Al Gury is an artist, educator, and writer. He currently serves as a Professor of Painting and Drawing at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, America’s oldest art school and museum.

As a painter, Al explores the dynamic tension between representation and the formal elements of color, composition, and content. His work often emphasizes harmony and visual poetry, reflecting his interpretations of nature.

A passionate advocate for art education, Al teaches a range of courses in painting, drawing, and art history. He also trains undergraduate and graduate students in art education methods. Beyond the classroom, Al is the founder and instructor of a free after-school art program at PAFA, providing underserved inner-city high school students with access to creative learning opportunities. He regularly leads national and international workshops, further extending his commitment to art education.

In addition to his teaching and painting, Al is an accomplished writer. He has authored three books on art methods and art history for Penguin Random House and has contributed numerous articles to museums and art publications across the US and Europe. His areas of expertise include the traditions and use of color in painting, old master and contemporary painting techniques, the history of drawing methods, and the practices of portrait and landscape painting.

Al is an active practicing artist with regular solo exhibitions at his gallery, as well as at other galleries and museums across the country. He has also remained deeply involved in community and social justice efforts over the years in Philadelphia.