DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Henry Ford is proud to announce today a substantial acquisition of celebrated artist Jason Polan including original work, publications, and a lifetime of collected objects, made possible through a generous gift from his family. Polan, a visual storyteller and groundbreaking illustrator, originally from Michigan, elevated the everyday through the power of observation, humor and care—using only a sketchbook and pen.

Beyond Polan’s ambitious public art project, “Every Person in New York,” his personal and professional output included the community-focused “Taco Bell Drawing Club,” illustrations for The New York Times, The New Yorker, Lucky Peach, Believer, McSweeney’s and Marvel Comics — as well as product designs for brands including UNIQLO, Warby Parker, Soludos, Ghostly International, West Elm and many others.

This acquisition expands The Henry Ford’s collection dedicated to the history of graphic communication and design.

“We are deeply grateful to the Polan family and to Jason Polan., LLC for entrusting us to help preserve Jason’s legacy,” said Patricia Mooradian, president and CEO, The Henry Ford. “His work and life align with our institution’s mission to educate and inspire and promote the values of curiosity, creativity, authenticity and passion—all of which were at the heart of Jason’s artistic practice.”

The Jason Polan Collection at The Henry Ford holds several thousand 2D and 3D items. Together they document Polan’s prolific creative life — spanning his formative years in Franklin and Ann Arbor, Michigan, into a career as a New York-based illustrator. This material provides a holistic expanse through which to explore Polan’s inspirations, ideation processes and completed projects via preparatory material, printed matter, publications and zines, original art, multiples, unique personal collections and more. Many items are the sole complete or extant versions, including a complete product design archive, Michigan-specific work and material from the fireplace mantel in Polan’s last New York apartment—a catch-all for objects filled with personal meaning.

Polan’s creativity and love for museums were encouraged by his family, who frequently visited The Henry Ford. In his “Things I Saw” Op-Art column for The New York Times, Polan even included drawings of The Henry Ford’s Wienermobile and the Kennedy Presidential Limousine.

“Jason would be honored to have his work included in the collections of The Henry Ford,” said the artist’s mother, Jane Polan. “He loved this museum. It was an inspiration to him throughout his life.”

The aftershocks of Polan’s passing from cancer at the age of 37 continue to reverberate throughout the creative communities he was connected to.

“The fierce resourcefulness and community-building of the early-2000s DIY scenes that Jason engaged with — zine culture, participatory public art, independent galleries and book fairs — are a core component of this collection,” said Kristen Gallerneaux, The Henry Ford’s Curator of Communication and Information Technology — and 2026 guest juror for the Jason Polan Award at Printed Matter’s New York Art Book Fair. “Polan worked with global retail brands and publications while continuing to embrace the spirit of independent playfulness, wonder and kindness that were hallmarks of both his aesthetic sensibility and his personality.”

Selections from the collection are currently being digitized for online accessibility, with in-person research access to follow at a later date. An initial group of digitized objects can be found on thf.org. In addition, The Henry Ford will launch a retrospective exhibition of Polan’s work in spring 2028. 

About The Henry Ford
Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford, a globally recognized destination, fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts that represent the most comprehensive collection anywhere focusing on innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness in America. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. Together with its online presence at thf.org and Invention Convention Worldwide, the growing affiliation of organizations fostering innovation, invention and entrepreneurship in K-12 students, The Henry Ford is a force for inspiring every individual to innovate, create and invent.

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SOURCE The Henry Ford