hero-2019-ref-reflectionslogoReflections Program

Explore the Arts and Express Yourself!

Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program started in 1969 that helps students 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 not only in school, but in life.

 

Each year, more than 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts, and Accessible Art Division.

 

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This year's theme is "What My Culture Means to Me".r26-27_themetext_800x600

 

 Follow these steps and submit your artwork by November 15th: 

  1. Consider this year’s theme “What My Culture Means to Me” and decide which category (or categories) you would like to enter. One entry per person per category allowed.
    • Dance Choreography
    • Film Production
    • Literature
    • Music Composition
    • Photography
    • Visual Arts
    • Accessible Arts
  2. Create your masterpiece! Express who you are and why your voice matters in whatever way best reflects you and your talents. (Make sure your art follows the category rules.) Keep in mind that judges think about 3 criteria when scoring for Reflections.
    • Interpretation of Theme (40 pts.)
    • Creativity (30 pts.)
    • Technique (30 pts.) 
  3. Check out General Program Rules and Category Rules at the Fairfax County Council PTA website. 
    • Create an artwork file.
    • Keep your original artwork safe. Original hard copies of art will be required if/when you advance to the national level of this contest (not before then).
    • Technology can enhance an entry, but it can't provide the main design. Templates and graphics from apps should be used sparingly and changed to create something new.
    • Entries must be new artwork inspired by the theme.
    • Each entry must be the original work of one student.
    • Each entry must include a title and an artist statement. The artist statement (10-100 words, in the student's own words) explains the work, the student's take on the theme, and their creative process.
    • Titles should be creative and highlight the artwork. They can be inspired by the theme but should not copy it.
    • Please see section 4 of the Official Rules listed on the Entry Forms (English | Spanish) for file size limitations and accepted file types. These vary depending on the type of art entry. Generally, file sizes must not exceed 1,000 MB (1GB). Literature entries must be within 2,000 words, handwritten or typed, and submitted in PDF format.
  4. Name your Artwork file as follow: student last name.first.name.school.category.age division.”artwork title”
    Ex: Smith.Joseph.HuntersWoodsES.visualarts.primary.artwork title

  5. Name your student Entry form as follow: student last name.first.name.school.caregory.agedivision.”entry form”
    Ex: Smith.Joseph.HuntersWoodsES.literature.elementary.”entry form”

  6. Determine your age division. The grades included at Hunters Woods span several divisions.
    • Primary: Pre-K to Grade 2
    • Intermediate: Grades 3-5
    • Middle School: Grades 6-8
    • Accessible Arts: All Grades

On or before November 15th, Complete the Entry Forms (English | Spanish).

 

Specific instructions for submitting your entry form and artwork will be added here soon.


Thank you for participating! Email info@hwpta.org with any questions.