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2026 Press Releases

Embracing Our Differences to Expand Arts Experiences for Thousands of Students and Educators in Pinellas County
July 29
Embracing Our Differences Expands Education Ambassador Program Across Three Counties
May 26
Three Graduating High School Students and Eight College Students Receive Scholarships from Embracing Our Differences
May 20
Two Students Receive “People’s Choice” Awards at Embracing Our Differences’ 2026 Exhibitions
May 16
Embracing Our Differences' Reading Day Reaches 9,000 Students and 523 Classrooms in Three Counties
April 28
Embracing Our Differences Appoints Flora Oynik to its Board of Directors
April 20
Embracing Our Differences’ Annual Luncheon Raises More Than $430,000 to Support Arts Education and Community Engagement
February 28
Embracing Our Differences Opens St. Pete Exhibition With a Community Celebration on Saturday, March 7
February 13
2,000 Gather for Embracing Our Differences’ 2026 Exhibition Opening at Bayfront Park
January 23
Embracing Our Differences Announces 2026 Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, January 17, 1-4 p.m. Sarasota’s Bayfront Park
January 10

2025 Press Releases

Embracing Our Differences Receives Grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to Expand Educational Initiatives in Manatee County
December 22
Embracing Our Differences Announces 2026 Outdoor Art Exhibitions and Top Winners
December 10
Spreading Kindness and Respect through Literacy: Embracing Our Differences’ 2025 Bucket Fillers Reading Days Reach 11,365 Students Across Three Counties
December 1
Embracing Our Differences Receives Empowering Arts Grant Award from Gulf Coast Community Foundation
October 14
Embracing Our Differences Expands Programs in St. Petersburg
October 1
Embracing Our Differences Awarded Strategic Partnership Grant from Community Foundation of Sarasota County
September 13
Embracing Our Differences Receives Top-Ranked State Grant
August 7
Three Graduating High School Students and Eight College Students Are Awarded College Scholarships from Embracing Our Differences
June 4
Embracing Our Differences Invites Submissions for its 2026 Outdoor Exhibitions
May 21
Embracing Our Differences Appoints New Student Board Member
May 8
"Stolen Spring" - Artist from Ukraine Wins "People's Choice Award" at 2025 Embracing Our Differences’ Exhibitions
May 4
Embracing Our Differences Receives Jackie Robinson Grant
April 22
Embracing Our Differences Announces "Embracing Our Community: A Celebration of Kindness" Sunday, March 30, noon-3 p.m. Sarasota’s Bayfront Park
March 25
Embracing Our Differences' Reading Day Reaches More than 14,000 Students Across 727 Classrooms on March 11
March 21
Embracing Our Differences’ Annual Luncheon Raises More Than $300,000 to Support Arts Education and Community Engagement
March 3
Embracing Our Differences Opens St. Pete Exhibition With a Community Celebration on Saturday, March 8
February 27
Embracing Our Differences Announces Rescheduled Celebration: "Embracing Our Community: A Celebration of Kindness"
January 27
Embracing Our Differences Receives “Exemplary Project Award” from The Goldin Foundation for Excellence in Education
January 17
Embracing Our Differences Opens 2025 Outdoor Exhibition with a Grand Opening Celebration Sunday, January 19, noon-3 p.m. Sarasota’s Bayfront Park
January 10

2024 Press Releases

Embracing Our Differences Announces 2025 Outdoor Art
December 7
Embracing Our Differences Receives Grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to Expand Educational Initiatives in Manatee County
December 4
Spreading Kindness and Respect through Literacy: Embracing Our Differences’ 2024 “Bucket Fillers” Reading Initiative Reaches 10,000 Students
November 20
Embracing Our Differences Welcomes Patrick Arthur Jackson as Vice President of Learning and Engagement
November 11
Embracing Our Differences Receives Empowering Arts Grant Award from Gulf Coast Community Foundation
October 3
Embracing Our Differences and Sarasota Art Museum Present “Embracing Kindness” October 26-December 18
September 20
Embracing Our Differences Awarded Strategic Partnership Grant from Community Foundation of Sarasota County
September 14
Three Graduating High School Students and Nine College Students Are Awarded College Scholarships from EOD
July 3
EOD Receives Grant from Community Foundation of Sarasota County to Establish Parent Advisory Council
June 26
Embracing Our Differences Appoints Jeff Spalter to its Board of Directors
May 28
Artist from Budapest Wins "People's Choice Award" At 2024 Embracing Our Differences’ Exhibits
May 2
EOD Reading Day Makes a Significant Impact: Over 9,600 Students Engaged Across 528 Classrooms
March 11
EOD Opens St. Pete Exhibit with Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, March 2
February 27
Embracing Our Differences Welcomes Christina Fraser as Director of Operations
February 15
Embracing Our Differences Opens 21st Anniversary Exhibit with a Grand Celebration at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park
January 31
Embracing Our Differences Opens 21st Anniversary Exhibit with Grand Opening Celebration
January 6

