Call to Artists and Writers For 17th Annual Embracing Our Differences Exhibit

Embracing Our Differences invites artists and writers to submit art and inspirational statements for its 17^th annual outdoor art exhibit celebrating diversity. The work of 50 artists, poets and writers will be selected for the exhibit, which opens January 20, 2020, in Sarasota’s Bayfront Park. Final selections, based on artistic excellence and originality reflecting the theme, “enriching lives through diversity,” will be made by a panel of professional artists, curators and arts educators. The artwork will also be evaluated on how effectively it will read when enlarged to the exhibit’s billboard-size dimensions of 16 x 12.5 feet. Quotations must be 20 words or less. There is no submission fee or limit on the number of entries. Submissions must be submitted online or received no later than October 8, 2019. Artists and writers can submit directly online at: www.embracingourdifferences.org. For more information about Embracing Our Differences, call 941-404-5710 or visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.

“We’re always inspired by the quality of art and statements that we receive from all corners of the globe,” says Sarah Wertheimer, executive director of Embracing Our Differences. “These innovative interpretations of our theme powerfully express the impact and rising importance of diversity and acceptance in our lives.”

Wertheimer adds that participation is open to everyone, including professional and amateur artists, writers, photographers, teachers and students. For the 2019 exhibit, the organization received 11,791 entries from 111 countries and 44 states.

A total of $4,000 in cash awards will be presented in the form of four separate awards; $1,000 each for “Best-in-Show Adult;” “Best-in-Show Student;” and the “People’s Choice.” Both of the “Best-in-Show” awards will be granted by a 25-member Art Task Force; the “People’s Choice” award will be determined by visitors to the 2020 exhibit. A $1,000 cash award will also be presented to the best original quotation.

Wertheimer explains that a critical part of the Embracing Our Differences exhibit is the impact of the inspirational quotations that accompany each work of art. These quotations provide members of our community a chance to put into writing their thoughts, feelings and ideas that reflect our theme of “enriching lives through diversity.”

“The combination of visual art and the written word adds a deeper dimension to the overall experience,” says Wertheimer.

Embracing Our Differences’ annual outdoor exhibits are the heart of a year-round program of activities designed to use art as a catalyst to create awareness and promote diversity.

For more information about Embracing Our Differences, call 941-404-5710, or visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.