Embracing Our Differences

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Sarasota, FL
Embracing Our Differences

Through the transformative power of the arts, we educate and inspire to create a better world. Petersburg.

The centerpiece of Embracing Our Differences is an outdoor juried art exhibition featuring 50 billboard size images (12.5 feet by 16 feet) created by local, national and international artists and writers. The display reflects the artists' interpretations of the theme "embracing our differences" The exhibition is displayed annually at Bayfront Park in downtown Sarasota and Poynter Park in St. In 2

024, 422,576 people visited the exhibitions—bringing the total amount of visitors to more than 4.8 million since 2004. The 2025 exhibition had an impressive response to the call for artwork and inspirational quotes, with 10,124 entries pouring in from 122 countries and 46 states. Students from 511 schools around the world submitted artwork or quotations to the juried exhibition and more than 65% of submissions were from students. Also crucial to our mission are our ongoing education initiatives. Presented in partnership with regional school districts and nationally recognized educators, these programs have impacted over 587,000 students since 2004, including 55,357 students and 2,048 teachers last school year.

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐶 We love that our outdoor exhibitions mean everyone gets to experience the art together, four legged friends included.

Drop your pups best photo below to celebrate with us!

08/25/2026

Look around any beach, park, or sidewalk and you never really know what weight someone is carrying with them.

is a reminder to lead with kindness anyway, because you can’t see someone’s stress, their triumphs, or what challenges they may have be facing.

A small kind moment might be exactly what someone needed.

08/24/2026

The clock is ticking on Every Hit Is A Win! ⏰ This is your last call to help Embracing Our Differences bring home a share of the donation pot through Suncoast Credit Union’s partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Every single vote counts more than ever as we near the end of the month.

Head to www.Suncoast.com/Rays and cast your vote for us before the month closes out. Tag a friend and remind them there is still time to make a difference. 👇

08/21/2026

Please join us in welcoming Sam Peterson, our new Operations Coordinator! 👏

Sam brings more than ten years of experience in operations and event management, along with a lifelong love for his hometown of Sarasota. He’s a USF grad and proud Booker High VPA Theater alum. Sam is passionate about bringing people together, and we can’t wait to see his organizational skills and collaborative spirit at work supporting our mission.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with his family, going to the movies, skateboarding, and running.

Welcome to the team, Sam!

08/18/2026

The impact you leave isn't measured by the years you have. It's measured by the kindness you show, the people you lift up, and the difference you choose to make each day.

Big change often begins with small actions: offering a helping hand, speaking up for what's right, creating something that inspires, or simply making someone feel seen.

How are you making a difference in your community or in someone's life? 👇 Let us know in the comments.

Quote by: Kayla C., 10th Grade, North Port High School
North Port, Florida
Teacher: Daphne English-Bazenas

08/17/2026

It is another great day to root for the Rays! ⚾️ Every base hit and home run adds $79 to the donation pot through Suncoast Credit Union's partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays, and your vote could help send a share of it to Embracing Our Differences.

Visit www.Suncoast.com/Rays to vote for Embracing Our Differences today.

Share this post to help spread the word!

08/15/2026

Every piece of art means something a little different to everyone who sees it. What does "One Size Does Not Fit All" say to you? Tell us in the comments below. ⬇️

Title: One Size Does Not Fit All
Artist: Katherine K.
11th Grade, West High School, Salt Lake City, Utah
Teacher: Evan Smith
2023 Gallery

08/14/2026

As students and educators return to classrooms, Embracing Our Differences is preparing for another school year filled with opportunities to explore art, build empathy, and create communities where everyone feels seen and valued.

The new school year begins with an investment in our educators. On September 19, we'll gather at The Ringling for the 2026 Educator Art Intensive, "The Art of Belonging," a full day dedicated to creativity, collaboration, and professional learning.

Educators will leave with practical, real-world ways to use art and dialogue to foster a stronger sense of belonging in their classrooms, along with tools they can apply far beyond a single lesson plan.

Whether you've been part of an EOD program for years or you're just discovering us, we're excited to learn, create, and grow together this school year.

For educator and program questions, contact [email protected].

Address

Sarasota, FL

Telephone

+19414045710

Website

https://www.EmbracingOurDifferences.org/

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