2023 Press Releases

First Time in 21 Years the Exhibit Will Be Displayed In St. Petersburg! EOD Announces 2024 Outdoor Exhibits and Top Winners
December 7
Embracing Our Differences Receives Arts Appreciation Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation
November 17
Spreading Kindness and Respect through Literacy: Embracing Our Differences’ Annual “Bucket Fillers” Reading Initiative Reaches Over 9,000 Students
November 16
First Time in 21 Years the Exhibit Will Be Displayed In St. Petersburg! Embracing Our Differences Announces 2024 Outdoor Exhibit Season
November 8
Embracing Our Differences Appoints New Student Board Member
October 11
Embracing Our Differences Receives Grant from Junior League of Sarasota
October 3
Embracing Our Differences and Sarasota Art Museum Present "Embracing Kindness" October 21-November 26
September 28
Embracing Our Differences Receives Grant from the Sarasota Kiwanis Foundation
September 5
Embracing Our Differences Receives Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Grant
August 1
Embracing Our Differences is awarded an Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education grant from The Exchange
June 30
Three Graduating High School Students and Eight College Students Are Awarded College Scholarships from Embracing Our Differences
June 20
Grant from Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch Funded 1,000 Area Students to Visit Embracing Our Differences’ 2023 Exhibit
May 3
“If We All Held Hands” Artist from Illinois Wins "People's Choice Award" At the 2023 Embracing Our Differences’ Exhibit
April 24
Embracing Our Differences’ 20th Anniversary Exhibit, “Embracing Kindness,” Will End its Run on April 19 in North Port
April 14
“Embracing Kindness” EOD 20th Anniversary Exhibit Moves Next to Butler Park in North Port March 22 - April 19
March 7
Embracing Our Differences’ Reading Day is Tuesday, March 7
March 2
Embracing Our Differences Raises Record-Breaking $248,000 at Annual Luncheon
March 1
Embracing Our Differences Opens 20th Anniversary Exhibit with Grand Celebration at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park with Grand Celebration at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park
January 25
Embracing Our Differences Opens 20th Anniversary Exhibit with Grand Opening Celebration
January 11

2022 Press Releases

Embracing Our Differences Appoints New Student Board Member
December 21
"Embracing Kindness" Embracing Our Differences Announces 2023 Outdoor Art Exhibits and Top Winners
December 6
Share the Joy of Reading! EOD Presents its "Bucket Fillers" Reading Initiative
November 9
“Embracing Kindness” Embracing Our Differences Celebrates Outdoor Exhibit’s 20th Anniversary with Special Events and Two Extra Venues
October 28
“Embracing Kindness” Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation Awards Matching Grant to Bolster Embracing Our Differences’ Regional Educational Initiatives
October 25
Share the Joy of Reading! EOD Seeks Volunteer Readers for its “Bucket Fillers” Reading Initiative in November
September 13
Embracing Our Differences Receives Grant from the Sarasota Kiwanis Foundation
August 3
Embracing Our Differences Receives Arts Appreciation Grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation
July 25
Embracing Our Differences Names Sheila D. McKoy as its Exhibition Director
July 11
Three Area High School Students and Four College Students Are Awarded College Scholarships from EOD
June 9
University Student from North Carolina Wins the "People's Choice Award" at 2022 Embracing Our Differences’ Exhibit
April 25
Embracing Our Differences’ Annual Exhibit Featured on PBS NewsHour
March 31
Embracing Our Differences’ Reading Day On March 8 Reached Nearly 9,000 Students in 485 Classrooms!
March 10

