Embracing Our Differences

"Strength Lies in Our Differences"

by Rasa Pamedytyte from Denmark

The Sarasota-based nonprofit Embracing Our Differences "envisions a world that embraces diversity, respects differences and actively rejects hatred and prejudice." And when they say they "envision" such a world, they mean it literally. Since 2003, the organization has sponsored a juried international art exhibit around the theme "enriching lives through diversity." Bayfront Park hosts the exhibit, which features 45 billboards on which the art--along with related quotes--is posted. I was eager to check it out.

"Uni-Tea" by Casey Hunter Kessous from Osprey, FL
(the writing is words like coexist, joy, harmony & community)

This year's exhibit received 10,761 submissions representing 115 countries, 48 states and 204 schools from such distant places as India, Iran, Israel, Vietnam and South Korea.  There are separate committees that select the art and the quotes. The quotes and artwork are then matched.

While the exhibit would certainly draw visitors with a bit of advertising, Embracing Our Differences doesn't take an "if we build it, they will come" approach. Their goal, after all, is to encourage young people to recognize that our differences make us stronger and more interesting and should not be a cause for bullying.

"Don't Hide" by Natalia Balashova from Russia

To this end, Embracing Our Differences partners with schools across Southwest Florida to offer free field trips to the exhibit. High school students are available to serve as docents. A wide assortment of resources are available to teachers to introduce the subject in their classrooms. And the "Make a Day of It" program provides discounts to school groups at institutions like Mote Marine and Florida Studio Theatre.

While the exhibit might be produced with students in mind, its message speaks to adults as well. During my visit I chatted with two women who commented that, while they liked the art, they found the quotes even more powerful. I had just been thinking that myself (honestly!)  Here's a sampling:

"America's Favorite Card Game: The Race Card"
by Helene Ruis from Virginia

"If you don't fit into a scene, always remember there is a bigger picture." From Jessica Ritchie, 6th grader, Sarasota  (Best in Show Quote) (Matched with "Strength Lies in Our Differences")

"If people saw difference of opinion as the birth of new ideas rather than conflicts, the world could be a better place." From Nausheen Tabassum, Bangladesh (Matched with "Uni-Tea")

"Similarities keep us comfortable; differences permit us to progress." From Raisah Ali from Trinidad & Tobago

"Speak as if your words are written with indelible ink." From Cindy Hancock-Cuffage from North Port.

"Different Hats Fit Different People"

by Kaitlyn Freeman from Sarasota

Embracing Our Differences is also the organization that sponsored the Dr. Seuss reading day I participated in earlier this year.  And so I thought the inclusion by Kaitlyn Freeman of the hat made famous by the Cat in the Hat in her "Different Hats" painting was particularly clever. As was Sarasota senior Evelyn Baldwin's quote:  "Dr. Suess never said, "one fish, two fish, white fish, white fish."

The Embracing Our Differences exhibit runs through May 31 and is definitely worth a stop if you're in Sarasota. If you can't make it, you can enjoy the exhibit virtually by clicking here.  Kudos to Embracing Our Differences and its sponsors (including the Community Foundation Community Foundation, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and Ringling College of Art and Design) for bringing this exhibit to our area each year. 

Embracing Our Differences Exhibit at Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is now home to the 23rd Annual Embracing Our Differences Outdoor Exhibition Celebrating Kindness, Respect & Inclusion. Has there ever been a time when we've needed this exhibit more? While it was chilly the day we visited, it was heartwarming to see families and friends taking in the art and considering the quotes that accompany the images. I know, a bit syrupy, but I'm taking full advantage of feel good experiences when I find them. 

If you haven't visited the exhibit in the past, here's how it works. People from around the world submit a work of art or a quote for consideration by the Embracing Our Differences team. It's not an easy task to make the selections. This year the committee had to winnow 14,904 submissions down to the 50 works of art and 50 quotes featured in the exhibit. The number is a bit mindboggling, as is the fact that those submissions came from 48 states, 125 countries and 574 schools. I particularly like the thought of all those school kids focusing on how to depict these values. 

Case in point. "All" (pictured above) was submitted by K-5 students from Gene Witt Elementary School in Sarasota. The artist statement says, in part, "When we created this piece, we focused on how each of us is unique and wonderful...Our differences are what makes life so much more interesting for 'All' of us." The accompanying quote was submitted by Melinda Nguyen from Virginia and reads, "They can take your possessions, one by one, but your knowledge and education can't be undone."

I was curious to find out what "I Ain't Chicken of Differences" was about when I saw the image from a distance. The eagle and the duck are not to be outdone by the chicken's declaration and proclaim/ask, respectively, "Differences Make No Difference" and "What's the Difference?" Good points all around. This work was submitted by Jeff Whipple of Jacksonville, Florida. The related quote reads, "Embracing differences means choosing curiosity over judgment and connection over fear." These wise words were submitted by Alexander Haxjiaj, a 10th grader at Pine View School in Osprey. I like it. 

