2024-2025 Reflections Contest
The 2024-2025 Reflections theme is Accepting Imperfection.
The 2023-24 REFLECTIONS theme was “I am Hopeful Because..”. Two winners per grade were selected for each category for a chance to be recognized at the ECCC level. We are pleased to announce that two MVES students, Viraj Bhandarkar and Aria Mattoo were selected to represent the ECC at the state level. Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to all who participated.
National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. The 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 in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps them 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.
How can you get started in with Reflections? Follow these steps:
CHOOSE AN ARTS CATEGORY
A student may submit an entry in any of six arts areas. Only original works of art are accepted. This is your chance to express who you are as an individual through one or more of the following categories:
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Film Production: Accepted short film styles include: Animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or media presentation. Use of PowerPoint is prohibited. Entrant must be the screenwriter, cinematographer, editor and producer. If background music is used, cite it on the entry form. Video file must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1,000 MB (1,000 megabyte) in file size and be in MP4 or AVI format. Detailed instructions and rules can be found here, Film-Production.docx (live.com) | ||
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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 formats: Single-sided print on 8 ½x11” paper, PDF file. Detailed instructions and rules can be found here, Literature.docx (live.com)
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Music Composition: All music styles and combinations of instrumentation are accepted. Entrant must be the composer and may also be the performer, or one of the performers. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Audio recording must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1,000 MB (1,000 megabyte) in file size. Accepted audio file formats include: MP3 and WAV. Notation (score/tablature) in PDF format is only required for middle and high school divisions. In place of a notated score entrant may include a written reflective statement that provides a musically technical explanation of how you wrote the music (100 words or less). Detailed instructions and rules can be found here, Music-Composition.docx (live.com) |
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Photography: Photo must be a single print/digital image. Collages and collections of photos are not accepted. Entrant must be the photographer and may use a variety of digital editing techniques including but not limited to, multiple exposure, 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. Accepted print formats: Mounted on mat or poster board no larger than 11x14 inches. Framed prints are not accepted. Digital image dimensions must be at least 640x960 (pixels) and 300 dpi (resolution). Accepted file formats: JPEG, JPG, and PNG. Detailed instructions and rules can be found here, Photography.docx (live.com)
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Visual Arts: Works of both fine and design arts are accepted, including but not limited to: architectural drawing and models, ceramics, collage, computer generated images and graphics, crafts, drawing, fashion clothes and jewelry, fiber work, mixed media, painting, printmaking and sculpture. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. 2D artworks must be mounted on sturdy material and no larger than 24x30 inches with matting. Framed entries are not accepted. Include one digital image of artwork with your submission. 3D artwork submissions must contain 3 digital images of artwork at different angles. Image(s) are used for artwork identification, judging and exhibition purposes. Accepted file formats: JPEG, JPG, and PNG. Detailed instructions and rules can be found here, Visural-Arts.docx (live.com)
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| 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. The Special Artist Division welcomes all grades and all abilities and offers non-artistic accommodations (e.g. adaptive technology; transcribing; holding a camera) for students to participate fully in PTA Reflections. Student assistants must refrain from being involved in the artistic process (e.g. developing an artist statement, choreography, music lyrics, storyboards, etc. Student recognition and awards are announced as part of the Special Artist Division. Detailed instructions and rules can be found here, Special-Artist.docx (live.com) |
Follow program rules provided by the Georgia PTA and consider the following criteria. For inspiration, visit our national award-winning Art Gallery.
Review Criteria
- Interpretation: How closely the piece relates to the theme, based on the artwork itself and the artist statement.
- Creativity: How creative and original the piece is in its conception of the theme and its presentation.
- Technique: The level of skill demonstrated in the basic principles/techniques of the arts area.
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY
Follow the MVES PTA deadlines and instructions on how to enter (varies by school year).
Use the Avoiding Common Mistakes Checklist to ensure your entry is ready for submission!
WIN AWARDS AND PRIZES!
Be considered for local, regional, state and national level awards and prizes. Learn more about the national-level awards and events.
Visit the National PTA Reflections webpage for official rules and more.
2022-2023 Reflections Contest
The 2022-23 REFLECTIONS theme was “Show Your Voice..”. Two winners per grade were selected for each category for a chance to be recognized at the ECCC level. Thank you to all who participated.
2021-2022 Reflections Contest
The 2021 REFLECTIONS theme was “I Will Change the World By...”. Two winners per grade were selected for each category for a chance to be recognized at the ECCC level.
We are pleased to announce the Georgia PTA Reflections Contest winner from Mountain View ES: Film / Video - Riya Kumar (5th Grade). Thank you to all of our participants, and a special congratulations to Riya!
For questions contact reflections@mountainviewpta.org
