REFLECTIONS ART PROGRAM: 2024-2025 CALL FOR ENTRIES
 
Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-created theme. 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.
 
This year's National PTA theme is: "Accepting Imperfection," chosen by Paige Opaska, an 8th grader from Barbara Bush Middle School PTA in San Antonio, Texas. Paige described her theme in this way: “‘Accepting Imperfection’ is a reminder to myself that mistakes are welcome because they are a part of being human. Our flaws are as much a part of us as our strengths, so being imperfect should be perfect enough for us.”
 
Students submit their original works of art in one or all of the available arts categories and participate in the appropriate division for their grade: Primary (Pre-K - Grade 2), Intermediate (Grades 3-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12), Accessible Arts* (All grades welcome).
 
The Arts Categories are Film Production, Music Composition, Visual Arts, Dance, Literature, and Photography. If your student is interested in participating, please fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/vGZR4GWUnQandBzS8.

Submission Deadline OCTOBER 25, 2024. 

Please contact arts@greenpta.org with any questions.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What are the deadlines to participate?

Each state PTA determines its own process and deadlines for Reflections submissions, so deadlines vary by state. Green Elementary's submission deadline for 2024 is October 25th.

 

What do the national Reflections award winners receive? When will you announce the awardees?

State-winning Reflections submissions that advance to the national level go through two rounds of review by arts professionals from across the country. Through the review, over 200 student Reflections participants are selected for recognition with the following awards from National PTA: Award of Merit, Award of Excellence and Award of Outstanding Interpretation. The national awardees are announced on May 1 and are celebrated throughout the following calendar year. Learn more  at PTA.org/ReflectionsAwards. 

What is the Accessible Arts division?

The division (previously the Special Artist division) was created in 2012 through collaboration between a PTA volunteer committee and arts professionals with expertise in disability advocacy in the arts. The division offers modified rules and guidelines for students with disabilities, who may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504, to participate in the Reflections program. Students may enter the Accessible Arts division and be recognized and awarded prizes as part of the division OR students may enter the grade division most closely aligned to their support needs and be recognized and awarded prizes in the selected division. For specific questions, refer to your state’s Reflections website to ensure that you are participating in the program per their requirements.

Why did the Accessible Arts division change names?

In April 2024, National PTA launched the Accessible Arts division as the replacement title for the Reflections Special Artist division. This change is in response to concern around the term “special” and based on feedback gathered from participants, volunteers and partner non-profit organizations. Moving forward with the title Accessible Arts division recognizes the importance of evolving how we talk about disability to align with and be more inclusive of people with disabilities.  

Does National PTA require PTA membership to participate in the Reflections program?

The Reflections program is an opportunity made available to students through local PTA units. Students are eligible to participate according to the requirements, including membership, set by their state PTA. National PTA does not accept individual entries. Contact your state PTA office with eligibility questions and visit your state’s Reflections website for details to understand what options for participation are available to your family.

REFLECTIONS PROGRAM

Reflections has been a staple arts program in many schools for over 50 years. Through the efforts of our Local PTAs, millions of students have found a creative outlet in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts.

 

With positive recognition as the focus of this program, rather than competition, students of all ages and abilities can experience the benefits of creative expression and help in finding their own voice in telling their unique story.  Started in 1969 by Mary Lou Anderson, then Colorado PTA President, Reflections has grown to be one of the largest nationwide programs of its kind, with more than 200,000 students participating annually.

 

Visit the 2022-2023 Reflections Gallery to see examples of entries that were awarded by Texas PTA in past years. And see last year's State and National results.

 

Express your artistic talent and tell us how you plan to show your voice through Reflections!