Embracing Our Differences is a not-for-profit organization based in Sarasota, Florida, that uses the power of art and education to expand consciousness and open the heart to celebrate the diversity of the human family. It accomplishes this through an annual, large-scale, juried art exhibition and a comprehensive series of educational initiatives, programs and resources designed for teachers and students.
Through the transformative power of the arts, we educate and inspire to create a better world.
A world that embraces diversity, respects differences and actively rejects hatred and prejudice.
Our year-round education initiatives represent the most important aspect of our efforts – reaching and impacting the lives of thousands of students and teachers locally and around the world. Since 2004, more than 529,000 students have participated including 52,274 students and 1,808 teachers during the 2021-2022 school year alone.
In addition to free field trips, Embracing Our Differences initiatives include workshops by nationally recognized educators and lesson plans connected to art appreciation and character building. All lesson plans are created under the supervision of Sarasota County School District’s curriculum team and fully incorporate Florida State Standards and Florida B.E.S.T. Standards.
Teachers who participate in our education programs overwhelmingly rate them as meaningful and relevant educational experiences for their students. Of teachers surveyed during the 2021-2022 school year, the average rating for overall program experience was 4.8 / 5 stars.
Ben@EmbracingOurDifferences.org
http://www.embracingourdifferences.org
FL
941-404-5710
Featuring a deep look at multiple Embracing Our Differences artworks and quotations, exhibit tours embrace kindness and inclusion while providing connections to art education and curriculum engagement through student-driven exploration.
All exhibit field trips are FREE, with in-person field trip transportation costs generously covered or subsidized by our sponsors and donors. In-Person, Live Virtual and On-Demand options available.
Student docents utilize Visual Thinking Strategies for a student-driven, collaborative and inclusive experience. Click here for a quick VTS overview.
Scheduling your student docent is quick and easy. Just click “YES” to the “Would you like to have a student docent?” when registering for your in-person field trip (virtual field trips automatically utilize docents).
Prepared by local educators and approved by curriculum development specialists from Sarasota County Schools, our age-appropriate lessons address applicable learning intentions and success criteria expected of every student while engaging students in Embracing Our Differences’ mission and vision.
Click here to learn more.
Ben Jewell-Plocher
941-404-5710
Ben@EmbracingOurDifferences.org
January 22 - April 12
Bayfront Park (5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota)
docents available Tuesday through Friday
Live Virtual and On-Demand options are also available. Click here for more info.
All exhibit field trips are FREE, with in-person field trip transportation costs generously covered or subsidized by our sponsors and donors. For more information, please visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org/Free-Exhibit-Field-Trips and click on the link underneath "Transportation Policy".
Click here for specifics on our transportation reimbursement policy.