SOUTH EASTON — Artwork by two Southeastern students is being featured in a Florida exhibit, titled “Embracing Our Differences.”
Since 2004, Embracing Our Differences has used the power of art and prose to promote diversity. Its annual international outdoor art exhibit calls for artwork and inspirational quotes from adults and students.
Southeastern Advertising and Design sophomores Francesca Randazzo and Arielle St. Louis submitted their work for the competition and were selected for the 2023 Exhibit. Their work was chosen out of 13,733 entries from 119 countries and 45 states.
St. Louis’ digital artwork was made with Adobe Illustrator. It is titled “Empower Women.” In her artist statement, St. Louis describes how her art was created to empower women and show how meaningful and worthy they are.
Her statement reads, in part: “It’s so important for women to feel empowered because for years women have had to fight to feel seen. Whether it be gender equality in sports, politics, or jobs, women have had to fight to be seen and get equal treatment. [. . .] This is also a voice for women of color, especially because it shows a woman with a head scarf which is very popular in some communities. It’s not just a head scarf but it’s a head scarf with words of encouragement for women, to empower women for their achievements.”
Randazzo’s digital artwork was made with Procreate. It is titled: “Detras de una Mascara (Behind a Mask).” In her artist statement, Randazzo explains that her piece is about showing how people who suffer from bullying live.
Her statement reads, in part: “Most of them hide behind a mask, showing happiness on the outside, but inside they are broken. Everything she hears, hurts her. I created my drawing using digital art. I used colors that represent bumps, bruises, and pain.”
The students’ work is currently being featured among the 50 billboard-sized works of art that make up the 2023 Embracing Our Differences exhibit, located in Sarasota, Florida’s Bayfront Park. Each work is also accompanied by an inspirational quote, which provides insight into the artwork, as well as the differences that make each person unique. This year’s display opened in Florida on Jan. 18 and remains open through March 12.
“It is my first year teaching and this was the very first assignment I gave to the sophomore class in Advertising & Design,” said instructor Hannah Williams. “I’m learning quickly how rewarding it is to be a teacher, especially when I’m able to see my students get recognized for the hard work they do every day. I’m extremely proud and happy for both Francesca and Ari. They are both brilliant, hardworking students and I’m excited to see what the future holds for both of them.”
“This is a wonderful achievement for Francesca and Ari and allows them to showcase their talents and discuss topics they are passionate about in a meaningful way,” Principal Leslie Weckesser said. “We are so excited that their work and messages are being showcased and will be seen and appreciated by so many.”
The displayed artworks combine a deep understanding of both medium and message. Embracing Our Differences’ annual outdoor exhibit is at the heart of a year-round program of activities by the organization designed to use art as a catalyst to create awareness and promote diversity. In 2022, 371,256 people visited the exhibition—bringing the total amount of visitors to more than 4 million since 2004.
Read more about the exhibit here, and see the full 2023 gallery here.
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