Reflections
Reflections Theme for 2023
"I am Hopeful Because......"
Reflections is a National PTA-sponsored arts recognition program introduced in 1969 that encourages artistic expression. 'Reflections' has grown to be one of the largest nationwide program of its kind, with more than 200,000 students participating annually. 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 find their voice in telling their unique store.
Participation Requirements: The student or at least one person from their primary household must be a current member of the Local PTA/PTSA where the student is participating. Use of copyrighted material, including any copyrighted cartoon characters or likeness thereof, is not acceptable in any submission.
Entry Requirements: Each entry must be the original work of the participating student.
Categories and Divisions
Students 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), Special Artist (All grades welcome).*
Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories:
Visual Arts: Accepted forms of visual art include: 2D original print, drawing, painting, collage (cut and pasted materials such as clippings and photos), metal etching or punch work, fiber work, or computer-generated artwork. Frames and artwork containing loose materials are not accepted. Matting is accepted. Dimensions must not exceed 24x30 inches, including mat. Paper entries must be mounted on sturdy material. 3D objects (i.e., beads, pasta, etc.) glued to artwork are prohibited. The artwork must be 2D.
Photography: The photo must be a single print. Collages and collections of photos are not accepted. The entrant must be the photographer and may use various digital editing techniques, including but not limited to multiple exposures, negative sandwich, and photogram. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Print image dimensions must be no smaller than 3x5 inches and no larger than 8X10 inches. The final product should not be larger than 11x14 inches with matting. Framed prints are not accepted. Literature: Accepted forms of fiction and nonfiction include prose, poetry, reflective essay, screen play and play script, narrative, and short story. Entrants may write in their primary language as long as an interpretive English translation is also attached. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Writing must not exceed 2,000 words and may be handwritten or typed. Accepted format: Single-sided on 8 1⁄2x11" paper.
Music Composition: All music styles and combinations of instrumentation are accepted. The entrant must be the composer and may also be the performer or one of the performers. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Audio file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size. Accepted formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, ACC, FLAC. Printed Notation (score/tablature) is only required for middle and high school divisions. Dance Choreography: Solo and ensemble works of all dance styles are accepted. The entrant must be the choreographer and may also be the performer or one of the performers. If background music is used, cite it on the entry form. The video file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size. Accepted formats: AVI, FLV, WMV, MOV, MP4.
Film Production: Accepted short film styles include animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or media presentation. Use of PowerPoint is prohibited. The entrant must be the screenwriter, cinematographer, editor, and producer. If background music is used, cite it on the entry form. The video file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size. Accepted formats: AVI, FLV, WMV, MOV, MP4. Packaging: For every entry submitted, a student entry form should be attached to the outside in a sheet protector.
DUE DATE: October 31, 2023
Have fun, and make sure all entries relate to the theme.
For questions, please email Vandana Khosla, the Arts in Education/Reflections Chair, at reflections@mysparkspta.org.
*Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may enter in the Special Artist Division or grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities.
