Embracing our Differences exhibit opens Saturday

By Observer Staff
| 5:00 a.m. January 16, 2026

Attendees celebrate the opening of "Embracing Our Differences" at the 2024 exhibition.

Sarasota
Neighbors

The Embracing our Differences outdoor art show opens Saturday, Jan. 17 at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park, kicking off its run until April 18.

The initial day of the event, which attracts artwork and artists from 125 countries and 48 states, runs from 1-4 p.m. But, weekly tours of the displays take place on Saturdays at 10 a. m. through the event’s completion.

“Every year, this exhibition reminds us that art has the power to bring people together in ways that feel both hopeful and deeply human,’’ said Sarah Wertheimer, president and CEO of Embracing our Differences. “In a world that can feel divided, moments like this—standing side by side, experiencing these stories—matter more than ever.”

Nearly 15,000 pieces of art or inspirational quotations came from adults around the world and children from 574 schools.

Student Siwon Jung's watercolor depicts a row of polling booths with the lower halves of voters are visible, each different in ability, background, and circumstance. Adult artist Eda Uzunoglu of Istanbul created "The Power of Love.'' Both are best-in-show winners.

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 quotation winners each receive $2,000; students receive $2,000, which they split with their school’s language arts programs.

Eda Uzunoglu of Istanbul was named the best-in-show adult artist for “The Power of Love.’’

Siwon Jung, an 11th grader in Seoul, South Korea, was named best-in-show student artist for a watercolor depicting a row of polling booths where only the lower halves of voters are visible—each different in ability, background, and circumstance.

For 23 years, EOD has welcomed the community to its annual outdoor exhibitions of 50 billboard-sized works of art and quotations celebrating inclusion, kindness, and respect. With more than 5.2 million visitors to date, the exhibitions remain the centerpiece of year-round education programming that fosters understanding and connection through cultural field trips, reading days, student clubs, and teacher workshops.