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 (or State Arts Chairs’ Guide) to learn more about these responsibilities.

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

Arts Areas

Students may submit works in any of six arts areas:

• 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.