The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden is housed in the Albin Polasek House. The blue plaque for Albin Polasek was created as part of The Great Floridians 2000 Program. According to the Florida Department of State website about this program
(visit link): "The Great Floridians 2000 program was designed to recognize individuals who distinguished themselves through their philanthropy, public service or personal or professional service, and who have enhanced the lives of Florida's citizens. In 1998, the Florida Department of State and the Florida League of Cities, to help celebrate the approaching turn of the century, initiated the program to dedicate a special series of commemorative plaques in cities throughout the state. These plaques recognized "Great Floridians 2000" by honoring men and women who made significant contributions to the history and culture of our state."
"Anyone could nominate an individual to be designated a Great Floridian 2000 by submitting a Great Floridians 2000 application. These applications were periodically reviewed by the appointed Great Floridians 2000 Committee, a group of seven distinguished historians from throughout Florida. The applications included the listing of an historical property where the plaque was affixed that was associated with the Great Floridian. Once the decisions were made, nominators were notified and advised on how and where to purchase the commemorative plaque."
The following is a biography of Albin Polasek posted on the The Great Floridians 2000 Program website
(visit link): "Albin Polasek was born in 1879 in Frenstat, Moravia (now part of the Czech Republic) and arrived in America in 1901. He attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the American Academy of Rome, and was recognized with awards, prizes and scholarships. In 1916 he became the first head of the Department of Sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago. Polasek visited friends in Winter Park and decided to purchase property. He became associated with the community’s social, educational and cultural life. Some of his best-known Winter Park sculptures include "Victory of Moral Law," "Ascended Christ," "Man Reaching for the Moon," "The Nativity," and "Emily." More than 400 of his works are displayed in American and European collections with the largest single collection in Winter Park. Albin Polasek died in 1965. His Great Floridian plaque is located at the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden (Albin Polasek House), 633 Osceola Avenue, Winter Park."
According to the
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens webpage, the mission of the facility is: "To promote the legacy of internationally known sculptor, Albin Polasek, N.A. and to encourage study, appreciation and the furtherance of representational art."
"In 1961, the Albin Polasek Foundation was founded by the sculptor and his wife, and at that time, the residence, galleries, chapel and gardens were opened to the public as a museum. Because it was originally intended as a simple residence, the property is different from the standard Florida estate. The residence is not lavish, as Polasek had a deep appreciation for an uncomplicated aesthetic. Similarly, the gardens are quiet and subdued, utilizing gardening art in classic form."
"The Foundation has contributed to the culture of Winter Park and Central Florida in many ways, including the donation of sculptures Forest Idyl and Emily Fountain to the City of Winter Park; long-term loan of Man Carving His Own Destiny to the Winter Park Public Library; art scholarships to the University of Central Florida, Rollins College and Crealde School of Art. Other contributions have been granted to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Brown University and the Art Institute of Chicago. A sister city relationship between the City of Winter Park and Polasek's hometown of Frenstat, Moravia, was established in 1996."
"Beginning in 1998, the museum's staff and Board of Directors renewed their commitment to actively promote Albin Polasek's legacy based on a coordinated, long-range improvement plan. The plan focuses on renovating and expanding the museum, increasing public awareness of the museum, and developing cultural and educational programs. Through their efforts, the museum was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. In addition, Albin Polasek was granted posthumously the honor of Great Floridian 2000 and was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004."