Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit Scheduled at Omniplex

Kirkpatrick Science and Air Space Museum at Omniplex has scheduled the Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit for March 26 – April 29, 2004.  The exhibit features hundreds of collaborative works of art and poetry by students of all ages.  Young people throughout Oklahoma are celebrating diversity in creative ways, as they explore issues of cultural diversity, civil rights, and global peace through the arts.

One of the projects to be displayed at the exhibit, Rising in Unity, is a three dimensional, multi-media hanging art collage, co-created by a diverse group of students from schools in Edmond, OKC, Moore and Midwest City and sponsored in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council.  This art piece, completed at the OKC Museum of Art, is the culmination of the Holocaust Art Education Project.  Visitors will have an opportunity to read a framed information card about the motivational factors behind this and all other art pieces.

All collaborative entries to the Respect Diversity Art & Poetry Contest, launched with the help of Governor Brad Henry last August, will be on display at the exhibit. “Sending civil rights leaders, Holocaust speakers, authors, artists, musicians and other educators into schools to supplement the curriculum is a wonderful endeavor.  I applaud the thousands of students who are collaborating on artwork that will be displayed at Omniplex,” said Governor Brad Henry.  “Exploring diversity through the arts is a great way to teach respect for all people!”

The April 8, 2004 gala  for this exhibit, from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, will include a program in the Eleanor Maurer Theatre, featuring songs and dances by students from throughout Oklahoma.  Winning schools of the Respect Diversity Art & Poetry Contest will be presented awards during this program.  Hors d’oeuvres and desserts from 16 popular restaurants will be served.    

To learn about projects of the Edmond-based Respect Diversity Foundation, and for free tickets to the Omniplex Opening, visit: www.respectdiversity.org or write: rdfrdf@cox.net, or call: 405/359-0369.