Reflections
program
Explore the Arts and Express Yourself!
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National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. For over 50 years, Reflections has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life.
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Each year, hundreds of thousands of students in pre-K through grade 12 create original works of art in response to a theme developed by students themselves. In Reflections, students submit artworks in the available arts category areas and program divisions: Primary (Pre-K - Grade 2), Intermediate (Grades 3-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12), Accessible Arts (All grades welcome).
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Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may also select to
participate in the Accessible Arts Division to receive division-specific accommodations and non-artistic accommodations as
outlined in the division guidelines. Participating students may use the “Additional Details” field to provide information about how
their disability and/or support needs impacted their entry (10 to 100 words, optional). Participating students compete against
other students in the division and are awarded as part of the division.
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This year's Reflections theme is "I Belong!," created by Ben Morgan from Lewis and Clark Middle School PTSA in Idaho.
Overall entry guidelines
These are basic guidelines that all Reflections entries must meet to be eligible on the national level.
Additional state and/or local program requirements may apply.
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Each entry must be new artwork inspired by the current year’s theme are accepted.
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Theme-Inspired: Engage with the theme and create inspired artwork. This is critical to success in Reflections.
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New Artwork: Do not “recycle” artwork by submitting a piece created for other purposes (e.g., homework not related to Reflections; art used in another competition).
Each entry must be the original work of one student only.
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Individual Originality: Reflections is designed to encourage and recognize individual creativity, artistic assistance from friends, family and/or teachers is not allowed.
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No Group Submissions: Only one student will be awarded for each entry.
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Artwork Details: Titles or artist statements must be the student’s own words and interpretations of the theme.
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Creative Choices: Decisions in the creative process must be made and/or directed by the student. If support is required, it should be limited and appropriate to the student’s grade and needs.
Each entry must contain a title and an artist statement.
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Word Count: Artists statement must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words.
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Be Creative and Unique: Each entry submitted in Reflections must have a unique title and artist statement specific to that submission. Learn more about crafting a title and artist statement in the section below.
Each entry using digital technology/software in creation process must consider the following:
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Enhance: Technology/software may be used to develop, enhance and/or present an entry.
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Original Use: Technology/software concept may not be used to provide the primary design and/or concept.
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Use Description: Entrants must use the “Additional Details” field on their entry form to briefly describe the tools and method used in the creation process, including any generative elements (10 to 50 words).
Arts categories
dance
choreography
The act of creating movement, usually coordinated with music, to represent an idea through dance (e.g., your interpretation of the Reflections theme).
literature
The art of writing. The author is a person who expresses their own thoughts and ideas through the use of words. Collections of literary work, such as multiple poems or short stories, are not accepted.
film production
The process of making a film. All screenwriting, directing, and editing must be done by the student producer. PowerPoint presentations are not allowed.
photography
The process of creating an image. By focusing on objects using various lenses, filters, and light sources, photographers may demonstrate the use of photographic techniques conventionally or digitally. Collages and collections of photos are not accepted.
music
composition
The process of creating a new piece of music. The composer is a person who expresses their own thoughts and ideas through the use of sound. Entries in the middle and high school grade divisions (6th grade and up) must include music score/notation.
visual arts
Visual Arts includes many art forms that are visual in nature. Through