Scope and Contents note

1. Biographical: The series is mostly comprised of curriculum vitae, artist statements, writings, memberships and materials related to her continued education while employed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum Renwick Gallery. Box 2 consists of sketches and photographs.

2. Memberships: The series contains materials from several of the organizations Edith T. Martin was a member of from circa 1970s thru 2004.

3. Correspondence: Arranged chronologically by year consisting primarily of correspondence from 1997-2004, either generated by Edith T. Martin or addressed to her relating to exhibitions, memberships, as well as organizations, which promoted the visual arts.

4. Exhibitions: The series consists of art exhibitions and related materials, which Edith T. Martin either participated in and/or organized over the span of her career to include: Association for the Study of American Life and History, National Conference of Artists, District of Columbia Art Association, as well as the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum.

5. Printed Material: Arranged chronologically by year and material type. The series consists primarily of newspapers, newsletters, bulletins, magazines, articles, clippings, as well as miscellaneous materials collected throughout her career in the visual arts.

6. Artist Files: Folders are arranged in alphabetical order from A thru Y consisting primarily of resumes, biographies, and artist statements. Folders include correspondence related to exhibitions, slides and photographs of art.

Arrangement note

The collection is arranged into six main categories: Biographical, Memberships, Correspondence, Exhibitions, Printed Materials, and Artist Files.

Biographical/Historical note

Edith T. Martin was born in Caroline County, Virginia. She relocated to Washington D.C. and joined the staff of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Renwick Gallery were she served as a Museum Technician until her retirement. She attended American University in Washington, D.C. where she received a degree in the Fine Arts and continued her education at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Martin was affiliated with a host of organizations during her career, such as the D.C. Art Association, Smithsonian Institution's Women's Council, National Conference of Artists, and the Washington Women's Art Center. As an accomplished artist her work is a part of several permanent collections throughout the nation. She was a participant in, and curator of countless exhibitions over the years, which includes the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum, Smith-Mason Gallery, and American Art League. In an effort to share the talents and creativity of African American artists she partnered with many organizations during the span of her career to promote the strengths and accomplishments of her fellow artists through active community involvement.

Related Archival Materials note