Aug 6th – Sep 12th, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, August 7, 6-8pm

Marsha Burns, an artist whose vision bridges painting and photography, began her studies at the University of Washington (1963–65) before continuing at the University of Massachusetts (1967–69). Initially trained as a painter, Burns found her true calling behind the camera in 1972 while living in Texas. Upon returning to the Northwest, she transformed her Seattle studio into a creative laboratory, capturing evocative portraits of those around her. Over more than a decade, Burns crafted figure studies that transcend simple portraiture. As she described, “Each subject was approached as one formal element among a complement of others—glass, mirrors, changing light.” Her luminous silver gelatin prints on photo paper are celebrated today as signature works.

A transformative journey to Berlin in 1984 ignited a new direction in Burns’ work. Captivated by the bold presence of young people, she observed their identity expressed through their clothing, accessories, and unapologetic body language. Marsha began to focus her lens on the ways personal identity is constructed and conveyed. This exploration expanded to New York (1986), Rome (1989), and Frankfurt (1987).  Finally, she turned her lens to the rural areas of her home state, focusing on people often overlooked. Her distinctive approach yielded striking silver gelatin prints (often 16 x 20”). Ever attuned to authenticity, Burns sought her subjects on locations or through word of mouth, capturing the raw spirit of life.

Marsha Burns works is a part of numerous permanent collections including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Centre Pompidou, the International Center of Photography, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.