Bayfront art exhibit emphasizes our differences

“Don't let what anyone says hold you back, and always embrace yourself, your body and your culture,” said 2023 Best in Show Student Art Winner Alexis Lee.

Embracing Our Differences held its 20th anniversary grand opening celebration at Bayfront Park on Sunday, Jan. 22.

Hundreds gathered to admire and recognize the artwork that embraces diversity. This grand opening featured performances from Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s Jazzlinks, music by Jah Movement and spoken word by Cedric Hameed and Whit the Poet.

“We think that it is more important today than ever before for us to come together as one, for us to meet people who are different from us, who have different perspectives and life experiences. And to really focus on treating others with kindness and respect,” said Embracing Our Differences Executive Director Sarah Wertheimer.

This year, the number of submissions was 13,733 ranging from 119 countries, 45 states and 422 schools. 

The 2023 Best in Show Art Winner were Whittney de Araujo from Recife, Brazil and tenth-grader Alexis Lee from Irvine, California. The 2023 Best in Show Quote Winners were Alexis Morrell from Wolcott,  Connecticut and Hartley Livesey from Sarasota.

Embracing Our Differences is a nonprofit based in Sarasota. Its annual, juried art exhibit consists of 50 billboard-sized artworks that are accompanied by an inspirational quote.

 This exhibit location will run through March 12.