Embracing Our Differences invites artists, photographers, professionals, amateurs, teachers and students to participate in its 8th annual visual art exhibit celebrating diversity. National and international submissions are encouraged. 45 artists will be selected for the exhibit.

The Embracing Our Differences exhibit will be displayed throughout the months of April and May 2011 at Island Park along Sarasota’s beautiful bayfront. Since 2004, the exhibit has been viewed by more than 850,000 visitors. The exhibit will contain 39 billboard-sized (16 feet wide by 12 1/2 feet high) images of the selected artworks. In the judges’ discretion, an additional six “honorable mention” selections may be made.

Final selections will be chosen based on artistic excellence in reflection of the theme “Embracing Our Differences”. The art-work will also be evaluated on how effectively it will read outdoors when enlarged to billboard size – 16 feet wide by 12 1/2 feet high. Artists are encouraged to use bold saturated colors and strong lines. Final selections will be made by a 3-judge panel of professional artists, curators and art professionals. A total of $3,000.00 in awards will be presented.

Deadline for submission is January 10, 2011. There is no submission fee nor limit on the number of entries.

The mission of Embracing Our Differences is to use art as a catalyst for creating awareness and promoting the value of diversity, the benefits of inclusion and the significance of the active rejection of hatred and prejudice.