Embracing Our Differences 2010

Embracing Our
Differences 2010
When you stand in downtown Sarasota’s Bay Front Island Park, the
draft from the water leaving a trail of goose bumps on your arms,
you will realize that Embracing Our Differences® is so much more
than an art show. It is an opportunity for reflection, meditation and connection
with your surroundings.
Now in its seventh year, the juried outdoor art exhibition has become
a local catalyst for diversity awareness. Its aim: to use visual and literary
arts as a forum for tackling the tough issues like global hatred and prejudice,
and to teach the community the merits of tolerant thinking. With
39 billboard-sized artworks, each accompanied by an inspiring quote, the
exhibit is designed to incite dialogue and evoke emotion in its viewers.
Scattered along the waterfront are works of art from people just like
you, living in all corners of the world, from Sweden to Venezuela and Australia
to Bangladesh. Some of the artists and authors are your next-door
neighbors – college and high school students that will soon venture out
into the “real world” in hopes of changing it.
More than 700,000 visitors have experienced the exhibit since 2004,
including 50,000 students and scores of teachers throughout Sarasota,
Manatee and Charlotte counties. The School Bus Program has enabled
many spectators in grades K-12 to tour the display for free. Last year we
received entries from 1,983 artists and 536 quotation authors in 44 countries
and 36 states, as well as work from students in 55 different schools.
About one-third of the selected pieces came from public and private
school students in the tri-county area.
“Tarren”
by Gregory Prescott, Los Angeles
I use my camera like a paintbrush to create beautiful images of the male and female form.
With inspiration from Herb Ritts and Andreas Bitesnich, my mission is to diversify the cultural
spectrum in fine art photography, with classic and timeless pieces. With my photographs,
I hope to expand one’s appreciation of the diversity of beauty. God is the true artist
and I am the channel.
( )
“Those who merely look
Since its inception, Embracing Our Differences® has evolved from a
visiting exhibition entitled, “Coexistence,” produced by the Museum on
with their eyes see only
the Seam at the Damascus Gate at the entrance to the city of Jerusalem.
After a show in Island Park from March 28 to May 2, Embracing Our Differences®
will relocate to the campus of North Port High School from May 5
skin color. Those who
look with their hearts
3a
to 31, allowing residents and students to take part in its programs.
This Herald-Tribune Newspaper-in-Education publication is an integral
see character.”
part of the diversity curriculum. We encourage you to start creating a
more open-minded, all-inclusive society. Bring your friends and relatives
– Anna Kean, Age 15
to this eye-opening exhibition. Share your experience with others. Thank
Lakewood Ranch, Florida
your peers and educators for facilitating your journey toward a more humane
way of living. As Mahatma Ghandi put it, “Be the change you want
to see in the world.”
“Peace is not something you wish for. It’s something you make,
something you do, something you are, and something you give away.”
– Robert Fulghum
A Herald-Tribune Media Group Newspaper in Education Publication embracing our differences