I toured the exhibit with my decades-long friend Suzanne who tandem bikes with her husband. (That says a lot about their marriage.) Given that, it's no surprise that "Pedaling as One" jumped out at us with the people of differing ages and colors moving together to reach their destination. What a concept. 

The art was submitted by Yunnie Ha, a 10th grader in Seoul, Korea. Bad on me, but I hadn't noticed until I read her artist statement that the bicycle wheels are different colors of the rainbow. They represent diversity, movement and unity. She goes on to describe her work as "a visual reminder that harmony is not about being the same -- it is about pedaling together with a shared purpose." The related quote is from Knushi Kumari, a 9th grader in Arrah, India. It reads, "Let compassion be the compass that guides us through the landscapes of our differences." 

I'll leave you with a work I'm a little surprised made it into the show. It's probably my favorite. "Same ___, Different Colors" was submitted by Zdravko Barisic from Serbia. His artist statement notes that our feelings about our differences -- be it skin color, lifestyle or social position -- are shaped by social constructs. He goes on to make the highly radical statement that "You may not like someone's way of life, but you should respect it." 

The quote accompanying this work reads, "Respect doesn't require agreement. It only asks that we recognize each other's humanity." This submission came from Devdaan Lobo, an 11th grader at Pine View School. You might have noticed that this is the second Pine View student whose quote I've included. There are more. Kudos to those teachers and students for their participation in the project. 

As always, I left the Embracing Our Differences exhibit feeling a bit better about our world. I suspect I'll be visiting several times before it closes on April 19th. Free tours are offered on Saturdays at 10 a.m. And if you happen to be in St. Petersburg, the exhibit will also be on display there from March 7th-April 12th. To see some of the past year's works that have caught my eye, click here. And for more information on Embracing Our Differences, click here. 

Embracing Our Differences at Bayfront Park

"Life in Prism" by BethAnn Lawson (WA); "Colors are separated
in laundry,but fashionably worn together." Shiela Denise Scott (MS)

For the past 20 years, Embracing Our Differences (EOD) has hosted an exhibit pairing art and quotations in Bayfront Park. This year the park is home to eighteen tripods featuring 50 billboard-sized images of the works. Talk about making a visual impact! 

I had the pleasure of hearing from Sarah Wertheimer, Executive Director of EOD, at a recent luncheon hosted by Arts Advocates. Sarah explained that the tradition began after the Florida Holocaust Museum – based in St. Petersburg – brought a traveling art exhibit entitled “Co-Exist” to the Park. The show was so well-received that the Sarasota community decided to continue the idea. Embracing Our Differences was founded and the rest is (ongoing) history.

"Be You" by Ms. Motta's First Grade Class (Sarasota);
"A Masterpiece is created by blending different colors and
strokes on a blank canvas." Colleen Joiner (FL) 

The exhibit has grown exponentially over the years. In its first iteration, the works were selected from a mere 124 submissions. This year’s selection committee had the difficult task of choosing from 13,732 submissions from 119 countries and 45 states. And it’s not only adults who participate. Students of all ages from more than 400 schools sent in artwork and quotes for considerations. Those participants included the students in Ms. Motta’s First Grade Class at Emma E. Booker Elementary School who created the colorful “Be You.” It’s hard to imagine anything exemplifying the theme of “Enriching Lives through Diversity and Inclusion” more than young children collaborating to create this artwork. 

"Perched Above the World" by Tade Tangou Brice (Cameroon);
"An ordinary person accepts change for the better. An extraordinary person
creates change to make things better." Iris Cross (Trinidad and Tobago)

Sarah shared the criteria that the volunteer judges apply for the selection of artwork for the exhibit. Artistic merit, message, impact and uniqueness of the idea/way of expressing an idea are key components. That came as no surprise. But here's a standard you might not immediately consider -- Will the work be immediately understandable when blown up to a billboard-sized image? I'd be curious to know how they learned that lesson. 

Embracing Our Differences has, well, embraced the opportunity to use the show as a teaching tool.  Local schools have the opportunity to take their students on a field trip to see the exhibit, where tours are led by student docents. Instead of just telling the kids what they’re looking at, the docents use visual thinking strategies, asking open-ended questions that engage the students and get them thinking. I love that they include students in the process. And let’s face it – kids relate better to other students than to parental (grandparental?) figures. And here’s something really cool. Schools outside of Sarasota can take advantage of this program by booking a virtual field trip or watching a tour on demand.

