About Us
Through the arts, the Diversity is Beauty Project is an effort to remind us of and celebrate the diversity of humanity in the face of growing intolerance, nativism, discrimination and anti-immigration sentiment. Our hope is that such powerful imagery will help heal wounds and inspire unity. The project develops, encourages and supports art that conveys a positive and inspirational image of diversity through its beauty, strength, simultaneously celebrating humanity’s differences and its unity.The Diversity is Beauty project brings a timely, compelling and needed positive message about our humanity, celebrating the importance and beauty of diversity in our society through the strong emotional impact and original artistry. We hope you’ll join us in this important project — through your artistry, your voice or your support — to celebrate diversity and inspire unity among millions.
[mks_pullquote align=”right” width=”200″ size=”15″ bg_color=”#6d6d6d” txt_color=”#ffffff”]“I have a profound appreciation for the natural beauty of life on our planet, whether it be plant, animal or human life. The combination of the arts and science has always been important to my work. People don’t get involved in an issue because of a clever argument. They are drawn in because something has deeply touched their heart, and the arts can reach the heart better than anything a politician — or marine biologist — can say.” [/mks_pullquote]The Diversity is Beauty project was created by email hidden; JavaScript is required, a lifelong and award-winning photographer based in Washington, DC and founder of Appeal Photography LLC. He is also well-known as a marine scientist, environmental leader and advocate, having worked tirelessly for his entire career on such issues as climate change, restoration of the Everglades, and currently, protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems. He has been featured on 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, PBS NewsHour, NPR, CNN, the New York Times among other news outlets. As a photographer, his work has ranged from wildlife and underwater photography to boudoir and fine art nude photography.
Our goal is simple: To inspire an emotional response among all of us, one that celebrates diversity and tolerance that helps us see one another as fellow human beings with whom we share the same goals of providing a better world for our families and our descendants.
Recognizing the importance of a positive, inspirational message amid harshening rhetoric and political polarization, the Diversity is Beauty project was created as an art-based initiative to convey a strong inspirational and positive message of diversity. In recent times, such positive messages have all too often been overwhelmed by the growing din of a negative and polarized pubic discourse.
The project, using the visual arts, celebrates the exquisite beauty of our diverse society and seeks to emphasize the humanity of each of us, both as individuals and as a member of a diverse and unified family. It is our sincere hope that such positive examples that touch the heart can help us rise above the widespread fear and political rhetoric and celebrate the wonder and beauty of diversity.
Get involved! This project depends on public participation and input. We are raising funds to take this project to the next level through purchase of merchandise (half of profits go to nonprofit organizations working on diversity issues), donations and the generosity of patrons to support our work. We are seeking community volunteers to engage with their communities, including approaching merchants, individuals and other institutions to display our artwork. And we are seeking your participation through social media and other channels to advance a positive message about diversity through the arts.
Our logo — through its myriad of branches in many directions overlaid by a brilliant color pallet is a celebration of the stunning diversity in this world. Yet all of the branches radiate from a common point at the center, representing the fact that we all share common ancestry and we are far more alike than we are different. As a whole, the illustration conveys the breathtaking beauty and harmony that is humanity in all its colors, shapes and forms. (Basic design by Cienpiesnf, Montevideo, Uruguay, adapted for the Diversity is Beauty project)
An example of email hidden; JavaScript is required Fine Art Nude Work