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The Reflections Arts program is a National PTA program that was established in 1969. Each year the National PTA holds a contest to select the theme for the subsequent year. The theme for the 2008-2009 program is “WOW”.
Reflections is designed to encourage and recognize each student’s individual creativity. A blind judging process (no artist names showing) scores each entry on artistic merit, creativity, and interpretation of theme. Schools which have a PTA in good standing are qualified to participate in the Reflections Arts recognition program.
Preschool through grade 12 students are invited to participate by submitting their original artistic endeavors in one of 4 traditional categories: Literature; Photograph; Musical Composition; and Visual Arts. Two new categories have been added for the 2006-2007 program: Film/Video Production and Dance Choreography.
Rules that are established by the National PTA must be followed at every level, beginning with the local level. Detailed rules are posted on the National PTA and New York State PTA websites: www.pta.org or www.nyspta.org .
Some basic criteria for each category are as follows:
Literature: Entries must not exceed 2000 words. One original and one copy are to be submitted. Entries can be handwritten or typed. Number all pages. Illustrated entries are acceptable, however, only the literary content is judged. Entries are to reflect grade-appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Collections are not acceptable, however, a student may submit more than one work separately. I would say "as many entries as they like." Format: Submit entries on any kind of paper, not to exceed 8 ½” X 11”. Submit the original and one copy in a manila folder with the Official Entry Form stapled to the back of the folder. DO NOT mount entries. Write the student’s name on the back of each page in case the pages become separated.
Visual Arts: All art must be flat and not exceed more than a 3/8” thickness-no three dimensional artwork (including glued on materials). No art may exceed 24” X 30”, including a mat. Entries must be submitted on paper, canvas board, cardboard, hot or cold pressboard, or canvas-limited to 3/8” thickness. Mount all paper or canvas entries on sturdy cardboard mats, but not in frames. Shrink wrapping is optional but highly recommended, lamination is discouraged. Place the Official Entry Form in a sheet protector and tape it (with masking tape) to the back of the artwork.
Photography: Mount all prints on a cardboard mat, poster board, or other sturdy material-no frames. Shrink-wrap or other transparent plastic covering is optional but highly recommended. Place the Official Entry Form in a sheet protector and tape it (with masking tape) to the back of the photograph on top of the shrink-wrap. A single print or collage may not exceed 11” X 14” including mat.
Musical Composition: Students in grades six through twelve must submit musical notation (consult detailed rules) along with their cassette tape or CD – [the national rules are confusing here because they say at first "New CDS should be used with a memory of 6 60 minutes or less." There is no such thing; one music CD can go for about 70 minutes. It should say a cassette tape of 60 minutes or less, or a CD." Later on they mention CDs. Not everyone will be able to do a CD. Their list for music judging also shows that whoever wrote the rules doesn't know music! Entries may not exceed 5 minutes. Students are not required to perform their own compositions - a group may perform the composition. Score size may not exceed 11” X 14”. Band or Orchestra compositions may be 11” x 16”. Do not mount or bind the scores. In a large envelope, submit the score and a cassette or CD recording of the composition in a case with labels on both identifying the student’s name, grade, state and year. Secure the Official Entry Form to the outside of the envelope with masking tape.
Film/Video Production: The student submitting the entry must be the director, screenwriter, cameraperson, and editor. Entries may not exceed 5 minutes. All grade divisions must submit a videotape, DVD, or computer disk (with proper format and resolution) of the performance in a plastic or cardboard container. The container and media should be labeled with the name, grade division, state, and year. Pack entry in large envelope with Official Entry Form secured to the outside of the envelope with masking tape.
Dance Choreography: The entry must be the work of one student, however, there may be up to three dancers performing the choreography. The choreographer does not have to be one of the performers. If costumes are used, the choreographer must also create the costumes. Entries may not exceed 5 minutes. All grade divisions must submit a videotape or DVD of the performance in a plastic or cardboard container labeled with the name, grade division, state, and year. The entry should be packed in a large envelope with Official Entry Form secured to the outside of the envelope with masking tape.
Regardless of the category, each entry must be the original work created by one student only and may not be altered by an adult. Entries are judged on artistic merit, creativity and interpretation of the theme. Proper credit must be given when using music in dance or film/video productions. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified. Be certain to refer to detailed rules to ensure compliance with all guidelines, measurements, and time restrictions. Check with your local unit to determine the deadline for entries in your school. If you are interested in starting a Reflections Arts program in your school or have other questions, please contact Ellen Galo at 265-4268 or ggalo@twcny.rr.com.
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