Reflections is the National PTA fine arts program that asks children to get creative!  Students are invited to create works of art in six different art categories, reflecting upon a different theme each year.  The six arts categories are: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music, Composition, Photography and Visual Arts.  Based on State PTA Rules and Guidelines, these works of art may be submitted for state and national level awards and recognition opportunities.  

Submissions are reviewed by arts category and division.  All Reflections program entries are judged on three criteria:  

• Interpretation of Theme:  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 or the arts area.  

Judges strongly consider the interpretation of the theme during the evaluation process.  It is suggested that students give their submissions a title that stands out and describes how the piece relates to the student’s personal interpretation of the theme.  The following 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 did you use to create your work (e.g., supplies, technology, instrumentation, props, etc.)
• What/who was your inspiration? 

Use the arts to share your personal Reflections on this year’s theme: Show Your Voice! 

SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE  *TBD* ...

RULES

Dance Choreography.  Each entry must be the original work for one student only.  Entrant must be the choreographer and may also be the performer.  All dance styles are accepted. If background music is used, cite it on the entry form.  Video must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1,000 MB in file size.  Accepted formats: AVI and MP4. 

Film Production.  Accepted short film styles include animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or multimedia.  Entrant must be the producer, screenwriter, director, cinematographer, and editor.  PowerPoint presentations are prohibited.  If background music is used, it must be cited on the entry form.  Video must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1,000 MB in file size.  Accepted formats: AVI and MP4.  

Literature.  Accepted forms of fiction and nonfiction include prose, poetry, drama, reflective essay, narrative and short story.  Entrants may write in their primary language as long as an interpretive English translation is also attached.  Submissions must not exceed 2,000 words.  Hand written and typed entries are accepted on 8.5 x 11 paper (one sided only), in a .pdf file.  Each page of the submission must be numbered. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited.  DO NOT add your name to any part of your literature submission anywhere on the front side of the paper. 

Music Composition.  All music styles and combinations of instrumentation are accepted. Entrant must be the composer and may also be the performer.  Use of copyrighted material is prohibited.  Audio recording must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1,000 MB in file size.  Accepted formats: MP3 and WAV.

Photography.  Photo must be a single print/digital image.  Collages and collections of photos are not accepted.  Use of copyrighted material is prohibited.  Original black-and-white and color images are accepted. Entrant must be the photographer and may use a variety of digital editing techniques including but not limited to multiple exposure, negative sandwich and photogram.  Print must be no smaller than 5x7 inches with an 8x10 size matting and no larger than 8x10 inches.  Digital image dimensions must be at least 640x960 (pixels) and 300 dpi (resolution).  Accepted formats: JPEG, JPG and PNG. 

Visual Arts.  Works of both fine and design arts are accepted, including but not limited to, architecture (2D/3D), ceramics, collages, photographic collages (multiple photos cut/pasted), computer-generated image, dioramas, drawing, painting, printmaking, original needle point/embroidery and sculpture.  Reproductions or enlargements of other artwork are not accepted.  Use of copyrighted material is prohibited.  2D artwork must be no larger than 18x24 inches.  Include one digital image with your submission.  3D artwork must contain 3 digital images of artwork at different angles.  Accepted formats: JPEG, JPG and PNG. 

Special Artist.  Students who identify as having a disability may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may enter the Special Artist Division or grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities.  See Official Rules for details.  

HOW to enter 

Submissions are due to PTA- Attn: Becky Dandy by *TBD*....  Please email Becky Dandy at mubecca15@gmail.com with any questions.