Click Here for More Detailed Information and Entry Forms
from Phyllis Sweeden, Arts in Education Chair

What is Reflections?

The PTA believes all children deserve a quality arts education and encourages students to pursue artistic expression through participation in its annual arts Reflections Program. The Texas Reflections program has the most participation of any PTA program with entries totaling over 75,000 across the state. The program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. Students in preschool through grade 12 are encouraged to create and submit works of art in four areas: literature, musical composition, photography and the visual arts. In its more than 30-year history, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to create works of art.

Each year, the Reflections Program challenges students to create art that supports a specific theme.
Students participate in the Reflections Program by submitting entries to their local PTA or PTSA. Any PTA/PTSA in good standing is eligible to sponsor a Reflections Program.

A great learning experience

Participating in the Reflections Program is an opportunity for students to explore and learn about various art forms. It does not matter whether an entry created for the Reflections Program has been created as a classroom assignment or independently at home. Artistic exploration and expression enhance and develop intellectual, social and physical skills. Creating art is a valuable learning process.
When children express themselves through words, pictures, music, photography and other art forms, they grow intellectually. They learn to analyze their thoughts, feelings and ideas. They learn to look at things, people and experiences in a fresh and exciting way and they become more interested in the ideas and works of others. The Reflections Program also helps parents encourage and recognize the continuous self-discovery process of their children.

The PTA's Reflections Program is designed to enhance rather than replace a quality arts education. It provides opportunities for students to express themselves and to receive positive recognition for their artistic efforts. Parents, teachers and community members all play a critical role in fostering a positive learning environment for children. Supporting the Reflections Program is one way adults can help create that environment.

Participation

Young artists participate in the Reflections Program through their local PTA or PTSA. A student may submit an entry in any of the four arts areas listed below. Only original works of art are accepted. Arts areas are: Literature, Musical Composition, Photography and Visual Arts.
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. Grade divisions are: Primary (preschool-grade 2), Intermediate (grades 3-5), Middle/Junior (grades 6-8) and Senior (grades 9-12).

The Reflections Program is structured for PTAs to recognize students at the local, council, district, state and national levels.

A word to parents

As with any student activity, parent involvement and support are very important. But parents must remember that student artists need to create their own works. Children must make their own decisions about what to create and what to enter in the Reflections Program. By creating their own literature, musical compositions, photography and visual art, children not only learn about the arts, more importantly, they learn about themselves.
Supporting the Reflections Program is one way that you can support the arts in your home, school and community.