Since 2004, Embracing Our Differences has used the power of art and prose to promote inclusion, kindness and respect. One way we accomplish this is through our annual international art exhibition in Sarasota’s Bayfront Park and St. Petersburg’s Poynter Park. The juried exhibit consists of 50 billboard-sized works of art, each accompanied by a thought-provoking quotation.
The winning artworks combine a deep understanding of both medium and message. Awards are given for “Best-in-Show Adult,” “Best-in-Show Student,” and “People’s Choice” categories, with the last chosen by visitors to the exhibit. Adult winners each receive $2,000; students receive $2,000 to be split with their school’s art or writing program.
The statements accompanying each artwork are also vital and provide insight into our common humanity—as well as the differences that make us all unique. The artwork and quotations are separate competitions, judged blindly by separate volunteer committees, and matched together for this exhibit. In 2023, 320,616 people visited the exhibition—bringing the total amount of visitors to more than 4.3 million since 2004.
The 2024 Exhibit had an impressive response to the call for artwork and quotations, with 16,604 entries pouring in from 125 countries and 44 states. Students from 584 schools around the world submitted artwork or quotes to the juried exhibit and more than 65% of submissions were from students.