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Calling all creative Texans! The annual Reflections art program begins now at OTE. Reflections is a TX PTA and national program designed to encourage engagement in the arts. Each year students are asked to reflect on a common theme and use their imaginations to create and submit an original work of art in the medium of their choice — dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography or visual arts. 

Participating in the Reflections program can help your child to develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and inspire learning. It’s also FUN! The lucky winners will be recognized at the school and awarded with prizes to help foster creativity. Winners will also have the opportunity to advance their work for recognition at the district, state or even national levels.

The deadline to participate in the OTE Reflections program is Friday October 23th. To enter your student’s work, please review the program guidelines to ensure your submission meets the criteria for your chosen category, and then submit a digital entry form.

 Please note: This is a PTA member program, which means you must be a part of the PTA to enter your student. Membership is only $10 and requires no time commitment! Join PTA here.

Questions? Comments? Please contact the Reflections coordinator at parliamentarian@otepta.com

Accessible Arts

Read everything about Reflections on the National PTA website.

These are basic guidelines that all Reflections entries must meet to be eligible on the national level. 

Each entry must be new artwork inspired by the current year’s theme.

• Theme-Inspired: Engage with the theme and create inspired artwork. This is critical to success in Reflections.

• New Artwork: Do not “recycle” artwork by submitting a piece created for other purposes (e.g., homework not related to Reflections; art used in another competition).  

Each entry must be the original work of one student only.

• Individual Originality: Reflections is designed to encourage and recognize individual creativity, artistic assistance from friends, family and/or teachers is not allowed.

• No Group Submissions: Only one student will be awarded for each entry.

• Artwork Details: Titles or artist statements must be the student’s own words and interpretations of the theme.

• Creative Choices: Decisions in the creative process must be made and/or directed by the student. If support is required, it should be limited and appropriate to the student’s grade and needs.

Each entry must contain a title and an artist statement.

• Word Count: Artists statement must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words.

• Be Creative and Unique: Each entry submitted in Reflections must have a unique title and artist statement specific to that submission. Learn more about crafting a title and artist statement in the section below.

Each entry using digital technology/software in creation process must consider the following:

• Enhance: Technology/software may be used to develop, enhance and/or present an entry. 

• Original Use: Technology/software may not be use to provide the primary design and/or concept.

• Use Description: Entrants must use the “Additional Details” field on their entry form to briefly describe the tools and method used in the creation process, including any generative elements (10 to 50 words).