2021 Press Releases

Embracing Our Differences Announces 2022 Outdoor Art Exhibit and Top Winners
December 8
Embracing Our Differences Appoints New Board Chair, Officer, and Student Member
December 2
Embracing Our Differences Brings Bucket Fillers Virtual Reading Initiative to 8200 Students
November 18
Embracing Our Differences Presents the Pilot Year of Oneness of Art Initiative
October 20
Embracing Our Differences Receives Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Grant
August 25
Embracing Our Differences Receives Grant from Macy’s
July 20
Twenty-five Area Teachers Complete Yearlong Embracing Our Differences’ Education Ambassador Initiative
May 28
Art Teacher from Venice Wins "People's Choice Award" in 2021 Embracing Our Differences’ Exhibit
April 26
Embracing Our Differences 2021 Exhibit Debuts at Nathan Benderson Park
April 20
Embracing Our Differences Welcomes Kaitlin Yelle to Board of Directors
March 15
EOD Displays Six Works of Art from Its 2021 Exhibit at Ed Smith Stadium During Orioles’ Spring Training
February 24
Embracing Our Differences’ Reading Day is Tuesday, March 2
February 11
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards Substantial Grant to EOD
January 12

2020 Press Releases

Embracing Our Differences Announces 2021 Outdoor Art Exhibit and Top Winners
November 24
Embracing Our Differences to Bring “Bucket Fillers” Virtual Reading Initiative to 6,370 Students on November 17
October 19
Embracing Our Differences Welcomes Dr. Christina M. de Guia to Board of Directors
September 1
Two Riverview Coexistence Club Students Are Awarded Scholarships from Embracing Our Differences
June 23
Artist from Sarasota Wins "People's Choice Award" in 2020 Embracing Our Differences’ Exhibit
June 3
Embracing Our Differences Receives Emergency Grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation
April 27
Embracing Our Differences’ 2020 Outdoor Art Exhibit Is Extended Through April in Bayfront Park
March 29
Embracing Our Differences’ Reading Day is Tuesday, March 10
February 10

2019 Press Releases

Embracing Our Differences Announces 2020 Outdoor Art Exhibit and Top Winners
December 9
Embracing Our Differences Welcomes Ben Jewell-Plocher as its Education Director
November 19
EOD Welcomes Brian Hersh as its Sarasota County School District Liaison
October 24
Be A Bucket Filler!
October 3
EOD Partners with Anne Frank Center to bring “Letters from Anne & Martin” to Manatee County Schools
September 21
EOD Receives Substantial Grant from Florida Division of Cultural Affairs
July 30
Embracing Our Differences Receives Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Grant
July 25
Embracing Our Differences Welcomes New Board Members
June 4
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards Grant to EOD for its Unity Days High School Initiative
May 15
SYC Cares Awards Grant to Embracing Our Differences
April 20
Artist from Australia Wins "People's Choice Award"
April 2
Call to Artists and Writers For 17th Annual Embracing Our Differences Exhibit
March 29
6th Annual Embracing Dr. Seuss’ Differences Day is March 1!
February 23

2018 Press Releases

Rotary Club of Sarasota Foundation Awards Grant to EOD
December 5
Embracing Our Differences Announces Winners of 2019 Art Exhibit
November 26
Embracing Our Differences Receives Junior League Grant
October 31
Embracing Our Differences Receives GCCF Arts Appreciation Grant
October 22
Embracing Our Differences 2018 Call to Artists and Writers
September 7
EOD Announces New Board Member
September 6
Embracing Our Differences Names Sarah Wertheimer Executive Director
July 2
Embracing Our Differences Receives Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Grant
June 23
Artist from Toronto Wins People's Choice Award
June 20
Embracing Our Differences Receives McCauley-Brown Grant
March 23
Embracing Our Differences Announces 2018 Winners
March 13
5th Annual Embracing Dr. Seuss’ Differences Day is March 2
February 22
Rotary Club of Sarasota Awards Grant to EOD for Education Initiatives
February 6

2017 Press Releases

EOD Recognized by Florida’s Division of Cultural Affairs With Diversity & Inclusion Award
December 26
Embracing Our Differences' Annual Luncheon is Set for December 5
November 18
Gulf Coast Community Foundation Awards Major Grant to Embracing Our Differences
October 11
EOD Awarded Grant for LGBTQ+ and Education Initiatives
October 9
EOD Sarasota County Tourist Development Grant
July 18
Wertheimer Selected for Leadership Florida
July 15
EOD People's Choice Award Winner 2017
June 19
Area Students Learn About Diverse Cultures in Unique Collaboration with 2017 World Rowing Championships
June 8
Embracing Our Differences Welcomes New Board Member
April 7
Embracing Our Differences Receives SunTrust Foundation Grant
March 11
EOD 2017 Winners Announced
February 28
Embracing Our Differences - Dr. Seuss Partnership
February 16
Embracing Our Differences Receives Rotary Foundation Grant
February 7

