PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA — The American fine arts community is mourning the profound loss of Al Gury, the esteemed master painter, author, educator, and longtime Chair of the Painting Department at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). Professor Gury passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2026, following a private, courageous multi-year battle with cancer.
For decades, Al Gury stood as a monumental pillar of Philadelphia’s cultural landscape. As a practicing artist, an influential mentor to generations of students, a scholar, and a passionate animal rescue advocate, his immense legacy of kindness and creativity reaches far across the globe.
Al Gury | Extraordinary Life & Artistic Legacy
In Loving Memory of Professor Al Gury (1951 – 2026)
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Hometown : Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Date of Passing : Thursday, June 25, 2026
Cause of Death : Cancer (Following a multi-year battle)
Professional Title : Professor & Former Chair of Painting Department, PAFA
Institutions : Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts | The Barnes Foundation
Published Works : Alla Prima, Color for Painters, Foundations of Drawing
Community Legacies : Founder of PAFA Inner-City Youth Art Program | PAWS Advocate
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A Lifelong Devotion to PAFA and the Fine Arts
Al Gury’s name was synonymous with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)—America’s oldest and first art school and museum. Serving the institution for many decades as a Professor of Painting and Drawing, he was widely regarded as one of its most loyal champions, fiercely promoting its survival, growth, and traditional principles.
Beyond PAFA, Gury expanded his pedagogical reach as a brilliant lecturer at the prestigious Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia and hosted international workshops across the United States and Europe.
The Artist, Writer, and Master Theorist
As a practicing fine artist, Gury’s landscape, portrait, and still-life paintings were celebrated for their visual poetry. He regularly held solo exhibitions at the renowned F.A.N. Gallery in Philadelphia, alongside various national museums.
His artistic statement beautifully summarized his lifelong relationship with the canvas:
“Interpreting color for its expressive possibilities is a source of joy for me as well as providing opportunities for the analysis and interaction of pure colors and the formal qualities of shape, value and brushwork. The shapes of objects in nature, and how they can be orchestrated in a poetic manner in dynamic compositions, is a great pleasure for me.”
Acclaimed Published Author
Gury translated his vast knowledge of classical and contemporary methodologies into three definitive textbooks published by Penguin-Random House, which remain fundamental reading in fine arts curricula globally:
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“Alla Prima” – A deep dive into direct, wet-on-wet oil painting techniques.
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“Color for Painters” – An analysis of color traditions and physical mixing properties.
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“Foundations of Drawing” – A masterclass on historical drawing mechanics and drafting.
Additionally, his insights were regularly featured in dozens of prestigious international journals, including publications for the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
A Champion for Social Justice and Animal Welfare
What separated Al Gury from ordinary academics was the sheer magnitude of his heart. He believed deeply in using art as an instrument for social equity, serving as a vital force within the Philadelphia Mural Arts Project and directing community outreach programs assisting homeless populations.
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Empowering the Youth: Gury was the founder and primary instructor of a massive, entirely free after-school art education initiative at PAFA specifically designed to mentor and train underserved inner-city high school students.
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A Sanctuary for Rescues: Gury was a legendary foster parent and advocate for animal rescue through the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). He dedicated significant portions of his life to caring for vulnerable and nursing felines.
The Core Spirit of a Philly Legend
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[ The Master ] ---> Blended representation with the formal possibilities
of harmony, color, brushwork, and shape.
[ The Philanthropist ] -> Provided free, elite-tier art education to
historically underserved Philadelphia youth.
[ The Guardian ] ---> Dedicated thousands of hours to the rescue, foster,
and medical preservation of stray cats.
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Grace Under Pressure
Gury’s life was also marked by deep resilience. A few years prior to his passing, he suffered a catastrophic tragedy when his historic studio burned down, claiming his personal paintings, belongings, and beloved cats. Despite this devastating emotional blow and his private battle with cancer, Gury continued to pour unconditional love, patience, and support into his students and friends.
Moving Tributes from the Arts Community
Following the announcement of his passing, the artistic community expressed profound grief over losing a genuine, unifying soul.
“Yesterday, PAFA lost a deeply dedicated and devoted artist and educator,” noted fellow artist and colleague Maureen Drdak. “It’s a rare person who makes the world a better place simply by being in it. My teacher, Al Gury, is one of them. His kindness, patience, and generosity of spirit have touched so many lives.”
The Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts (RRCA), where Gury frequently hosted masterclass workshops, echoed these sentiments: “Today, we are so sad for the passing of Al Gury. A very supportive painting teacher never to be forgotten.”