Marsha Polier Artist Archives (VA-13)

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
VMFA Archives
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library
200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220-4007
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Roxanne Winfield
Phone: (804) 340-1497
Phone: (804) 340-1495
Restrictions:

Open for Research: The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The collection is subject to all copyright laws. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright, beyond that allowed by fair use, requires the researcher to obtain permission of copyright holders.

Preferred citation:

Marsha Polier Artist Archives (VA-13). Gift of Marsha Polier. VMFA Archives, Richmond, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
1 box 1 box
Creator:
Polier-Grossman, Marsha
Abstract:
Born in 1949, Marsha Polier Grossman has held a long career acting in various artistic roles, such as graphic designer, photographer, and instructor, to name a few. In the 1970s and 1980s, Grossman frequently exhibited at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, alongside other prominent Virginia photographers. Her collection includes examples of her artwork, correspondence with other artists, and information on exhibitions in which she was a participant.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Marsha Polier Artist Archives (VA-13). Gift of Marsha Polier. VMFA Archives, Richmond, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of correspondence, ephemera, newspapers, and postcards that document Grossman's life and career.

Biographical / historical:

In 1972 Marsha Polier Grossman graduated from VCU with a BFA from the Department of Communication Arts and Design. Thus, well prepared as a graphic designer, she has put her education to use as an illustrator for the Division of State Planning and Community Affairs, as an assistant art director for an advertising agency, as an instructor of photography at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, as a freelance photographer, and as a part-time graphic designer for Philip Morris U.S.A.

Early in the 1970s she simply started dabbling with watercolors on her own photographs, and was so pleased with the results that she began to explore the procedure in earnest. The diversity of the medium intrigues Marsha, and she feels that she has only begun to tap its potential. Sometimes she experiments with oils, pastels, or crayons, but watercolor remains her favorite medium because of its translucent quality and the control that she can maintain with brushes.

Marsha has distinguished herself in the fine art of hand colored photography. Her work has been published both nationally and internationally.

Source: "VCU School of the Arts, Alumni Edition 1"

Custodial history:

The collection was donated to the VMFA Archives by Marsha Polier in October 2023.

Processing information:

In general, during processing, all publications are removed and added to the VMFA Library's holdings and original newspaper clippings are photocopied, with identifiers transferred, and then destroyed. Original folder titles are retained, when provided.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized into 6 series, and items are generally arranged chronologically within each series. Items with no date are generally placed at the end at each series.