PTA Reflections
Art Program & Contest
Explore the Arts and Express Yourself!
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 Art Theme 2023-2024
"I am hopeful because..."
What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being?
Mental health is the foundation for emotions, thinking, communication, learning, resilience, and self-esteem. Mental health is also key to relationships, personal and emotional well-being and contributing to community or society. (American Psychiatric Association, 2018)
The use of art to process emotion can be effective in treating depression and anxiety; and associated social interaction can be an effective way to prevent risk factors of mental illness including loneliness and discrimination. (World Health Organization)
Over the past two decades, innovations incorporating the arts and health have been used to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing in communities, provide therapeutic, rehabilitative and preventive impacts, increase awareness of health and contribute to emergency preparedness. (World Health Organization)
Julian Bass, a two-time Reflections winner, has gone on to make a name for himself as a filmmaker and visual effects artist. He shares how his own parents supported his artistic journey and how families can encourage their children to follow their dreams....
The path forward is about curiosity, generosity and connection. These are the 3 foundations of Art. Art is a tool that gives us the ability to make things better, and to create something new on behalf of those who will use it to create the next thing. Human connection is exponential. It scales as we create it, weaving together culture and possibility where none used to exist. (Seth Godin)
Creativity is not optional!
