Students in Pre-K through grade 12, and a special artist division are invited to create theme-based artwork in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts. Membership in the Virginia PTA provides the opportunity to participate in the National PTA Reflections Arts Contest.
To help all students 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 Does It Work?
• Students REFLECT on a common theme and use their imagination to CREATE original works of art.
• All participants CELEBRATE and share their artistic works with their family, school and community.
Reflections Awards Program
Students in Pre-K through grade 12 create theme-based artwork in dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts.
This year’s theme is
Grab your entry forms here!
Learn about the different categories below!
Dance Choreography
Solo and ensemble works of all dance styles are accepted. 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. Written release from performers other than entrant must also be included.
VIDEO
- File must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size.
- Accepted formats: AVI, FLV, WMV, MOV, MP4.
Dance Choreography Guidelines:
Film Production
Accepted short film styles include: Animation, Narrative, Documentary, Experimental, or Media presentation. 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 min. and 1 GB in size.
- Accepted formats: AVI, FLV, WMV, MOV, MP4.
- Use of PowerPoint is prohibited.
Film Production Guidelines:
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 so long as an interpretive English translation is also attached. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited.
WRITING
- Must not exceed 2,000 words.
- May be handwritten or typed.
- Single-sided print on 8 ½x11” paper.
- PDF file
Literature Guidelines:
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
- File must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size.
- Accepted formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, ACC, FLAC.
Music Composition Guidelines:
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.
- Must be no smaller than 3×5 inches and no larger than 8×10 inches.
- Accepted print formats: Mounted on mat or poster board no larger than 11×14 inches.
- Framed prints are not accepted.
DIGITAL IMAGE
- Dimensions must be at least 640×960 (pixels) and 300 dpi (resolution).
- Accepted file formats: JPEG, JPG, GIF, PNG.
Photography Guidelines:
Special Artist Division
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.
This Special Artist Division welcomes students from all grades and offers non-artistic accommodations for students to participate fully in PTA Reflections. Student recognition and awards are announced as part of the Special Artist Division.
ACCOMODATIONS:
- Non-artistic accommodations (e.g. adaptive technology; transcribing; holding a camera)
- Assistants must refrain from being involved in the artistic process (e.g. developing an artist statement, choreography, music lyrics, storyboards, etc.)
Special Artist Guidelines:
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.
2D WORKS
- Mounted on sturdy material.
- No larger than 24×30 inches with matting.
- Framed entries are not accepted.
- Include one digital image of artwork with your submission.
3D WORKS
- Include 3 digital images of artwork at different angles.
LMES PTA 