Victor Vasarely (1906-1997), Untitled (Sphere), n.d., Serigraph (184/250), Gift of William and Norma Roth.

In 1966, The Jr. Welfare League of Greater Lakeland founded Polk Public Museum as a significant repository for historical, scientific and artistic objects from around Polk County. Narrowing its collecting focus to fine art in the 1980s introduced a new collecting initiative aimed at preserving important works of fine art from around the world for future generations. Currently, the Museum’s permanent collection consists of nearly 2,500 works ranging from 21st century digital prints to pottery from the Ancient Americas. On the occasion of its 50th Anniversary, the Polk Museum of Art presents an unprecedented exhibition of its permanent collection. A Sum of Its Parts: Chronology of the Permanent Collection provides a comprehensive overview of the collection through time and reflected the Museum’s collecting strengths.