From St. Pete Catalyst
The Sarasota nonprofit Embracing Our Differences has installed its seasonal art exhibition in in St. Petersburg’s Poynter Park, 1000 3rd Street S. – between the University of South Florida campus and the Poynter Institute.
Consisting of 50 billboard-sized works of art, submitted by amateur artists, educators, students and young children from around the world, it will remain through March 31.
The paintings, and the inspirational quotes each is paired with, were juried by separate committees.
It’s the nonprofit’s second year in St. Petersburg, although the juried outdoor exhibition has been an annual event in Sarasota since 2004. It’s currently on view in that city’s Bayfront Park.
According to President and CEO Sarah Wertheimer, 10,124 entries were received this year from 122 countries and 46 states; more than 65 percent were from students, from 511 schools.
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 exhibit. Student winners receive $2,000, which they split with their school’s art program. Awards are also given for the inspirational quotations.
Embracing Our Differences is holding a free community celebration Saturday (March 8) from noon until 3 p.m., with live music, food trucks and information booths from local organizations including Mi Gente, Mi Pueblo, The City of St Pete, Race WithoutIsm, the Florida Holocaust Museum, USF St. Petersburg, Pinellas Diaspora Arts and Project FREE.
Visit the website for more information.