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South Florida Artist George Gadson's Latest Sculpture To Be On Permanent Display In Orlando

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. - South Florida sculptor George Gadson today announced the completion of his latest work: a hand-crafted bronze bas relief portrait of restaurant pioneer Bill Darden that will be on permanent display at the University of Central Florida Rosen School of Hospitality in Orlando, Florida.

Mr. Darden founded Darden Restaurants in 1938. Today, the company owns and operates 1,300 Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, Smokey Bones and Seasons 52 restaurants, making it the world's largest casual dining company and one of 13 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Florida. Mr. Darden died in 1994.

The 36-inch by 36-inch bronze plaque bears the likeness of Mr. Darden and is mounted at the entrance of the Rosen School's Darden Restaurants wing. The plaque also features Mr. Darden's famous saying: "The greatest competitive edge our company has is the quality of our employees, evidenced by the excellent job they do every day."

"We hope George's work will inspire hospitality students at the nation's fastest growing hospitality school and remind them that the restaurant industry offers unlimited career opportunities," said Joe Chabus, Darden Restaurants' public relations manager. The Rosen School of Hospitality moved into its new $30 million facility near Orlando's International Drive tourist corridor earlier this year.

Gadson has gained recognition for his realistic portraits and commemorative sculptures. He has been commissioned to create works of art for many high profile events and individuals including two Super Bowl sculptures, named "The Quarterback" and "The Kicker."

Gadson also created paintings and bronze sculptures for JM Family Enterprises, the Dan Marino Foundation, and a 12-foot bronze monument for the new African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Ft. Lauderdale.

In 2003, Gadson was commissioned by the Delray Beach C. Spencer Pompey Committee to create a life size bronze bust of Mr. Pompey, which is permanently displayed in the commission chambers of the City of Delray Beach, and was also commissioned by the Ely Education Foundation to create a bronze bust of Dr. Blanche Ely for the Blanche Ely Education Museum in Pompano Beach, and he created a bas relief of entrepreneur Jim Moran for the Jim Moran School of Global Entrepreneurship at Florida State University.

Gadson's work has been exhibited throughout South Florida including the City of Delray Beach Cultural Loop, the Pineapple Grove Art Walk in downtown Delray Beach, the Inua Art Gallery in Miami, the JM Family Enterprises Gallery at ArtServe, the African American Caribbean Cultural Centers, the Schacknow Museum of Fine Art, and the Harriet W. and George D. Cornell Museum of Art and History.

About George Gadson
George Gadson is an African American artist, and Florida native who has gained world-wide recognition for his realistic portraits and sculptures of individuals and figures that have historical significance. Gadson specializes in scupltures, paintings, photography, public art and special recognition awards.