"The Divine Feminine - Resolute" by Kirsten Todd (England);"Courage
is speaking your truth when everyone else remains silent." Carly Newburg (OR) 

As if this weren’t sufficiently exciting, there’s more! These field trips are FREE to the schools. It’s not surprising that the actual tour is at no cost, but EOD also pays for the buses that bring the students from their schools to the exhibit. And if teachers want to extend their outing, they can participate in the “Make a Day of It” program. EOD has partnered with local organizations to allow students to participate in programs put together by local non-profits for the occasion. Participants include Selby Gardens, Mote Marine, West Coast Black Theatre and my personal favorite, Sarasota Art Museum. And did I mention that school art teachers can participate in a day-long program about EOD and the exhibit before the start of the school year and receive a continuing education credit and a stipend paid by EOD? This is truly an amazing program. 

"We Are All Pearls" by Whitney de Araujo (Brazil);
"Different people. Different ideas. Better outcomes." Denise Jiang (ND)

While the annual exhibit is EOD's program with which most people are familiar, it's only one part of what the organization does. In fact, with an annual budget of $1.3MM, the exhibit uses a mere $70K of those funds. EOD also sponsors two reading days each school year. The Bucket Fillers Reading Day in the fall and the Embracing Reading Day in the spring bring volunteer readers into pre-K through third grade classrooms across Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Volunteers (like me!) read a book aloud to the students and then talk with them about the story and its themes. It is seriously fun. And here's the kicker -- each child gets his or her own copy of the book to take home. Could there be a better way to promote reading than to kickstart a child's personal library? If you want to get in on the project, the next reading day is on March 7. To volunteer, click here. (While we're on the topic, another way to promote reading is through the Early Learning Coalition's Literacy Buddy Program, an initiative in which you are paired with a specific pre-school child.  They send you a drawing and a request for a certain type of book. You send them a book with a handwritten letter. It's easy and fun. For information on that program, click here.)

"Free Hugs" by Clifford McDonald (Sarasota);"I can't wait
for a world where the color of my skin doesn't determine
how much love I will get." Tyler Maroney (Sarasota)

The Embracing Our Differences exhibit is on display in Bayfront Park through March 12. Then, for the first time, EOD is taking the show on the road. Butler Park in North Port will host the show from March 22-April 19. It will then travel to State College of Florida in Bradenton from April 26-May 29. And in case you're wondering, once the exhibit has closed, the billboard banners are donated to schools for students' continued enjoyment. 

For more info on Embracing Our Differences and the exhibit, click here. Hope you get to visit the show!  

Embracing Our Differences in 2025

"If They Only Knew" by Kenneth Cjay (Nigeria) 

It's the time of year once again for one of my favorite events -- the Embracing Our Differences exhibit in Bayfront Park. The exhibit - now in its 22nd year -- celebrates kindness, respect and inclusion. As always, the selection process must have been incredibly difficult. This year's art and quotation submissions numbered more than 10,000 and came from participants in 122 countries, 46 states and 511 schools. It was great fun to tour the 50 billboard--sized works, picking our favorites while listening in on the thoughts of other visitors. 

As you enter the exhibit, "If They Only Knew" by Kenneth Cjay greets you. The figure -- starkly posed in front of a monochromatic background -- brought to mind the work of Amy Sherald, the artist who painted First Lady Michelle Obama's portrait. The paired quotation, submitted by Canadian Raemus Castelino, reads, "People remember you for how you stood out, not how you fit in." In a video made for the project, Cjay shared that his work is a response to divisions caused by tribal discrimination arising from stereotypes. He went on to say, "Each person is unique and carries his own talents....Art is not just about creating, it's about connecting." 

"A Glimpse into the Future" by Claudia Balbuena (Sarasota)

Then there was "A Glimpse into the Future" by Claudia Balbuena, a senior at Sarasota High School. The related quotation came from Bradenton resident Dena Sturm and reads, "Aspire to inspire. Make your aspiration your inspiration." I love the idea of kids looking into a mirror and imagining their future selves, whether it be as a judge, a farmer or a chef. 

I suspect this work will be a favorite of the many students who see the exhibit. Embracing Our Differences does more than hope that kids will make their way there. Expenses for school field trips, including the cost of transportation and a guide, are covered by the organization thanks to the support of sponsors and donors large and small. Virtual field trips are also available for school groups outside the Sarasota area. Last year 278 teachers took advantage of this opportunity, enabling more than 14,000 students to experience the exhibit. 

"Right to Speak and See" by Aleh Barouski

"Right to See and Speak" jumped off the billboard at me. How could it not? This disturbing work was submitted by Aleh Barouski from Belarus. The related quote reads, "Be the voice of freedom in a world of silence" and was submitted by Carina Araujo, a seventh grader from Maryland. 

I will admit to not being conversant on human rights issues in Belarus, but a quick search revealed that the far right retains tight control of the government there. One of the "highlights" about Belarus in Amnesty International's 2023/2024 summary notes that the justice system continues to be abused to suppress dissent. It goes on to say that refugees and migrants suffered abuses at the hands of the authorities. These statements ring too close to home in our current world. 

