National PTA Reflections Art Competition, 2023-2024

"I Am Hopeful Because"

The Reflections Program is a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts competition. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works.

Deadline for submissions is Friday, November 17th, 2023

Students of all ages and abilities may participate and explore the arts based on the 2023-24 theme:

You can watch this video to learn more

You can view last year’s 33 entries here! 

How to Participate &

Learn More About Reflections

4 LEVELS OF RECOGNITION:

Canyon Creek -> District (Northshore) -> Washington State PTA -> National PTA

Introduction to Reflections

Watch a brief video about the Reflections program!

For cultivating student inspiration...

• Activity Sheets
• Coloring Sheets
• Puzzle

Rule Highlights

• Each entry must be the original work of one student only.
• An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student’s work (except for the special artist category).
• Each entry must have a title and an artist statement. The artist Statement must be at least 1 sentence and no more then 100 words. In the artist statement, students should tell us about their work and what it means to them.
• 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, instruments, props, etc.)? 
• What/Who was your inspiration?
• Entries are judged by local artists. Student names are hidden for judging. 
• Students may only submit one work per category, however they can submit an entry for as many categories as they'd like.

The Special Artist division is an option for students with disabilities who receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 to have the opportunity and accommodations they may need in order to participate fully in the 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. Download the Special Artist Rules/Guidelines.

How to Participate

Take inspiration from this year's theme, "I am hopeful because.." and create! Then complete an entry form for each submission:

• Reflections 2023-24 General Rules and Entry Form ** Printed forms will also be available in the school's main office. Download this entry form to participate.  Once you have the form completed it, submit it and the artwork using this form.

In addition to the general Reflections rules included in the entry packet above, there are also rules specific to each category.

Make sure to review the competition guidelines for each of the art categories:

• 2023-24 Dance Choreography Rules
• 2023-24 Film Production Rules
• 2023-24 Literature Rules
• 2023-24 Music Composition Rules
• 2023-24 Photography Rules
• 2023-24 Visual Arts Rules

Student Entry Form and submission form - Deadline for submissions is Friday, November 17th 2023.

Submission Guidelines

ALL Reflections entries will be submitted using this form. 

• Dance Choreography
• Film Production
• Literature
• Music Composition
• Photography
• Visual Arts (2D & 3D) will need to be uploaded to Google form AND turned in at the school office.Incase you are having trouble uploading the entry,please email us at canyoncreekreflections@gmail.com

Questions?

Please contact the Reflections Chairs: Foram Shah and Gomathi Sarma (reflections@canyoncreekpta.org) with any questions about this program or how it works!

Updated: 8/18/2023

Search for Next Year's Theme

Along with submitting a project for this year, you can also help choose the Reflections theme for next year.  And win a $100 prize! Keep reading to learn more.

National PTA is seeking a theme for the 2025-2026 Reflections Program Year. 

Washington students at schools with an active PTA/PTSA may submit their theme ideas (with parent/guardian authorization) via this form. The Washington State PTA Programs Committee will select a top 5 to submit to National PTA. The top 5 will be announced in November after the submission deadline.

Opens: Aug 1 2023 12:00 AM (PDT)

Deadline: Nov 1 2023 12:00 PM (PDT)

The student who submits the ultimate winning entry will receive $100 and have their theme presented at the National PTA Convention in 2024.

Please review the past themes listed here, as repeat themes will not be considered. Please direct any questions to ptaprogdir@wastatepta.org. 

The submission form, accessible via this link,green button to the right of the linked page, it requires the entrant to create an account with SM Apply. The form itself should take about 5 minutes to complete.

Here's a brief summary of what you will find on the application form, to assist with your preparation:

• Student Name
• Student's Theme Idea
• Student Address
• Student's School
• Parent/Guardian Contact Info
• Local PTA Name (if different from school name)