Winners of Embracing our Differences honored at reception

Embracing Our Differences held a reception on April 17 at Ringling College of Art and Design’s Roskamp Exhibition Hall to celebrate the winners of its 15th annual juried outdoor art exhibit.

The exhibit, which is on display at Sarasota’s Island Park until June 1, features 45 billboard-sized works of art promoting diversity and inclusion, each accompanied by an inspirational quote.

Embracing Our Differences received 8,325 entries for artwork and quotes from 98 countries. Forty-nine of the winners were students from Sarasota and Manatee counties.

During the reception, winners shared their artwork and quotes with friends, family and teachers.

“I think it's really important to celebrate the artists and the quoters and understand what was going through their minds what they conceptualized these pieces,” said Sarah Werthheimer, incoming executive director of Embracing Our Differences. “It’s such a moment of pride. We're happy to be able to give them more recognition and help them get their messages out.”