"Stolen Spring" by Alena Grom (Ukraine) 

I'll leave you with a heartbreaking photo that contains a ray of hope. Artist Alena Grom lives in Bucha, Ukraine, a city destroyed during the Russian invasion. In her series of photographs taken amidst the rubble, Grom reveals a spirit of determination and perhaps even hope for the future. Instead of merely showing the devastation, her work features women affected by Russia's invasion posed in front of a colorful backdrop. 

Grom's series honors the resilience of the Ukrainian people who are striving to restore their lives. It is also an homage to the work of Michael Nash, a Polish photographer. During WWII, Nash photographed people standing in front of a bucolic backdrop with the war-torn city of Warsaw in the background. To see an example of his work, click here. The related quote, penned by Sarasota resident Craig E. Ullom, reads, "We must have the commitment to care, the confidence to dream, the will to act, and the courage to persevere." 

Embracing Our Difference's exhibit will continue at Bayfront Park through April 13th. The exhibit can also be seen at St. Pete's Poytner Park from March 1 - March 31.  For more information about the show and Embracing Our Differences' other initatives, click here.  

Embracing Our Differences 2020 Exhibit

"I Have a Dream" by Shangxi Wu , an 11th
grader from Pleasanton, CA

For the 17th year running, Embracing Our Differences has organized an international art exhibit that "uses the power of art and prose to promote diversity." Putting the exhibit together is a herculean task. This year the 50 works of art and quotes were chosen from 16,118 submissions from 127 countries and all 50 states.  Each piece is recreated in billboard size for the exhibit, which is held in Bayfront Park in downtown Sarasota. The best part of all is that the exhibit is used as a teaching tool for students, with many teachers bringing their classes to enjoy and discuss the artwork and quotes.

I tagged along on a virtual tour of the exhibit given by Embracing Our Differences' Education Director Ben Jewell-Plocher. We started with Shangxi Wu's "I Have a Dream," the work that won the Best in Show - Student award. (The student's school receives $1,000 for its art program.) A bit surprisingly (to me, at least) is that one of the selected quotes was perfect for this work. Marsha Danzig from Ohio had written, "Living life as an amputee is the ability to stand tall like a mountain, even when you have no feet." As we looked at the work, Ben asked us questions similar to those that would be asked of touring students. What do you notice first? What's the meaning of the rainbow? How do you know the man is homeless and an amputee? It's a clever way to promote critical thinking skills in young students. 

"Can I Touch Your Hair?"
by Habib Hajallie from Dartfor, UK 

The Best of Show - Adult award went to "Can I Touch Your Hair?" by UK artist Habib Hajallie. The detail in this self-portrait is both impressive and thought-provoking. The background contains information about the city of Freetown from a 1940s book entitled "Sierra Leone Studies." The capital city was founded in the 18th century by freed slaves from the United States, Nova Scotia and Great Britain.  While it's difficult to tell from this picture, a map of the city runs across the artist's face. He is clearly connected to this place.

As to the more obvious aspect of the work, Hajallie has in fact been subjected to requests from people to touch his hair. While recognizing these individuals' intentions are likely innocent, he is always struck by their racial insensitivity. Even worse, such a request makes him feel like an animal that they want to pet. To read his entire artist statement, click here.

"Subway" by Yuke Li of Woodside, NY 

The Best in Show - Quotation was awarded to Osprey, FL 6th Grader Brian H., who submitted "If you stand by, then who will stand up?"  The quote was matched with "Subway" by Yuke Li. As a huge fan of public transportation, I particularly like this work. And it's certainly true that subways and buses are great equalizers. As Li said in his artist statement, "In the subway, we are all passengers. No matter where we come from, no matter what religion we have, we are heading together in one direction. We are all the same."

"El Sueno Americano" by Clifford McDonald

Ben also highlighted a work entitled "El Sueno Americano" (The American Dream) by Clifford McDonald from Sarasota.  McDonald is a teacher at The Visible Men Academy in Bradenton; his subject is one of his students. While it's hard to see in this photo, hidden in the boy's eyes are the American and Mexican flags. Ben shared that the boy came to visit the exhibit with his class. Not surprisingly, he was a bit nervous. Any concern was assuaged by the enthusiasm of his fellow students when they saw the photo.

The image takes on even greater meaning if you're familiar with The VMA. The tuition-free charter school educates at-risk boys in grades K-5.  As its website explains, "The VMA vision is to lead boys towards the realization of their innate strong character -- boys who are family orientated, community conscious and globally aware." In a world in which test scores drive many educational programs, it's inspiring to find a school that strives to create well-rounded and socially conscious kids.