2016 Press Releases

Call to Writers for 14th Annual Embracing Our Differences Exhibit
December 8
Embracing Our Differences receives Junior League Grant
November 28
GCCF Arts Appreciation Grant
October 12
EOD Grant from Our Sarasota Fund - CFSC
October 3
EOD Giving Challenge Blog
August 30
Embracing Our Differences Call to Artist & Writers
August 21
Embracing Our Differences Summer Diversity Institute
May 31
Embracing Our Differences EdExplore Match - The Patterson Foundation
April 27
Embracing Our Differences Public Art Project to be Installed
April 12
Embracing Our Differences - 2016 Winners Announced
March 8
Embracing Our Differences - Community Foundation of Sarasota County Grant
February 18
Embracing Our Differences - Diversity and Inclusion Award
January 13
Embracing Dr. Seuss' Differences Day 2016
January 6
Embracing Our Differences Bank of America Grant
January 5

2015 Press Releases

Embracing Our Differences Announces "Best of the Past"
December 7
Gulf Coast Community Foundation Awards Major Grant to EOD
November 18
EOD - Allstar Nation Tour Returns to Sarasota
November 7
Embracing Our Differences Public Art Project
October 20
Embracing Our Differences Launches New Website
October 12
Embracing Our Differences 2016 Call to Artist
September 9
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards Grant to Embracing Our Differences
August 28
Graphic Designer from Spain Wins People's Choice Award
June 24
Embracing Our Differences - Embrace Courage Workshop
May 15
Embracing Our Differences Woman's Exchange Grant
May 14
Embracing Our Differences Allstar Nation Tour
April 28
Embracing Our Differences Exhibit Opening March 2015
March 9
Embracing Our Differences Celebrates the 111th Anniversary of Dr. Seuss
February 28
Embracing Our Differences Wins WEDU's Be More Enriched Award
February 19
Embracing Our Differences Announces Winners for 2015 Outdoor Art Exhibit
February 10

2014 Press Releases

Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards Grant to Embracing Our Differences
December 14
Embracing Our Differences Welcomes Two Riverview Students as Docent Leaders
November 10
Gulf Coast Community Foundation Awards Major Grant to Embracing Our Differences
October 14
Enriching Lives Through Diversity Call to Artists
July 22
EOD receives the President's Volunteer Service Award
June 19
Embracing Our Differences Receives One World Award
January 10
EOD recognized by MLK Celebration Committee with Community Service Award
January 27
11th Annual EOD Exhibit Opens March 30
March 7
11th Annual EOD Exhibit
April 18
Louies Modern Embraces Thor's Differences
April 25
EOD & Louies Modern Selected as "Best Business Partnership" in 2014 Giving Challenge
May 16
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Awards Inaugural Grant to EOD
May 29
Sarasota Artist Wins People's Choice Award
June 4
EOD Showcased in PBS "Diamonds Along the Highway" Series
May 15
Realize Bradenton Offers Free Docent Tours of EOD Exhibit
May 7
Neal Communities Partners with EOD
April 28

2013 Press Releases

Winning Entries Announced for 2013 Exhibit
January 30
New Associate Executive Director Appointed
February 14
Selby Grant Expands Embracing Our Differences to Bradenton and North Port
February 19
Embracing Our Differences Opens March 31, 2013
March 8
Editor: All Of Us, In One Big Holiday Bowl
December 21
2014 Call for Artists and Quotations - Press Release
September 23
2013 People's Choice Award Winner - Press Release
June 6
Embracing Our Differences Receives Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Grant
July 25
Students Teach Students About Diversity - Observer
April 17

2012 Press Releases

Embracing Our Differences Photo and Video Opportunity
April 11
Embracing Our Differences Receives Grant from Manatee Community Foundation
April 2
Embracing Our Differences TWO Photo and Video Opportunities
April 11
Embracing Our Differences Receives Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation
March 24

2011 Press Releases

Embracing Our Differences Seeks Submissions - Herald Tribune
December 15
Students Embrace Differences - Herald Tribune
April 19
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