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2024-25 Reflections Theme Announced!
This year's theme for Reflections, the national PTA arts program, has been announced! Your children are invited to create a piece of artwork in one of six categories that reflects this year's theme, “Accepting Imperfection". They can choreograph a dance, produce a film, write a poem or story, compose a song, take photos, or create a piece of visual art, then explain how it relates to the theme. Our students have been recognized at the local, state and national level in recent years. This is a great way for your children to earn recognition for their artistic talents. Entrees are due by Wednesday, November 6th, in the school office. For more information and entry guidelines, visit the PTA Council website and scroll to reflections tab near the bottom:https://www.elmhurst205.org/page/pta-council
The Reflections Program was established in 1969 by the National PTA. Since that time, more than 10 million students have participated in this annual program.
The PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. A theme is given and students can submit work in one of the categories. 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.
Young artists may submit an entry in any of the six arts areas listed below. There also is a special artist division option for students with disabilities to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate in the program. Only original works of art are accepted. It does not matter whether an entry created for the Reflections Program has been created as a classroom assignment or independently at home. Only individual, original works of art are accepted. No group projects are allowed. Once judged at the local level, the winners go on to the council and/or district judging. Those winners go to the Illinois PTA to receive recognition.
The six arts areas for each category are listed below.
Dance Choreography
Music Composition
Photography
Visual Arts
Literature
Film Production
Special Artist
Any questions? Please email the Bryan Middle School PTA (bryanmiddleschoolpta205@gmail.com) and chair: Maria Flynn @mariamflynn@hotmail.com
Click here for the State of Illinois Reflection Website.
Rules for each category are linked below. Please carefully read the rules for specific categories. Failure to submit a proper entry form or follow specific arts category rules could disqualify a project.
More information on the PTA Reflections competition can be accessed on the Elmhurst PTA Council website.
ARTIST FAQ
Can I submit more than one project?
Absolutely! Students may submit as many projects as they like, in as many arts categories as they like.
Can I submit a project with a partner or team?
No. Each entry must be the original work of one student only. An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student's work. Because the program is designed to encourage and recognize each student's individual creativity, help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed except in the Special Artist Division. Other individuals may appear in or perform a student's work, but the work itself must be the creative product of one student only. Only one student may be recognized as the award recipient for each entry. See specific arts category rules and special artist division rules for details.
Can my parents help with my project?
See answer to question above.
Do I have to write an "artist's statement"?
Yes. This is required for each entry. Qualifying entries must include a project title and artist statement. The artist statement communicates what inspired the work, how it relates to the theme, and the content of the work. The statement must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words.
What is the judging criteria for projects advancing to the next level?
Interpretation - How closely the piece relates to the theme, based on the artwork itself and the artist statement. (The artist statement -- which is part of the Entry Form -- is very important!)
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.
MORE ABOUT REFLECTIONS
The Reflections Program was established in 1969 by the National PTA. Since that time, more than 10 million students have participated in this annual program.
The PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. A theme is given and students can submit work in one of the categories. 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.