Embracing Our Differences :: An Art Exhibit Celebrating Diversity

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does.
-Margaret Mead

Those are some pretty powerful words. Words like these are at the center of the Embracing Our Differences art exhibit.

This past week we had the opportunity to check out the Embracing Our Differences Long Island art exhibit. Embracing Our Differences is an outdoor art exhibition celebrating diversity. The Long Island exhibit was put together by the Suffolk Center on the Holocaust, Diversity & Human Understanding.



The art exhibition, together with related activities and events, is intended to demonstrate, in a positive way, that diversity enriches our lives and that active rejection of prejudice and hatred enhances our own freedom.

The exhibit featured about 25 or so designs that were displayed as 12x16' billboards. Each piece of work contained a message focused on subjects such as diversity, unity, acceptance, coexistence, peace, and togetherness. Works on display were done by students, amateurs, and professional artists.



We are very excited and pleased to announce that one of our designs, 'The Same But Different', was part of the exhibit. Sticking with our Famous Seniors theme, our colorful graffiti inspired design pays tribute to Dr. King, Evita, Gandhi, & Mother Teresa; four people who actively encouraged the rejection of prejudice and hate during their lifetimes.



It was a blast checking out all of the designs and it’s always fun seeing different takes on a common theme. While taking a look at the designs was cool, the true highlight of the day was a brief talk about prejudice and acceptance from Holocaust survivor Werner Reich. Mr. Reich spoke about some of his personal experiences and raised the point that hatred is a feeling that has no bounds; the only cure for hatred is the complete elimination of the feeling.



The exhibit will be on display at the Grant Campus of Suffolk County Community College thru 10.31.10. The exhibit will then travel around a bit and will be on display at various events.

We would like to congratulate all artists that were part of the exhibit and we invite all of our readers to check out photos of the event. We would love to hear about which designs move you and which are your favorites.

In addition, there is currently an open call to artists for the 2011 Embracing Our Differences exhibit in Florida; for more info about the exhibit and entry process click here.

Men and women, young and old, black, white, red, brown, and yellow; varied people, cultures, and perspectives throughout the world. People - the same but different.
-senioritis

A Very Big Week

Yesterday we had our first big show in New York City. We want to send a big thank you to the folks who organized the Crafts in Chelsea event as well as everyone who stopped by our booth. We had a blast getting to know some of our etsy friends and followers. For those of you who couldn't make it, here's a brief recap:

We started off the day optimistic, but a bit apprehensive about the weather. Winds were predicted at speeds of up to 40mph yesterday. It was our first time using our new huge, totally fantastic tent, and we had no idea how it would hold up in the wind. We definitely came prepared, though, bringing tent anchors, hoodies, and those nifty gloves without fingers. Despite the wind predictions, the hardest part wasn't keeping the tent standing, but getting it up in the first place. Where are those IKEA photo directions when you need them?

Once we were up and running, the day flew by. Our postcard-size prints were a huge hit, and we couldn't have asked for better guests in our booth. From little kids, to schoolteachers, stockbrokers, and tourists - we met all kinds of people and had a terrific time discussing our Famous Seniors and their notable quotes with everyone. Our booth was located just across the street from PS 11 and its fabulous Fall Festival. Unfortunately, we weren't able to hit the bouncy castle, but we did partake in bake sale goodies and get to see one of the most colorful murals we've encountered anywhere in Manhattan. If you haven't checked out this 50-foot mural in Chelsea, we suggest heading over there while the weather is still nice. You'll also find terrifically inspiring and vivid painting covering the outside walls of the elementary school. What a great place for a craft fair!



Some more photos of the event can be seen on Flickr.

Crafts in Chelsea was no doubt an excellent way for us to kick off the next very big week for Senioritis. You may have read about our selection in the Embracing Our Differences Exhibit. If anyone is going to be in the Long Island, New York area during the next week, we highly recommend that you stop by the exhibit and check out the billboard-sized winning designs. We guarantee you'll leave inspired.

And now, we're off to enjoy the rest of the weekend. Happy Sunday!