PTA Reflections Arts Contest Deadline October 15, 2023
The National PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. The Reflections Program provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a pre-selected theme, while increasing community awareness on the importance of the arts in education.
This year’s theme is “I am hopeful because…” All students at Cumberland are invited to participate and submit original artwork in one of six areas:
| Dance Choreography | Literature | Photography |
| Film Production | Music Composition | Visual Arts |
2. Write Your Artist Statement:
In 10 to 100 words, describe your work and how it relates to the theme.
3. Submit Your Artwork Online
Submission is virtual at this link: https://forms.gle/abdMv6u1Po9nvNRL9
Anything Else I Need to Know?
- Please first refer to the General Rules provided by the National Reflections program. The General Rules are also available in Spanish.
- All entries submitted must be original works and must relate to the annual theme.
- Each entry must be the work of one student. Help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed, except in the Special Artist Division.
- Participation encourages creativity and exploration. Students should do their best. Crooked lines, incorrect musical notes, or misspelled words do not disqualify any entry.
- Entries are anonymized before judging, so please put the artist’s name on the back of artwork and not the front. For dance choreography, film production and music composition do not include the creator’s name within the entry itself.
- BEFORE creation, please check the specific rules for the category of artwork. https://capta.org/resource/participant-forms/
- Every Entry must have a correctly completed Entry Form or it cannot be considered for judging. The entry form is available in English and Spanish at the virtual entry link above.
All students are welcome at Reflections Day, Thursday September 21st from 2:30-3:45 and 6:00-7:00 in the multipurpose room. Learn about the contest from past participants and explore art techniques.
How Will My Work be Judged?
Three impartial judges will look at the art work submitted in each category and division and grade them by 3 criterias:
- Interpretation of this year’s theme
- Creativity
- Technique
The 1st place in each category/division from Cumberland will be submitted to the council level PTA for recognition.
Keep an eye out for celebrations and an exhibit of all Cumberland contestants’ artwork later in the school year.
Who Can Participate?
All students can participate! If you are passionate about your art and you would like to share it with others – this competition is for you!
Participation in the Reflections Program is organized by school grade.
Student works are critiqued against others in the same grade division. This allows recognition and judging of artworks by appropriate developmental age and skill levels.
The three grade divisions relevant to elementary school are:
- Primary Division: T-K to Grade 2
- Intermediate Division: Grades 3-5
- Special Artist Division: a division 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 program.**
** Qualifying students create their own artwork, but may receive non-artistic accommodation or assistance from an adult. Or, qualifying students may choose to follow all general and arts category rules, but receive accommodation to submit Reflections entries in the grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities.
Participation and appreciation for the arts is the Reflections Program’s goal. Although the Reflections Program follows a “contest” format, winning is not the emphasis.
Questions?
If you are interested in judging or have more questions, please contact cumberlandpta.ptareflections@gmail.com.