Programs
Rules for Submission
Through PTA’s Reflections Program, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme each year. This 50+ year-old program helps them explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.
The theme for the 2020-2021 program year is
I Matter Because....
Forms & Resources
- Register your PTA Annually to Participate in Reflections
- Online Student Entry Form
- Student Entry Form Printable Template
- Local Leader's Guide for 2020-2021
- Reflections Chair's Handbook
- Leader's Checklist (also in the Local Leader's Guide)
- Downloadable Theme Logos & Graphics
- Reviewers' Instructions & Judging Criteria (also in the Local Leader's Guide)
- Reflections Celebration Guide (also in the Local Leader's Guide)
- NPTA Toolkit, Forms, and Rules
- Downloadable Reflections Theme Search Contest 2022-2023 packet
Reflections Arts Competition
About Us
Create an Original Work of Art
Students submit their new and original works of art in one or all of the available arts categories (only one submission per category per student):
- Dance Choreography
- Film Production
- Literature
- Music Composition
- Photography
- Visual Arts
Submit Your Entry
Students interested in participating in the Reflections program should begin by connecting with their local PTA and following all deadlines and instructions. The submission must include a completed Student Entry Form. It is suggested that students give their submissions a title that stands out. The required Artist Statement should describe how the piece relates to the student’s personal interpretation of the theme. The following guiding questions can be useful when developing a title and artist statement:
- How does your work relate to the theme?
- What is your personal connection to the theme?
- What/who was your inspiration?
Student winners from the local and council levels have the opportunity to move up to the state level.
Judging Criteria
Volunteer arts and education experts will review submissions without knowledge of the entrants’ identity. During the evaluation process, judges will consider the following criteria:
- Interpretation: How closely the piece relates to the theme, based on the work itself and the artist statement.
- Creativity: How creative and original the piece is in its conception of the theme and its presentation.
- Technique: The level of skill demonstrated in the basic principles/techniques of the arts area.
First Place winners in each category and age division will move on the national level. National winners are announced in May and celebrated at the National PTA Convention and Expo in June.
Arkansas PTA looks forward to many creative entries from our students again this year!
Brenda Velosky
Arkansas State PTA Reflections Chair