in a variety of conventional drawing media, including charcoal, graphite, and ink, as well as alternative materials and techniques. Methods may include using photographs and found reference materials, as well as creating single- or multi-panel narrative drawings. Classwork includes both prompted assignments and self-directed projects, emphasizing individuality and independent thinking. Course Modality: In person.

Optional: This course is also available for 2.0 undergraduate credits* for $1,800. Select the credit option with the tuition adjustment during checkout.

* See the policy guide below for information about transferring credits.

Image Credit: Topiaries by Jane Lund funds provided by Robert and Frances Coulborn Kohler in PAFA Collection.

Register by: August 19
Materials will be addressed via PAFA's Canvas online platform (if applicable) or on the first day of class.
Please review CE's Fall 2026 Policy Guide, including Withdrawal/Refund Policies, prior to registering.

Notes: Open Academy courses are not eligible for PAFA membership or promotional discounts.

A minimum 10% fee applies to withdrawals, including same-day withdrawals. Students are advised to confirm their schedules before registering.

Open Studio Access (13-Week Rental): Mondays - Fridays, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Class Meetings/Trips/Critiques: Select Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or variable for critiques/trips.  See dates below.

Instructor/Lead Critic: Roger Chavez

Taking the leap to start or cultivate an art-making practice in a private studio space can be both exciting and daunting. Learn how to create work and stay motivated on your own terms in this unique combination studio-rental and instruction/critique course! Tuition for this fifteen-week program will confer an individual private studio space in PAFA’s Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, as well as bi-monthly meetings (approximately every two weeks) for critiques, field trips and/or archives visits, and drawing sessions led by artist-instructor/critic Roger Chavez, accompanied by visiting critics for select weeks.

Studio spaces for this program are approximately 10 x 14.5 feet (145 sq. ft.), white-walled, with easel and stool provided (students are responsible for additional furniture or equipment needs). Spaces are located on PAFA's main drawing/painting classroom floor within the school's beautiful and spacious quad studios: partitioned into four contained units per studio-room, these individual spaces offer both privacy and community, lockable shared-unit doors, and options for windows.  A limited number of single-unit, building-interior spaces (not located along PAFA’s windowed exterior walls), with private doors may be available.  Indicate preference during registration; assignment preferences are honored in order of registration and not guaranteed.

This program is perfect for artists wanting to jumpstart or advance their personal practice, for students considering application to a studio-centered certificate or degree program, or for anyone lacking a home studio and seeking a space to pursue their work -- with the motivation and encouragement that come from being part of an artistic community! Participants will benefit from prior art-making experience and the ability to work independently.

Meeting Dates on Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (may be subject to change for scheduling adjustments):

• September 17 - Orientation (attendance required)
• September 24 - Intro Critique with Roger Chavez
• October 8 - TBA
• October 22 - Critique (Visiting Critic, TBA)
• November 5 - TBA
• November 19 - TBA
• December 10 - Final Group Critique (Roger Chavez & Visiting Critic, TBA)

Notes:

• Registration requires an additional $200 studio deposit that is refundable upon satisfactory return of the studio to its original condition at the end of the program. Students must agree to and sign PAFA’s studio agreement form.
  
  
• No scholarships or membership/promotional discounts are available for this program. Membership discounts apply to regular CE courses only; special programs are not eligible for tuition deductions. 
  
  
• Students may work in their media of choice within PAFA's safety/clean-air guidelines (see materials list).  Access to print and sculpture shop facilities is not included in tuition:  Students must be enrolled in in-person CE printmaking or sculpture classes, or registered/approved for a PAFA Shop Membership, for access to the pertinent shop facilities and abide by shop rules and access hours.

Image: Taking the Leap Students ("Leapers") in group critique.

Registration Deadline: Rolling, on a space-available basis. Space is limited. Late registration available.

Materials List (PAFA-Approved Materials) 

CE Fall 2026 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies.  *Please note: A minimum 10% fee applies to cancellations any time after registration, including same day, to cover third-party processing charges.  Please check your schedule before registering.

By enrolling in the CE Taking the Leap Studio Rental Program, you agree to abide by PAFA's Procedures and Policies.