About the Program
National PTA's Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life.
Each year over 300,000 students from Pre-K through 12th Grade create original works of art in response to a student selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps them to 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 . . . . Students submit their completed works of art in one or more of the available categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts.
Student winners from the local level have the opportunity to move up through their district, region, council, and state PTA programs to the national level. National Reflections winners are announced in May and celebrated annually at the National PTA's Convention & Expo in June. National PTA then collects and curates the traveling exhibit for the next year.
There are 2 contests students may enter:
1) Theme Search Contest - Students help pick a theme that will spark fun and creativity during the 2022-2023 Reflections Program. The student who submits the winning entry, will receive $100 prize from National PTA.
2) Reflections Artwork Contest - Students create original artwork in accordance with the theme I Matter Because . . . in any of 6 possible categories.
Reflections Theme Contest
Students are invited to submit a concept to be considered for a future Reflections program theme. Every year, one student’s theme is selected by a team of National PTA volunteers and the winning student is awarded and recognized. The student who submits the winning entry, will receive $100 prize from National PTA. See Past Program Themes.
Special Artist Division
The Special Artist division is an option for students with disabilities who receive services under IDEA or Section 504 to have the opportunity and accommodations they may need in order to participate fully in the National PTA Reflections Program. The Special Artist division offers modified rules and guidelines to ensure that every student has the chance to be part of the National PTA Reflections program.
Awards and Exhibits
Student entries submitted to the national level go through two rounds of review by esteemed arts professionals across the country. Over 200 students are recognized for their achievements in the arts and their works are exhibited throughout the year. Top national-level winners are provided prizes and scholarships and their works are showcased and exhibited.
Mary Lou Anderson Arts Enhancement Grant
This grant provides matching dollar funding to local PTAs to support in-school and after-school arts enhancement projects within their communities. PTAs serving at-risk student populations are particularly encouraged to apply.
Deadlines
Theme Search Contest: Entries must be received by MDPTA by Friday, November 6, 2020.
Reflections Art Contest: Entries must be received by Meiyu Tsung, Hoover MS Reflections Chairperson (MeiyuTsung@hotmail.com), by Tuesday, December 1, 2020.
Reflections Art Contest: Entries must be received by Meiyu Tsung, Hoover MS Reflections Chairperson (MeiyuTsung@hotmail.com), by Tuesday, December 1, 2020.
Rules and Guidelines
Summary of Rules - Must be read by all participants. Contains IMPORTANT information including the file format for submissions.
Official Rules - Must be read by all participants.
Dance Choreography Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Film Production Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Literature Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Music Composition Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Photography Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Visual Arts Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Special Artists - All Disciplines Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Official Rules - Must be read by all participants.
Dance Choreography Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Film Production Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Literature Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Music Composition Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Photography Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Visual Arts Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Special Artists - All Disciplines Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Entry Forms for Participation
Student Entry Form - Theme Search Contest
Student Entry Form - Art Contest
Be Creative and Get Involved
This year's theme - I Matter Because . . .
Watch Anna King, National PTA President-Elect, talk about the latest theme for PTA Reflections and how it was selected and can inspire young artists today.
Reasons why to enter Reflections.
This year's theme - I Matter Because . . .
Watch Anna King, National PTA President-Elect, talk about the latest theme for PTA Reflections and how it was selected and can inspire young artists today.
Reasons why to enter Reflections.
This year, Reflections submissions are ENTIRELY VIRTUAL.
