Continuing Education at PAFA

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 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.

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: This course is available as a half-day course for 2.0 undergraduate credits for $1,800. 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*. 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: Extended Studio 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.