I'll leave you with the unintentionally apt "Solitude" by Romanian artist Andreea Zimbru. It's hard for this work not to resonate in these days of social distancing and self-isolation. The accompanying quote by Karlyn Knudson of Washington state reads, "It was a beautiful flower...until you smacked it out of my hand and called it a weed."  It's all a matter of attitude and perspective.

If getting to Bayfront Park to take in the exhibit isn't an option, you can see more of the artwork and quotes by clicking here. One bonus to online viewing is easy access to the artist statements. The website also includes lesson plans that might come in handy if you know someone who is home schooling their child.

Thanks once again to Embracing Our Differences for sponsoring this wonderful exhibit.

Embracing Our Differences 2024 Exhibit

"Friendsheeps" by Ruth Schmidt (Hungary) 

The annual Embracing Our Differences art exhibit in Bayfront Park is always fun to explore. The exhibit features artwork from around the world with accompanying quotes. (Note: The quotes are submitted separately from the images, with the EOD curatorial team creating the pairings.) This year 16,603 submissions were received from 125 countries, 44 states and 584 schools. Selecting the artwork and quotes to include could not have been an easy task. But the committee once again did a great job putting together an engaging exhibit that can be enjoyed on multiple levels.

When I visited the exhibit for my second viewing, I happened upon a little boy laughing with joy and his equally happy mother. They were looking at Ruth Schmidt's "Friendsheeps." "Which one do you like the best?" I asked the little boy. Without any hesitation, he said, "The one in the middle." We both giggled over the sheep's funny hairstyle. (Note: If you enlarge the image by clicking on it you'll see that the sheep also has a triple piercing on one ear.) The mother's favorite was the second sheep from the right which is sticking out its tongue. More giggles all around. The mother later saw me and said, "Did you notice that there's a wolf in sheep's clothing in that painting?" I hadn't! Nice touch, Ruth. The encounter totally made my day. The accompanying quote for this work reads, "Similarities make us comfortable; differences make us fascinating." The words were submitted by Adyasha Giri, a 12th grade student from India. I assume creating quotes for this exhibit was a class project since Adyasha likely wouldn't have otherwise come upon the call for submissions. I love it. 

"Friends Untangle Life's Knots" by 5th Grade Class
at Emma Book Elementary School (Teacher Melissa Shaw)

Speaking of class projects, "Friends Untangle Life's Knots" was created by Mrs. Rodriguez' Fifth Grade class at Emma Booker Elementary School here in Sarasota. Art teacher Melissa Shaw was at the helm for the project. 

Each artist (in this case the class) submits a statement to provide some context for the work. Here's what these students had to say. "When the stress of life makes us feel like we are tied up in knots, it is easy to feel isolated. In this collaborative artwork, we wanted to show how important it is to reach out to others, especially when they are struggling. Our hope is that more people in the world will be a friend to those who need it most." These kids seem wise beyond their years. Canadian Jenniffer Twu provided the accompanying quote, which reads, "Watch children make friends. You'll learn so much from them." 

"Remembering John Sims" by Anita Wexler (Sarasota)

I came upon an unexpected tie-in between the EOD exhibit and the "Impact: Contemporary Artists at the Hermitage Artist Retreat" exhibit now on at Sarasota Art Museum. Both celebrate the art and life of John Sims. 

Sims moved to Sarasota from Detroit when he was a young man and spent the rest of his too short life here. (He passed away from a heart attack two years ago at the age of 54.) He is best known for his multi-media work known broadly as the "Recoloration Proclamation." When he moved to Sarasota, Sims was struck by the number of Confederate flags proudly displayed. One of his artistic responses was the recoloration of that flag in black, red and green, the colors of the Black Liberation Movement. Another involved a reimagining of the Confederacy's favorite song -- "Dixie." In case you can't summon the song to mind, it starts, "I wish I was in the land of cotton, Old times there are not forgotten..." Sims re-recorded the song in 13 different genres of Black music, including Blues, Gospel, R&B and Hip Hop. Both components of Sims' Recoloration Proclamation are included in the exhibit at the Museum, with a listening station to hear the music. For excerpts of the revised versions of the song, click here. 

The words of Willa Abraham, a 10th grader from Houston, were paired with Wexler's remembrance of Sims. They read, "Our time is limited, but our impact remain infinite." The use of the word "infinite" is particularly apt because Sims was a mathematician as well as an artist. It's a clever pairing by the folks at EOD. 

"Ramadan Meals Among Syrian Ruins" by Mouneb Taim

I'll leave you with a striking photograph by Dutch photographer Mouneb Taim. It's entitled "Ramadan Meals Among Syrian Ruins." As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Still, the words of Sandy Chase of Bradenton were well worth including. Chase wrote, "Arms can destroy lives or embrace others. Decide which to use." 

Kudos once again to the team at Embracing Our Differences both for putting together this wonderful exhibit and for all the other hard work you do to make our community a more accepting place. The exhibit runs at Bayfront Park through April 14th. Don't miss it. 

