Embracing Our Differences Opens Its 2025 Outdoor Exhibition

Embracing Our Differences will celebrate the start of its 2025 large-scale, outdoor Sarasota exhibition (which runs January 19-April 13) on Sunday, January 19, noon-3 p.m., in Sarasota’s downtown Bayfront Park.

The event features three performances by the phenomenal musician, singer and songwriter, Shelby Sol. Local arts and education organizations, including ALSO Youth, CreArte Latino, EOD Coexistence Clubs, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota Art Museum, Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, The Ringling, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, and Van Wezel will have booths featuring interactive, kid-friendly activities. The Big Blue Grilled Cheese Company, Empanada Girl and One Two Tea! trucks will be stationed at the event. EOD will also recognize Best-in-Show winners and many of the artists and quoters who had their works selected for display. For more information, visit www.embracingourdifferences.org. 

Sarah Wertheimer, President & CEO of Embracing Our Differences, says that that this year’s response to the call for artwork and inspirational quotations was strong 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. Awards for artwork are given for “Best-in-Show Adult,” “Best-in-Show Student,” and “People’s Choice” categories, with the last chosen by visitors to the exhibition. Adult art winners each receive $2,000; students receive $2,000, which they split with their school’s art program. Awards are also given for inspirational quotations. Adult quote winners each receive $2,000; students receive $2,000, which they split with their school’s Language Arts programs. 

Sarasota Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. CABARET (The Sarasota Players)

23% of votes

2. SYNCOPATED AVENUE (Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe)

21.7% of votes

3. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Asolo Repertory Theatre)

11.6% of votes

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