Since 2004, Embracing Our Differences has used the power of art and prose to create awareness/promote the importance of human diversity. Its annual, juried outdoor art exhibition “Enriching Lives Through Diversity,” consists of 45 billboard-sized works of art, each accompanied by an inspirational quote and remains a highly-anticipated event to explore and enjoy for locals and visitors alike in Sarasota Bayfront Park, year in and year out.

As the 16th annual outdoor art exhibit continues to run now through March 15, Embracing Our Differences continues to celebrate this year’s global winners. Of the talented contenders, Anna Wright, a seventh-grade student at Johnson Middle School in Bradenton received the Best-in-Show Student for her painting “United in a Quest for Knowledge.” Seth Morano, a 12th-grade student at Booker High School won Best-in-Show Inspirational Quote with his quote, "Have the courage to stand up for what's right and have the wisdom to sit down and talk.” Winner Jie Lu will be in attendance at tonight’s reception, hailing all the way from Melbourne, Australia, along with Best-in-Show Adult Artwork winner Anna Zigel of Boyarka, Ukraine. Her colorful depiction of a rainbow of women represents cultural identity, while joining in feminine solidarity.

The artist says her intentions were to show that, “Every person on the planet has a loving heart. All people are beautiful in their own way, different on the outside and the same on the inside.”

The response to the call for artwork and quotes was record-breaking this go-around—with 11,791 entries pouring in from 111 countries and 44 states. Students from 239 schools around the world submitted to the juried exhibit, displaying a host of global creators rearing to make a reverential statement to battle the cynicism and bigotry that sometimes overshadow the beauty and togetherness of today’s world. “Once again, thousands of people used the power of art and language to celebrate the values of diversity, inclusion and respect,” says Sarah Wertheimer, executive director of EOD. “The art selection team was deeply impressed by the candor and artistic quality of their work.” Meanwhile, Wertheimer says, the statements accompanying each artwork are just as vital and thought-provoking. “Every quote provides insight into our common humanity—as well as the differences that make us all unique,” she says. “We’re moved by the heartfelt thought, creativity, wit and compassion the quotes represent.”

According to Wertheimer, the flood of submissions is proof that artists worldwide strongly believe that all people should feel safe and empowered to be their true selves. “We can’t create billboards for every heartfelt statement we receive,” she notes. “But it’s thrilling to see how many people share our core beliefs.” Wertheimer adds that submissions are judged by the truth and clarity of their core idea.

“What works is a blend of medium and message," she says. "It’s not enough to have something to say. Your message should engage the viewer when the art is blown up to billboard size. The best submissions work on many levels—they’re open to multiple interpretations and make you stop and think.” 

Photo of Best-in-Show Adult Art winner, Anna Zigel's: "One World, One Heart".

For more information about this exhibit or Embracing Our Differences, call 941-404-5710 or visit here.

Neighborhood CBD boutique and retreat Second & Seed dedicates its hemphatic mission to sharing the healing properties of CBD as a part of a conscious lifestyle. Working intimately with the finest hemp growers in America, from some of largest farms in the country, Second & Seed has seen and felt first-hand the relief provided by full-spectrum hemp extracts. From arthritis knee pain to chronic migraine syndrome and anxiety, its quality products have demonstrated impactful relief for its holistic-minded consumers.

And with new options gracing the shelves regularly, its Sheridan James Edibles baked locally are sure to make your taste buds bounce. Strawberry-Mango, Lemon, Honey, Lavender and Chai flavored macarons come artfully packaged with 25 mg of CBD in each cookie. Sheridan James Edibles also bakes small batches of cupcakes and chocolate bark for saccharine enthusiasts. To wash down all the sweet and sedating treats, sip and zip with Second & Seed’s newest addition—Nitro Cold Brew Coffee infused with CBD on tap. It’s a whole new world, Sarasotans.

All CBD lines carried in-store are regularly tested for potency by an independent, third-party lab to ensure the superior quality of products, and must receive a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) before consumption. 

Photo courtesy of Second & Seed, 1231 2nd St., Sarasota, 941- 260-9971.

