In 1984, on the eve of the fortieth anniversary of their portrait studio, Kaye and Sonia Marvins proposed to build a photographic portrait collection for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Their passion to build this collection came from their long-standing interest in portrait photography and as Mr. Marvins explained, "because Houston Has been very good to my family and me, and we wanted to do something in return." Since the initial exhibition, the generosity of Sonia and Kaye Marvins, Michele and Michael Marvins, Libby and Buz Marvins, and Kaye Marvins Photography, Inc. has allowed the museum to acquire an additional thirty-two fine art portraits.
In 1929, Sonia and Kaye emigrated from Poland. Having known each other since they were twelve, they married in 1933, moved to Houston in 1935, and opened their own studio in 1945. As the studio prospered, Kaye Marvins became active in the Professional Photographers of America, serving as president of the local, state, and southwest chapters. He also taught portrait photography all over the United States.
In 1984, on the eve of the fortieth anniversary of their portrait studio, Kaye and Sonia Marvins proposed to build a photographic portrait collection for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.