Embracing Our Differences

Embracing Our Differences, the international outdoor art exhibit in Sarasota's downtown Bayfront Park, features 39 billboard size artistic images interpreting the message to "enrich lives through celebrating diversity."  More than 2,600 artistic submissions were submitted this year from 48 countries, 29 states and 86 schools. The resulting exhibit includes thought-provoking artwork as well as memorable quotes.  Kathleen Hagan-Rogerson, a 7th grader at Booker Middle School won the Best Quotation prize for her sentiment:  "I never knew how much words hurt until they were aimed at me."

Embracing Our Differences seeks to impact education in Sarasota and Manatee counties and to date more than 75,000 students and teachers have experienced the exhibit.  An independent study of the program shows encouraging results - students are learning to make sense of their world while making healthy life choices.  They value diversity and note that their self-esteem has dramatically improved from being part of the project.

More than 850,000 visitors have seen the exhibit since it began in 2004 and the steering committee hopes to welcome its one-millionth visitor this year. The mission of the program is to show that by respecting the views of others and standing up against hatred and prejudice leads to a better world for everyone. 

Local groups and organizations such as the Sarasota Film Festival, Ringling Museum of Art, Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Ballet, YEA Arts, Ringling College of Art + Design, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee play an integral role in the effectiveness of the education program.

The late Dr. S. Carroll Buchanan, co-founder of the exhibit, summed up the program wisely with his quote: “The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.” Dr. Buchanan passed away in December 2010, and this year’s exhibit memorializes his life accomplishments and passion for justice and equality. His wife, Carol Buchanan, continues to be actively involved in the project.

The exhibit runs through May 30th in Bayfront Park.  Additional details and information on the finalists, programs and sponsorships, are on the organization's website, www.embracingourdifferences.org.