Adams, Marta, b. 1891 or 3 d. 1978

Marta Adams papers, 1929-1991

4.1 linear ft.

Biographical material, correspondence, writings, address book, scrapbooks, art works by Adams and others, printed material, and photographs.

Approximately one-half of the collection consists of frequent and detailed correspondence, 1929-1978, between Adams and her daughter Kay, the bulk written while Adams was living in Mexico and her daughter was living in Boston with Adams' sister-in-law, Kay F. Adams, in which each describes their daily activities. Marta discusses her art and exhibitions in many letters. There is also general correspondence, 1947-1978, with friends and patrons.

Writings by Adams include childrens stories and reminiscences. Two scrapbooks contain photographs, letters, and newspaper clippings. Art work consists of sketches, drawings, and an abstract watercolor by Adams, a portfolio "30 Grabados de Galo Galecio" (1946) containing 30 prints by Galecio; and 1 print each by Alfredo Zalce and Jose Guadalupe Posada. Printed material (1 ft., primarily in Spanish), 1940-1986, includes exhibition announcements, catalogs and clippings. Two photograph albums of family members, ca. 1920-1930's, and photographs and negatives of Adams, friends, family, works of art and illustrations for Adams' childrens' stories complete the collection.

Donated in 1992 by the estate of the Katherine (Kay) A. Kulmala, Adams' daughter, through executor Jonathan Strong. A drawing of frogs, signed, and an abstract watercolor, unsigned, were donated in 1992 by Phyllis Hughes, a friend of Kulmala's, who purchased them at a benefit auction of Adams' art at the Concord Art Association, Concord, Massachusetts in March, 1991.

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