The Hermitage Artist Retreat and the Philadelphia-based Greenfield Foundation have awarded the New York-based composer and performer, Helga Davis, with the 2019 Greenfield Prize, given this year in music. Davis receives a residency at the Hermitage and a $30,000 commission for a new work, which will premiere in Sarasota in 2021 with the presenting partner, ensembleNEWSRQ. Davis was principal actor in the 25th-anniversary international revival of Robert Wilson and Philip Glass's seminal opera Einstein on the Beach. Among the collaborative and works written for her are Oceanic Verses by Paola Prestini, You Us We All by Shara Nova and Andrew Ondrejcak, and Faust's Box by Italian contemporary music composer Andrea Liberovici. Current projects include Silent Voices with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus with text by Hilton Als; Requiem for a Tuesday with bass-baritone Davóne Tines and dancer/choreographer Reggie Gray; and Yet Unheard, a tribute to Sandra Bland by Courtney Bryan, based on the poem by Sharan Strange. Davis was selected by a jury that included Limor Tomer, general manager for concerts and lectures at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Terrance McKnight, a WQXR host and accomplished pianist and educator; and Karen Sander, director of public programs for The Graduate Center, City University of New York. 

Hermitage Artist Retreat

WSLR Community Radio will be starting a monthly ‘One Mic’ Open Mic Night on Wednesday, February 27, at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, located at 525 Kumquat Court. Musicians and poets are welcome to participate. The Open Mic will be held regularly on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 7pm to 9pm. Local musician James Hawkins will host the first Open Mic Night on February 27. The Open Mic performances will be broadcast live on WSLR 96.5, so content must be radio-friendly. Open mic performers should sign up in person at Fogartyville starting at 6:30pm to be included in the evening lineup. There will be slots for a maximum of ten performers with a 12-minute performance limit. It is an Acoustic Open Mic Night and no amps, backing tracks or special effects will be allowed. A $2 donation will be requested.  Food and drink will be available for purchase. For more information call 941-894-6469 or visit the website below. 

WSLR Community Radio

Neal Communities recently broke ground on three new models and a discovery center at Indigo, a gated, resort-style community in Lakewood Ranch. Construction has started on the Endless Summer 3, Silver Sky 2 and Victory models, as well as the community’s discovery center. New home sales associates will welcome potential homebuyers daily at the 2,288-square-foot state-of-the-art discovery center, which will house two interactive display tables with touch screens, four offices, lounge areas and information on the area, available floor plans, the community and the builder.

The 2,181-square-foot Endless Summer 3 features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a two-car garage and an open main living area with a formal dining room. With 2,762 square feet of living space, the Silver Sky 2 is the newest plan at Indigo. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom plan has a three-car garage and options for an additional den and pool bathroom. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom Victory with a two-car garage provides ample and accommodating living areas throughout the 1,764-square-foot open design. 

Neal Communities

An exquisite waterfront penthouse in Aria, the newest building in Longboat Key, has entered the market for $6.395 million. Built in 2016, the penthouse offers 7,800 square feet (3,921 square feet under air) of coastal living. A private elevator leads to a bright and open floor plan designed for entertaining. Floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple terraces offer expansive Gulf views and tropical breezes. The interior is crafted with a gourmet kitchen, climate-controlled wine room and four en-suite bedrooms. A private rooftop terrace features a covered seating area with Sunbrite TV, large summer kitchen, dining area and a conversation space surrounding a fire table. The residence also includes a secure, three-car dehumidified garage. Located at 2251 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 501, the residence is marketed exclusively by Gigi Silverberg of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s St. Armands office. Additional details can be viewed below. 

Additional Details

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) Research, Inc. is hosting its Second Annual Southwest Florida SCADaddle Sunset 5K Run and Fun Walk on Friday, March 29, at Payne Park in Sarasota. Started locally in 2018, the SCADaddle Sunset 5K is part of a national series of races designed to raise awareness about Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, the number one cause of heart attacks in healthy women under 50, pregnant women and new mothers. The timed 5K run, which is sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club, begins at 6:30pm, immediately followed by a 1-mile fun walk and kids’ run. Free massages, a hula hoop class, live music, raffle, dinner, dessert truck and craft beer will be offered as well, making a fun and festive event for the entire family. Entrance fees are $30 for adults and children 12 and older, $15 for kids ages 6-11. Registration is available online at the website below. 

SKADaddle Registration