Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

Continuing Education at PAFA

Filter by Category



Mixed Media and Collage

in CE Courses by Medium/Discipline

Alternatives In Figure Drawing and Sculpture (In-Person)

$330

with Steve Nocella

Calendar Next available session starts Oct 31, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 6 weeks

Fridays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
Instructor: Steve Nocella 
Six-Week Short Course (18 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit Only 
Note: No class on November 28

Explore new ways of working from the human form that are alternatives to simulating volume in space with linear perspective and light and shadow. Draw and sculpt from the model with unconventional media and implements, such as acrylic applied with plastic knives, sticks, and sponges, and assemblages of wood, branches, and other natural or found objects. Experience how purposely cumbersome tools and fast poses combine to impede traditional rendering and thus generate a variety of shapes, patterns, textures, and lines that are rooted in, but independent of, the model. This immersive and playful process is an excellent introduction to working with abstract elements and learning how to form them into unified, compelling images. Open to all levels; an excellent alternative to, or expansion of, traditional 2- and 3-D figurative work. Note: Tuition includes a $35 models fee.

Image: Mary Frank, Untitled #9, 1975, Inks (watercolor) on ivory wove paper, 20 5/8 x 26 3/16 in. Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Gift of Jalane and Richard Daivdson, 1986.25

Register by: October 24 
Materials List 
Fall 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies

Mixed Media Explorations: Collage, Combines, and Assemblage Art (Online)

$265

with Colleen O'Donnell

Calendar Next available session starts Oct 31, 2025 at 10 am, runs for 6 weeks

Fridays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Zoom) with Posted Canvas Content
Instructor: Colleen O’Donnell 
Six-Week Course (18-Hour Equivalent)
Credit: Non-Credit Only
Note: No class on November 28

Explore alternative ways of conceptualizing and creating mixed-media art. 2D and 3D techniques have been an essential part of modern art history, as evinced in the poetic artworks of Joseph Cornell, politically charged assemblages of Betye Saar, revealing works of Eileen Agaar, and whimsy of Robert Rauschenberg. Push your art-making process to a new level by combining 2D and 3D art into a contemporary expression of your own. Intrinsically engage awareness while drawing on design elements to reflect a point of view and a moment in time. Each week discover your unique expression while bringing new work into existence.

Image: CE Student.

Register by: October 24 
Materials List 
Fall 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies  
Information for PAFA CE Online Courses

Painting + Printmaking (In-Person)

$315

with Justine Ditto

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 3, 2025 at 12:30 pm, runs for 6 weeks

Mondays, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Instructor: Justine Ditto
Six-WeekShort Course (18 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit Only

Painting and printmaking go hand-in-hand, not only as adjacent mediums but in combination. This freeing and instructive course presents printmaking techniques as jumping off points to making mixed media work in spirit of experimentation and personal expression. Learn how to make monotypes, drypoints, and screenprints as a foundation for incorporating your choice of graphite, colored pencil, acrylic, watercolor, oil paint, and/or collage. Content includes technical advice from an artist-instructor ideally skilled in a variety of media as well as critiques to expand your creative boundaries. This class is perfect for painters/draftspeopleseeking to expand their processes, printmakers seeking to employ painterly and mixed media techniques, and anyone with love of color and experimentation. Open to all levels – no prior printmaking or painting experience required. Tuition includes a $20 materials fee.

Image: Justine Ditto

Register by: September 4
Materials List 
Fall 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies





Forgot password?
Staff Log In