Texas Academy of Figurative Art

TAFA was founded in 2007 by Fort Worth, Texas artist Ron A. Cheek. Cheek was previously an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities in Dallas and Fort Worth. Located at 415 South Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas, the studios occupy the entire building. North-facing studio bays are available for students. Workshops and future exhibitions will have accommodations within the large model area and separate space. TAFA began in 2001 when Cheek, from Fort Worth, moved back from the Florence Academy of Art, Florence, Italy. Cheek came to Texas in 2001, thinking of starting a program like that of the Florence Academy of Art. The most popular art schools in the DFW area offered mostly contemporary expressions. After surveying many students, we realized that the younger ones were alienated by this new trend in art education. Most universities and colleges had abandoned the realist approach to art education. A good number of young alumni with a BFA knew about MFA programs, which were heavily focused on conceptual expression. The academy was established in 2007 with some local students already inspired by Ron's teachings and interested in learning their realist painting and drawing techniques. The original site of TAFA was at the Lancaster Lofts, a former warehouse. The building at 501 West Felix street was converted into lofts for artists from the area. The bottom floor was dedicated to art studios. In 2010, TAFA relocated from the ARCO Metal Fabrication warehouse on South Main Street, Fort Worth.