PAFA’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Artwork: Irene Denney, “The Five-and-Ten”, 1937, oil on canvas, John Lambert Fund, 1938.9.

COVID-19

The PAFA administration closely monitors the global and local situation with regard to the 2019 novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, including advisories from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and local authorities. PAFA’s first priority is the safety of its community—including students, faculty, and staff—as well as visitors to PAFA’s museum, events, and programs. We all have a collective responsibility to mitigate the spread of this disease and protect those most vulnerable.

Masking

All members of the PAFA community and visitors are able to choose whether or not they want to wear a mask in our facilities. We encourage our community members to consider their personal situation and family circumstances and do what is best for you - and please respect everyone else's right to do the same, even if their choice differs from yours.

COVID-19 Vaccination

In June of 2021, to ensure the safety of our community members, PAFA announced that all faculty, staff and students are required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination with booster and the seasonal flu vaccination. We will comply with all federal and state laws in granting appropriate exemptions for medical or religious reasons.

If you have further questions about PAFA’s response to COVID-19, please contact us.

Core Response Team

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, PAFA’s Core Response Team (CRT) met between 3 and 5 times per week through March 2020 and beyond. The CRT’s work entailed consulting with health care experts; attending numerous webinars; talking with peers in art schools, colleges, and museums; keeping abreast of public health updates; following guidance from local, state, and federal authorities; monitoring the reopening plans of similar institutions; and gathering input from students, faculty, and staff.

While every effort has been made to create a comprehensive plan, given the rapidly changing public health environment and knowledge about the disease, these plans are subject to additions and changes.

The CRT has tried to balance three overall goals:

  1. Protect the health and safety of PAFA’s students, faculty, staff, and visitors, as well as contribute to improving the public health in our region.

  2. Provide the best possible educational and engagement opportunities for our students, members, and public audiences.

  3. Preserve the fiscal health and sustainability of PAFA.

Response Team Members

Jane Allsopp, Chief Development Officer

Lisa Biagas, Ed.D., Chief Administrative Officer and Title IX Coordinator

Jimmie Greeno III, Senior Director of Safety, Security & Facility Services

Kevin Martin, Director of Information Technology

Anna Marley, Chief of Curatorial Affairs