Reflections Arts Program
2024-2025 Reflections Theme: Accepting Imperfection
Express your creativity through one or more of the arts categories using the theme.
Categories Include:
- Literature
- Fiction or nonfiction, prose, poetry, drama, or short story. (must not exceed 2,000 words or 8 ½ x 11 inches)
- Visual Arts
- Original print, drawing, painting, collage, photographic collage, metal etching or punch work, fiber work or computer-generated artwork.(must be flat, not more than 3/8 inches thick, maximum size 24 x 30 inches including a mat)
- Photography
- Original black-and-white or color image, single print or collage. (maximum size 11 x 14 inches including a mat)
- Musical Composition
- Voice, instruments or a combination of both, with or without lyrics. (maximum time 5 minutes, a CD recording of a performance of the composition should be submitted).
- Dance Choreography
- Original dance choreographed by the student with up to 3 dancers. (maximum time 5 minutes, should be submitted on a CD or DVD)
- Film Production
- Original work, animation, narrative, documentary, experimental, computer-generated (no PowerPoint, maximum time 5 minutes, CD or DVD)
Entry Forms and Rules
Students should download the Program Rules to ensure their art meets the requirements for each art category. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed Student Entry form.
Eligibility
The student or at least one person from their primary household must be a current member of the Local PTA/PTSA where the student is participating. Each Local PTA/PTSA may determine a date by which the member must join.
Awards and Recognition
Each level of Reflections judging will determine how and when their participating students are celebrated. Here is an outline of the awards and recognition received if the entry advances to Texas PTA and National PTA.
About Reflections
Reflections has been a staple arts program in many schools for over 50 years. Through the efforts of our Local PTAs, millions of students have found a creative outlet in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts.
With positive recognition as the focus of this program, rather than competition, students of all ages and abilities can experience the benefits of creative expression and help in finding their own voice in telling their unique story.
Started in 1969 by Mary Lou Anderson, then Colorado PTA President, Reflections has grown to be one of the largest nationwide programs of its kind, with more than 200,000 students participating annually.
Express your artistic talent and tell us how you plan to show your voice through Reflections!
Find out more at: https://www.txpta.org/reflections
Start dreaming up the 2026-2027 THEME!
Reflections Theme Search Entry Form – Deadline to submit themes is November 5, 2024!
When suggesting a theme, judges take into consideration:
- Theme is unique, inspiring and unlike past program themes.
- Theme is focused without being too narrow or too broad.
- Theme is clear, concise and appropriate for all grade levels.
- Theme is applicable to all arts categories.
- Theme promotes PTA values.
- Theme is relevant in 2 years.
- Past themes and duplicate entries are not considered.
Reflections Theme Search Flier (PDF)
Past Reflections Program Themes (PDF) English l Spanish
2025-2026 Reflections Theme: I Belong!
Congratulations to the most resent winner of the Annual Theme Search Contest, Ben Morgan from Lewis and Clark Middle School PTSA in Idaho. The winning theme for 2025-2026 is I Belong!
As winner, Ben will receive $100 from National PTA and his theme will be used to inspire hundreds of thousands of artists across the nation as they participate in the PTA Reflections art program. Congratulations to Ben and Idaho State PTA on this achievement!
Thank you again to all participating Texas students! Start brainstorming now on which themes you plan to recommend. The entry form link is available above! Remember, there is no limit to how many different themes you may enter.
2024-2025 Reflections Theme: Accepting Imperfection
Accepting Imperfection was suggested by a Texas student from Barbara Bush Middle School PTA in North East ISD! We are super excited for Paige and cannot wait to see how our Texas students interpret her theme!
Paige had this to say about what inspired her to suggest this theme; “I feel like Accepting Imperfection is especially relevant today with what we are exposed to through technology. I think we all need to take a step back and remember that imperfection is beautiful. (This theme is) a reminder to myself that mistakes are welcome because they are a part of being human. Our flaws are as much a part of us as our strengths, so being imperfect should be perfect enough for us.” Congratulations once again to Paige Opaska!
