National PTA Reflections Art Program
The 2023-2024 Reflections theme:
I am Hopeful Because...
What is Reflections?
The National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life.
Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps them 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.
Reflections at Westgate
This year, the Westgate PTA is accepting submissions for the National PTA Reflections art program from students in Kindergarten - 5th grade. Reflections is a theme-based art competition, where students can be recognized and compete in one of 6 categories. Student winners advance through council, region, and state Reflections programs, with the chance to win scholarship money at the national level!
All Westgate students who enter the PTA Reflections contest will have their art piece showcased at the "Celebrating the Arts" show at Westgate in April of 2024 and will receive a ribbon and a certificate of recognition.
The National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life.
Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps them 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.
Reflections at Westgate
This year, the Westgate PTA is accepting submissions for the National PTA Reflections art program from students in Kindergarten - 5th grade. Reflections is a theme-based art competition, where students can be recognized and compete in one of 6 categories. Student winners advance through council, region, and state Reflections programs, with the chance to win scholarship money at the national level!
All Westgate students who enter the PTA Reflections contest will have their art piece showcased at the "Celebrating the Arts" show at Westgate in April of 2024 and will receive a ribbon and a certificate of recognition.
Category Selection:
Dance Choreography
Music Composition
Film Production
Literature
Photography
Visual Arts
For more information about Category Selection and Content Rules, please click here.
Students submit their completed works of art along with their completed & signed entry form. It is important to understand and follow general rules and guidelines for the specific art category. Judging is more stringent at region and state levels and entries are disqualified if they fall outside of stated rules.
Entries are evaluated by category and division* according to the child's age/grade. Then artwork is scored and judged according to a rubric for interpretation (40%), creativity (30%), and technique (30%). Therefore, scoring will tend to be higher when an artist statement includes both the student's inspiration and how their artwork relates to the theme. Judging occurs at the Council level (AHC), which includes all local PTAs in D25 schools, and advancing projects move to our PTA region (NW Cook), state (Illinois PTA), and then to nationals (National PTA).
* Reflections has a Special Artist Division that is an option for students with disabilities who receive services under IDEA or ADA. Learn more about eligibility and rules from Special Artist Division Specific Rules/Guidelines.
Submission deadline: Friday, November 10th by 5 pm.
Contact Westgate's Reflections
For any questions about the art contest please reach out to Karen & Shelly:
Karen Radek
847.769.1665
[email protected]
Shelly Daley
847.691.6594
[email protected]
Check out this video of last years Reflection Winners!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/U0Rgwq5HAJ4?feature=share
Dance Choreography
Music Composition
Film Production
Literature
Photography
Visual Arts
For more information about Category Selection and Content Rules, please click here.
Students submit their completed works of art along with their completed & signed entry form. It is important to understand and follow general rules and guidelines for the specific art category. Judging is more stringent at region and state levels and entries are disqualified if they fall outside of stated rules.
Entries are evaluated by category and division* according to the child's age/grade. Then artwork is scored and judged according to a rubric for interpretation (40%), creativity (30%), and technique (30%). Therefore, scoring will tend to be higher when an artist statement includes both the student's inspiration and how their artwork relates to the theme. Judging occurs at the Council level (AHC), which includes all local PTAs in D25 schools, and advancing projects move to our PTA region (NW Cook), state (Illinois PTA), and then to nationals (National PTA).
* Reflections has a Special Artist Division that is an option for students with disabilities who receive services under IDEA or ADA. Learn more about eligibility and rules from Special Artist Division Specific Rules/Guidelines.
Submission deadline: Friday, November 10th by 5 pm.
Contact Westgate's Reflections
For any questions about the art contest please reach out to Karen & Shelly:
Karen Radek
847.769.1665
[email protected]
Shelly Daley
847.691.6594
[email protected]
Check out this video of last years Reflection Winners!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/U0Rgwq5HAJ4?feature=share