Irena Mao ’30 has been selected to have her painting, One Journey, featured in the 2027 Embracing Our Differences International Art Exhibition.

Since 2004, Embracing Our Differences has used art and writing to promote inclusion, kindness, and respect. Each year, the organization’s international exhibition features 50 billboard-sized works of art, paired with thought-provoking quotations, that invite viewers to reflect on individuality, shared humanity, and the experiences and perspectives that shape us.

Irena’s work is one of the 50 selected pieces to be featured in the annual juried exhibition from 16,784 submissions representing 129 countries, 48 U.S. states, and 609 schools.

One Journey will be displayed alongside work by international artists during the 2027 exhibitions in Florida. The Sarasota exhibition will run from January 16 through April 18, with an opening celebration on January 16, followed by the St. Petersburg exhibition from February 12 through March 14.

“We are so proud of Irena and thrilled to see her painting recognized in this way.  Her piece is so thoughtful and creative, and it’s incredibly special to know that it will be seen by so many people from around the world,” said Monica Tiulescu, Visual Arts Department Chair.

Congratulations, Irena!