The PTA Reflections Program was described by its founder, Mary Lou Anderson, as “almost too simple.” That simplicity—of asking children to express themselves artistically based on a common theme—is the foundation of this long-standing PTA program.

Students submit artwork to their local PTAs. Works are judged at the local level and the winning entries advance to the council, district, region, and/or state PTA levels, depending on the state structure. Top state award–winning entries advance to the national level of judging.

Each level of Reflections Program judging follows a set of projects that include:

•  Appointing a Reflections chair (or forming a Reflections committee)
• Establishing a Reflections network
• Establishing a timeline
•  Promoting the program
• Distributing the rules, deadlines, and entry forms
• Collecting artwork for judging
• Organizing and hosting the judging
• Celebrating the winners
• Submitting winning artwork and required forms to the next level of judging
• Returning the remaining artwork to students

Read the Local Arts Chairs' Guide and the State Arts Chairs' Guide

Please note: Only PTAs in good standing may host the Reflections Program.

Arts Areas

Students may submit works in any of six arts areas listed below. PTAs may participate in one or more of the categories:

• Dance choreography
• Film production
• Literature
• Musical composition
• Photography
• Visual arts

Grade Divisions

Students should enter the Reflections Program in the appropriate division for their grade. The divisions are as follows:

• Primary: preschool–grade 2
• Intermediate: grades 3–5
• Middle/Junior: grades 6–8
• Senior: grades 9–12

Students must adhere to general student participation rules as well as rules for their specific arts area. See the Rules and Entry Forms page for more information.