2023-2024 Reflections Art Program
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Reflections® is a theme focused National PTA and Washington State PTA arts recognition program. The Reflections program celebrates student creativity and encourages school age youth to express themselves through the arts. Student art is judged first at the school level (Shorecrest). Finalists from the school level will move on to the district level (Shoreline) and then the state and national levels for judging.
All Shorecrest students are encouraged to participate in the Reflections Art Program (previous art experience not required | Special Artist Category for students identified as having a disability)
The 2023-2024 Reflections Theme is: “I am Hopeful because…”
There are 6 art categories for student artists to choose from.
*** Deadline November 17, 2023***
All submissions done via email – Please email your entry form as a PDF attachment and an image of your artwork as a JPG attachment to
Student art showcase/exhibit planned for January 2024 – details TBD
REQUIRED ENTRY FORM / EN ESPAÑOL
Theme: “I AM HOPEFUL BECAUSE…”
Please email your entry form as a PDF attachment and an image of your artwork as a JPG attachment to
Participation in Reflections is easy! Students should follow these steps for entry:
Step 1 – Reflect on the theme “I am hopeful because…”
This step is important
Step 2 – Select an art category in which to express your reflection on the theme
See below for list of art categories and descriptions
Step 3 – Create a work of original art
Student artists should be mindful of how their work REFLECTS the theme, as well as the artistic TECHNIQUE (skill in process, use of materials, etc.) and PRESENTATION (attention to details). Do not put name on front of art or writing.
Step 4 – Complete the REFLECTIONS ENTRY FORM / EN ESPAÑOL including artist statement
The artist statement should thoughtfully communicate the content and inspiration of the work and how it relates to the theme.
PLEASE NOTE: The statement will be considered part of the art during the judging process
Step 5 – Submit art and entry form.
Please email your entry form as a PDF attachment and an image of your artwork as a JPG attachment via email to
Deadline for submission is TBD. Submissions before this date are welcome and appreciated!
Students may submit/enter in as many different arts categories as they would like, however only one entry per category is allowed. A separate entry form is required for each submission. Only new, original works of art, inspired by the current year’s theme, may be submitted.
The categories for entry are:
- Music: musical composition, with or without words
- Writing: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose, drama, short stories, lyrics
- Photography: color or black and white photography (various photographic techniques accepted)
- Visual Arts: 2D – drawing, painting, computer generated art, collage, printmaking, or 3D – sculptural works (clay, wood, glass, leather, fabric, etc.)
- Film/ Video Production: animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or music video (with or without audio)
- Dance: choreographed dance composition
For brief descriptions of each category see the Student Entry Form. It is recommended that students review the Student Entry Form prior to starting their art. For detailed descriptions and guidelines for each category, go to the drop-down pages under Student Entry Rules at https://www.wastatepta.org/events-programs/reflections/. The specific rules outlined on these pages create the necessary boundaries to allow for fair judging, exhibits and awards.
Helpful notes:
- Only page 3 of the Entry Form is required, however, it is okay to submit all the pages. Please email your entry form as a PDF attachment and an image of your artwork as a JPG attachment.
- To fill in the form, type your information
- Use parent email and phone number for these fields, optional for high school students to include their own email and phone in addition to parents
- A unique TITLE for the artwork and a brief description or STATEMENT are required
CALL FOR THEME (optional, not required for Reflections art entry)Each year, National PTA seeks a theme for the Reflections program to be held two years out. This year students are invited to submit a theme for the 2025-2026 program year. Theme Search entries will be submitted electronically using the link found here Entries are due by November 1, 2023. (At the bottom of the submission form enter PTA Name: SHORECREST HIGH SCHOOL PTSA 6.12.95 and PTA ID Number: 00023275)
Reflections® is an annual art contest as well as a program to promote student creativity. Up to twenty entries from Shorecrest will move up from the school level. From there they will have the opportunity to move up through the district and state PTA programs, and then onto the national level. Of the national-level submissions, over 200 student participants will receive awards. National PTA Reflections winners will be announced in May 2024 and celebrated at National PTA’s Convention & Expo in June.
Click here for a wealth of information about Reflections
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered nonprofit that prides itself on being a voice for all school children; a resource for families and communities; and a strong advocate for public education. Each year the National PTA assigns the Reflections theme based on suggestions made by students the prior year.Local PTAs (such as Washington State PTA, and down to hyper-local Shorecrest High School PTSA) play a vital role in supporting schools through advocacy, fundraising, programming, and social events.