“Color photography is like a novel that spells everything out in detail, whereas black-and-white photography is like poetry—its strength isn’t in what’s said; it’s in what’s left out.”  – Heinrich van den Berg, “The Power of Black and White Photography: Learning To See In Shades of Grey,” National Air and Space Museum

David Elias Marrus ’48

The story of Poly’s new Marrus Family Media Lab and Darkroom begins with the life, career, and passion of David Elias Marrus, a Poly alumnus from the Class of 1948. While his professional life was marked by significant achievements in New York real estate and consulting, his greatest devotion was to the arts. Following Marrus’ passing in 2022, his sons, Andrew and Michael, began discussions with Laura Beiles Coppola ’95, P’29, P’35, The Charles ’52 and Valerie Diker Chair of Visual Arts, and the Advancement office to create a lasting tribute to their father’s love of photography on the Dyker Heights campus.

Marrus’ commitment to the arts extended beyond his personal interests—he was a passionate supporter of community arts programs and an active advocate for cultural institutions. As a former President and Life Trustee of Temple Emanu-El, he funded free public programs in Jewish culture, classical music, and lecture series. His distinguished career also included facilitating the first expansion of MoMA and contributing to the development of Roosevelt Island through his work with the Urban Development Corporation, among other notable accomplishments.

David Marrus’ artwork is published in celebrated collections, “Pages from My Album” (2005) and “View Points” (2007), both of which have been described as profound and elegant. His black-and-white photography masterfully captured the world around him, blending poignancy and playfulness. Many of his favorite images, which documented travels with his wife, Judi, were framed in their home–the cherished memories adding “an unmistakable warmth and texture to the walls.”

The World of the Arts at Poly is Ever-Expanding 

On the heels of the new Poly Arts Center which debuted in January 2024, the new Marrus Family Media Lab has already elevated the photography experience and visual arts education at Poly. Students now have access to state-of-the-art photo printers and desktop computers with large, high-resolution monitors, enabling better editing and faster printing. This enhanced studio setup allows for more thorough study of images and the opportunity to improve skills to create professional-level portfolios.

Classes in the lab began this past fall and include a range of courses such as digital photography, advanced classes focusing on creative image manipulation, and both precise and experimental approaches to photography. Students also learn to print photographs, create digital negatives, and experiment with alternative printing techniques, among other skills.

“The school year kicked off with a wave of excitement surrounding the brand-new Marrus Family Media Lab,” describes Visual Arts faculty member Adina Scherer, who teaches Upper School photography classes in the space, detailing what makes the modern facility a dream for learning. “The state-of-the-art facility features 20 digital workstations, each equipped with a Mac desktop computer and a large Epson inkjet professional photo printer. Fifty-seven Upper School students utilize the lab for Basic Digital and Advanced Photography classes. Film/Video and Music Production courses are also held in the space. Additionally, a Middle School graphic design class and after school digital programs add to the space’s creative and vibrant energy. The lab’s magnetic glass panels, used for displaying photography projects, are consistently filled with students’ works in progress as they gear up for their semester exhibitions. It’s truly a hub of innovation and artistic exploration,” Scherer beams. 

“My father [David Marrus] would’ve been very, very pleased to have the opportunity to support a larger and more robust photography program for Poly students so that they might develop their skills and their [creative] eye earlier in their careers than he had the opportunity to do.” – Andrew Marrus 

Poly’s first-ever darkroom is set to open its doors later in 2025. Darkrooms have been essential since the early 19th century for processing photographs from film. They also offer the opportunity to hone a skill that produces a tangible and unique connection to the artist’s vision. From developing film to the printing process, the darkroom provides both creative control and a deeper understanding of the medium. The new Marrus Family Media Lab has already elevated the photography experience and visual arts education at Poly. We look forward to the creative work students will employ in the timeless set-up of the forthcoming darkroom.

(Photo by Maggie Cochran ’26)

“Dad always had very fond memories of his years at Poly Prep. He made and maintained very close friendships with a handful of guys that he stayed close to for his entire life.” – Andrew Marrus