Embracing Our Differences Exhibit 2021

"Psychoanalysis" by Leyla Emektar from Turkey

The mission of Embracing Our Differences is to educate and inspire the creation of a better world through the transformative power of the arts. The program includes reading days in kindergarten-third grade classrooms (so much fun!), team-building workshops for high school students, and an annual outdoor art exhibit featuring images and quotes promoting diversity and acceptance. In these divisive times, this year's exhibit was more welcome and inspiring than ever. 

The exhibit in Sarasota's Bayfront Park contains 50 billboards that pair larger-than-life art and quotes. Selecting the works for the exhibit can't have been an easy task. This year's call for artwork and quotes resulted in 15,912 entries from 128 countries and 48 states. Students from 412 schools around the world submitted their work. It's hard to wrap my mind around the selection process. 

"Unity" by Evelyn Homewood, 12th grader - U.K. 

While I always enjoy the exhibit, the selections seemed more artistically sophisticated than in some years. Case in point: Evelyn Homewood's painting entitled "Unity." It's flat out beautiful, and the comparison between the classical Greek goddess with her hair piled atop her head and a woman wearing traditional Nigerian clothing and headdress is rather brilliant. Homewood says in her artist statement, "The image of a woman of an underrepresented ethnicity stands as an equal counterpart [to women typically seen in European Renaissance paintings], challenging our traditional views of art and demonstrating the interdependence and unity of society today." To hear the artist speak about her work, click here. 

"Contrast of Life" by Teody Boylie Perez, Phillipines

Then there was "Contrast of Life" by Teody Boylie Perez from Davao City in the Phillipines. The colors are so striking that it took me a moment to realize what I was looking at. The towering luxury high rises (not dissimilar to what we see in Sarasota) stand in stark contrast to the precarious stilt houses. A man and his son sit on the shore taking it all in. Perez hopes his painting illuminates the widening division between the rich and the poor. The quote selected to accompany this work is by Clifford McDonald of Sarasota and simply states, "We are not remembered for what we have in life, but for what we have given." 

"Small Struggles" by Emily N., 7th grader, Sarasota

Best in Show awards are given each year in the categories of adult image, student image and quote. This year's winning student work was "Small Struggles" by Sarasota seventh grader Emily N.  Emily's artist statement says, in part, "My piece depicts a little girl standing in front of an aisle of dolls advertised to look like the person buying them. Through my work, I attempt to highlight the little struggles people of color go through every day." I'm impressed by the empathy of this middle schooler. The companion quote by Kimberly Boyd of Georgia seems tailor-made for this work: "Social equality cannot be achieved if the folks making the decisions all look alike." 

"Stand in My Shoes" by Wayne Ramirez, Venice, FL

Best in Show - Quote went to Temilola Aderemi of Nigeria for, "If we were to exchange shoes, would you be willing to walk in mine?" The perfect piece of art presented itself for a pairing in Wayne Ramirez' "Stand in My Shoes." The image immediately calls to mind the photograph of six-year old Ruby Bridges integrating a New Orleans elementary school in 1960. Its power is in its simplicity. In his artist statement, Ramirez notes that Mary Janes have traditionally been marketed to little white girls and that "manufacturers have only recently begun to acknowledge their role in perpetuating institutionalized racism in advertising." Think Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben. To see the photo of the young Ruby Bridges -- as well as the iconic Norman Rockwell painting commemorating her bravery -- click here. 

"Liberty Enlightening the World" 
By Arya Badiyan of Lake Oswego, Oregon

There are many other works in the exhibit I'd like to highlight, but I'll leave you with the work that won the award for Best in Show by an adult -- Arya Badiyan's "Liberty Enlightening the World." In her painting, Badiyan shows a Black Lady Liberty in front of millions of Black people whose lives have been lost to slavery and injustice. Badiyan's artist statement reminds us that in the original version of the statue, Lady Liberty held not a tablet, but chains representing the end of slavery. The visual didn't appeal to American financiers, though, so a switch was made. (Chains do still lie on the ground at Lady Liberty's feet.) Interestingly, the complete name of the Statue of Liberty is the same as that of the painting -- Liberty Enlightening the World. 

If you're in the area, there's plenty of time to enjoy the exhibit, which runs through April 1. Or you can view it virtually by clicking here. To get to the artist statements and paired quotes, just click on an image. Kudos to Embracing Our Differences for once again putting together an uplifting and aspirational exhibit.   

Sarasota's Got Art!

"Liberty" by Jesse Clark (2023)

The fact that Sarasota is a town full of art and culture is not exactly a news flash. Even in the summer months, there is plenty to do and see. But as the season ramps up, the art scene is on overload. Read on for a sampling of works I've recently seen that have stayed with me. 

