Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 933

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.4 linear feet (1 box)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Doris Samitz papers, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1956-2008 (inclusive)

Creator:

Samitz, Doris

Form:

Newsletters, Clippings (information artifacts), Brochures, Correspondence, and Works of art

Abstract:

Doris Samitz (1923-2008), an art enthusiast, was involved in the Philadelphia art scene. This collection documents her involvement with the Arts Council of the Broad Street "Y" and the Barnes Foundation from the 1950s until her death, but particularly during the 1960s and the 1970s.

Doris Samitz, an art enthusiast, was born March 28, 1923, in Philadelphia. She married Doctor Morris H. Samitz (1909-1992), a professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania and the Chief of Dermatology at the Graduate Hospital. She traveled with him throughout the world as he served as a visiting professor in Tanzania, the Philippines, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania, England, and Argentina.

Samitz was involved in the Philadelphia art scene, in particular with the Arts Council of the Broad Street "Y" in the 1960s. It appears that she corresponded with artists and authors, encouraging them to speak at "Y" Arts Council events. She also studied music and art at the Barnes Foundation, taking classes in the philosophy and appreciation of art. Her coursework at the Barnes eventually led to a friendship with Violette de Mazia, the director of education of the Art Department of the Barnes Foundation.

Samitz also served as a member on the Board of the University of Pennsylvania Museum Women's Committee and served on the Doctors' Wives Committee of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for thirty years. Samitz died on October 2, 2008.

This collection, dating from 1957 to 2003, documents Doris Samitz's involvement in the art scene in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The material is arranged in two series, 'Y' Arts Council events material and Barnes Foundation material.

The 'Y' Arts Council events material includes letters to and from Arts Council members, artists, and authors relating to requests for the artists and authors to participate in events. There is also publicity material and a few items of artwork. Artists and authors include David Douglas Duncan, Geoffrey Hendricks, Robert Indiana, Elsa Lanchester, Norman Mailer, Arthur Penn, Anne Sexton, Andy Warhol, and Tom Wolfe. The letters from Tom Wolfe are particularly interesting as they include illustrations and impart a very warm and friendly tone. This material is arranged by artist or author. Also of interest is an invitation to the first Andy Warhol exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art which is printed on the back of a Campbell's Soup can label.

The Barnes Foundation material consists of letters to and from Violette de Mazia who was the Education Director for the Art Department of the Barnes Foundation. The correspondence between de Mazia and Samitz began when Samitz enrolled in art classes at the Barnes Foundation; but over the years, clearly developed into a friendly personal interchange. Very few letters have significant substance; instead, they are thank you notes, Christmas cards, and brief updates. Also included are a few Barnes Foundation publications and brochures, particularly relating to Violette de Mazia.