Honorees and attendees gathered for a photo at the end of the celebration

The 75th Anniversary of PAFA’s Women’s Committee —honoring 75 years of visionary women, powerful partnerships, and a legacy of support for the arts, took  place at Merion Cricket Club on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The event honored 75 years of visionary women, powerful partnerships, and a legacy of support for the arts.

Founded in 1950 at the request of PAFA President John Frederick Lewis Jr. and Director Joseph T. Fraser Jr., the Women’s Committee of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts has played a vital role in supporting the institution’s mission for over 75 years. What began as a committee focused on enhancing student life has grown into a dynamic group of dedicated volunteers committed to advancing PAFA’s educational programs, exhibitions, and community initiatives.Notable Accomplishments of the PAFA Women’s Committee:

• Raised millions of dollars in support of scholarships, exhibitions, and special projects at PAFA.
• Established the Women’s Board Scholarship Fund to directly benefit PAFA’s emerging artists.
• Supported landmark exhibitions, including those featuring women artists and underrepresented voices.
  

  1. Roberta Dranoff, Marianne Dean, Allen Gold, Lynn Ross and Ann Sorgenti attended PAFA’s Diamond Jubilee.

  

  2. George and Janis Strimel attended the event.

  

  3. Jeff and Holly Vicki, Garth, Joanne and Anna Poorman paused for a photo with honoree Julie Jensen Bryan (center).

  

  4. Karl Fong and Neal Krouse chatted with Linda Aversa-Caldwell.

  

  5. Lea Stephenson, Leah Triplett, Rebecca Segall and Judith Thomas.

  

  6. Johanna Chehi, Ashley McGuiness, Keri Laign and Abigail Flannery.

  

  7.  T.J. Delgado us, Christina Jaafar,  Colleen Scott and Fran and Jim McGarrity paused for a photo with Julie Jensen Bryan (center).

  

  8.   Greg and Rebecca Segall chatted with Dennis Alter and Susan Branman,

  

  9. Maria Schneider, Nina Diefenbach, Andrew Lumney, Julia Ward, Ximena Correa and Gretchen Piasecki.

  

  10. Katie Rhodes, Julie Jensen Bryan, Ann Sorgenti, Eileen Rosenau, Dennis Alter and Linda Aversa-Caldwell. Katie Rhodes and Linda Aversa-Caldwell co-chaired the event.