"Liberty" by Jesse Clark is a reimagining of Delacroix' "Liberty Leading the People" for our times. Clark created the work as part of his thesis project at Ringling College. Yes, he just graduated in May. What maturity his work has. To view the image in a larger format, just click on it.

The intent of Clark's work is to reshape how people view Black identity. All of the models in the photograph were fellow Ringling students, and participation in the project was a powerful experience for them. "We are here, and we are proud," one student said in a video about the creation of the work. I've heard Clark speak, and he is smart and thoughtful and articulate. He's definitely someone to keep an eye on as his career progresses. For a film about the making of "Liberty," click here.  And for Clark's website, click here. 

"Verdant" by Mara Torres Gonzalez (2023)

When I walked into MARA Art Studio + Gallery's new home on Palm Avenue, I came face to face with Mara Torres Gonzalez' "Verdant." I can't articulate why this work speaks to me, but I know it has to do with the movement and what Mara calls "a labyrinth of layers to be discovered." I wanted to know more. It was the first Friday of the month, though, and that means it was an Art Walk night. It was great fun, with loads of people and a festive atmostphere in the gallery. It wasn't, however, a good time to talk to Mara about her art. And so I went back on a quiet afternoon when I had the artist all to myself (except for the person coming in to pick up a sculpture they'd purchased).  

Mara works intuitively when she creates her art. No sketches are done in advance; it's just Mara, a blank canvas and her imagination. Each work incorporates multiple mediums. "Verdant," for instance, includes oil pastels, ink pencils, charcoal and acrylics. While you can't see them here, some of the floating shapes have scribbles around the edges. They are a secret language, the artist's thoughts as she works. When I asked if she remembered what she was thinking, she just smiled and said no. I have my doubts. But she did let me in on another secret in her work. Each painting contains hashmarks that relate to her family. Here the four marks represent Mara, her husband and their two children. The number was reduced to three in some cases because her son is off at college. 

Like all art, Mara's paintings are best seen in person. As a bonus, you'll be introduced to work by a number of other talented artists as well. For more info on MARA Art Studio + Gallery, click here. Maybe I'll see you at one of the First Friday Art Walks.  

"Judgement Day" by Clifford McDonald (2023)

Clifford McDonald is a local artist whose work first came to my attention in connection with the Art in Common Places project. Artists were paired with poets to create works that engaged in conversation and built on one another. The pairings were then printed on posters and placed throughout the community in unlikely spots -- car washes, housing developments, laundromats -- together with postcards of the work that people can take home. The idea is to bring art to people who might not encounter it in their day to day lives. Last year I attended an event in which McDonald and poet Cedric Hameed spoke about their combined work, which you can see by clicking here. I immediately became a fan.

Art Center Sarasota is currently hosting an exhibit of McDonald's work titled "Soundtrack." McDonald's artist statement explains. "Using Hip-Hop lyrics as a jumping off point, I combine figurative and abstract imagery to narrate the stories of these songs and pay homage to the artists who creates them...I am interested in capturing the feelings behind the lyrics." 

Not surprisingly, I'm not a consumer of rap/hip-hop music. But I did watch a video of Method Man's "Judgement Day," which was the inspiration for the painting shown here. The two lyrics that jumped out at me were "Can't we all get along?" and "The Grim Reaper's Calling -- It's the Judgement Day." The first, of course, is a reference to Rodney King's plea in the midst of the Los Angeles riots more than 30 years ago for Americans to live amicably. It takes great compassion for someone who's been beaten by police officers to take that approach. But I digress, sort of. I suspect the "Grim Reaper/Judgement Day" lyric doesn't require any explanation, but it's interesting to note the religious connotations. 

Having this context makes McDonald's work even more powerful, with its references to Black Lives Matter and George Floyd. Who is this hoodied young man? What risks does he face going out into the world every day? Each of the portraits in the exhibit has its own story, and I'd like to learn more. Who knows? Maybe I'll become a hip hop fan. (Unlikely.) "Soundtracks" can be seen at Art Center Sarasota through November 11. For more on McDonald and his work, click here. 

I'll leave you with a work from the Embracing Kindness exhibit now on view on Sarasota Art Museum's Great Lawn. Embracing Our Differences is celebrating its 20th year of pairing art with quotes and displaying them in billboard style fashion. The submissions come from around the world, and the selection process can't be easy. 

This work is entitled "Separate but Equal - Dream Like You Marched with Martin" and was created by Canadian Carling Jackson for the 2015 exhibit. The quote was submitted by Irene Nicola of Sarasota and couldn't be more apt. "When will the road to equality be the road most traveled?" she asked. 

The exhibit runs through November 26, and no admission fee is required to see it (although you do have to enter through the Museum to access it). And keep your eyes out for the annual Embracing Our Differences exhibit in Bayfront Park, which opens on January 21st. I'm already looking forward to it. For more on Embracing Our Differences, click here. 

