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Reflections is a National PTA arts in education program. The program was started in 1969 and is the largest arts program of its kind in the United States. Students have the opportunity to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works created around a theme that changes each year.
The theme for the 2023-2024 year is I Am Hopeful Because …
Reflections is not “just an art contest.” It helps kids take risks, be inspired, think creatively, and be celebrated for their creativity and work. Studies have shown there is a positive relationship between the arts and well-being. Get more information about the National PTA Reflections program.
REFLECTIONS CATEGORIES
Lake Washington PTSA Council’s Reflections program welcomes all grades and abilities to explore and be involved in the arts. Young artists submit their original artwork to their respective local PTA or PTSA.
A student may submit an entry in any of six categories: (Click category link for rules)
Dance Choreography — Originally choreographed dance composition
Film/Video Production — Original works, with or without sound, of animation, narrative, documentary experimental or multimedia
Literature — Original works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose, drama, short stories or lyrics. In digital format only.
Music Composition — Original musical composition, with or without words. In digital format only.
Photography — Color or black and white. Included techniques: Photogram, negative sandwich or multiple exposure. In digital format only.
Visual Arts — Drawing, painting in oil, acrylic, watercolor, computer-generated art; two-dimensional collage We are accepting ONLY 2D visual art, In digital format only. Originals must be kept by the student.
DUE DATE November 3rd
Download Entry Forms Here > 2023-reflections-entry-KaMS.pdf
If you need reasonable assistance for participation such as, paper, pencils, paints, Ect. Please reach out to president@kamspta.org
To submit: please email your digital file to general@kamspta.org. If you file is too large to send, please email for an upload link.
Reflections Divisions
Participation is organized by student age and grade levels. Student works are critiqued against others in the same grade division. This allows recognition and judging of artworks by appropriate developmental age and skill levels.
Additionally, the Special Artist division is an option for students with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Generally, rules and guidelines within the special artists division are intended to ensure accessibility to the National PTA Reflections program and are modeled after the guidelines outlined in the ADA. Local PTA chairs should verify that artists meet this criteria before judging.
Judging
While the primary focus of Reflections is a celebration of creativity through positive recognition, finalists from local PTAs may advance to Council, then Council-level finalists will advance to Washington State PTA judging.
State finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation” award will advance to the National PTA round.
Entries are judged on creative ability and interpretation of the theme.