I've only scratched the surface of what's happening in the art scene in our wonderful city. Stay tuned!  You (and I) never know what's coming up next. 

Embracing Dr. Seuss Differences Day

I rarely get the chance to interact with kids. In fact, living in Punta Gorda, I hardly ever even SEE children. And so when I read that Sarasota County's Embracing Our Differences program was seeking volunteers to read a Dr. Seuss book to an elementary school class, I signed up. It was a wonderful experience.

I was assigned to read Dr. Seuss' The Lorax to Rebecca Shipley's third grade class at Glenellen Elementary School in North Port. We were encouraged to practice reading the book out loud a few times. I dutifully checked The Lorax out from the library. I was a bit surprised to find that it was 32 pages long. I was also struck by how political the book is.

In case it's been a while since you read The Lorax, it tells the story of the Once-ler, a man who decides to cut down a single Truffala Tree to knit a thneed. A passerby offers to buy the thneed. Before long, a factory's been built, the trees are being cut down four at a time, and the animals have headed off to friendlier climes. Eventually, all that's left is a landscape of stumps. Even the Lorax, who speaks for the trees, has departed, leaving behind a pile of rocks with the word "Unless." The Once-ler is baffled by the meaning, until a child shows up. "Now that you're here," the Once-ler says, "the word of the Lorax seems perfectly clear/UNLESS someone like you/cares a whole awful lot/nothing is going to get better/It's not." And, with that, the Once-ler throws the child the sole remaining Truffala Seed. Maybe, with time, the trees and animals will come back.

Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) wrote the book in the early 1970s at the start of the environmental movement. Forty-some years later, the message seems particularly timely given the White House's desire to gut the EPA. But I digress. 

Walking to the school office to check in, I saw people dressed up like Dr. Seuss characters, with crazy socks and striped hats a la Cat in the Hat and "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" signs hanging around their necks. In keeping with the theme, I was given a bag of goldfish to sustain me. (Get it? One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.). 

I was greeted warmly when I got to the classroom. Remember how desks used to be set up in nice straight rows all facing the teacher?  Well, no longer. The kids were seated three to a circular desk equipped with laptops and headphones.  I would have loved to have seen how classes work in this environment, but I had a job to do.

Becky invited me to sit in a rocking chair at the front of the class and, if I liked, to put on the colorful boa awaiting me. The kids settled in on the rug at my feet. After I established how old they were (eight or nine) and explained that I might need their help because I was new to this, we were off. 

Not surprisingly, it wasn't a straight read-through. I had mentioned Seuss' nonsense words at the beginning, and at one point a boy noted--quite correctly--that "biggered" wasn't a word.  We discussed how the kids were able to understand what it--and other made-up words like "Grickle-grass" and "Whisper-ma-phone"--meant, though, given the context.

At one point someone referenced a scene in The Lorax movie, and the kids started giggling. "Is that funny?"  I asked. I was assured that, indeed, it was quite funny, but that I couldn't be expected to understand why since it was kid humor.

The best part, though, was the circle discussion after I was done with the book. The kids organized themselves, and Becky handed over a pencil that looked a bit like a Truffala Tree to the first child. Only the student with the "tree" was allowed to talk.

We had touched on the fact Dr. Seuss books are fun but also have great messages. Some of the kids picked up on that, with one boy saying how "inspiring" he found Dr. Seuss. Someone mentioned how bad corporate greed was. Not all the comments were so serious though, as a number of the kids just liked how the Truffala Trees looked. (They are pretty cool.)

One little girl earnestly commented how the book reminded her of the movie "Wally" (in which, apparently, people also wrecked the world). I was impressed by the analogy.

Way too quickly, the hour was over. The kids applauded and a couple gave me big hugs. It was a terrific afternoon. 

Note: Embracing Our Differences is a non-profit organization whose mission is "to use the power of art and education to expand consciousness and open the heart to celebrate the diversity of the human family." While it is not a part of Read Across America, it has joined with the fun of celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday for the past four years with reading events in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. 

"Celebrating Friendship" by Adorable Monique (Naples, FL)

Brenna Wilhm, Education Director, talked with me about how Dr. Seuss' books fit with Embracing Our Differences' work with diversity and inclusion. "Cat in the Hat," for instance, provides an opportunity to discuss standing up to bullies. "Horton Hears A Who" explains the importance of listening to a cry for help. And "Green Eggs and Ham" shows that you have to look beyond superficial differences.

Next up for the program is an art exhibit in Bayfront Park in Sarasota that will run from April 1-May 31. Students from around the world submitted artwork and quotes interpreting the theme "enriching our lives through diversity." From the more than 10,000 submissions, 48 pieces of artwork and 46 quotes will be featured. Stay tuned for more on that.

To read more about Embracing Our Differences, click here.