Reflections FAQ

What is Reflections?

The Reflections Arts Recognition Program is a national arts recognition and achievement program for students. Since 1969, over 10 million students across the nation have taken part in this popular PTA program.

Reflections Program provides an excellent opportunity for students of all ages to:

• Unleash their creative talents and be inspired

• Express themselves imaginatively in their artwork

• Experience the joy and fun of making art

• Tap into critical thinking skills to create art inspired by the annual theme

• Receive positive recognition for their original works of art

As an added bonus, showcasing and celebrating student talent, the Reflections Program increases community awareness of the importance of the arts in education.

Who can Participate?

All students attending a school with a PTA in good-standing are eligible to participate.

What are the categories?

There are six arts categories: 

• Dance Choreography (rules)

• Film Production (rules)

• Literature (rules)

• Music Composition (rules)

• Photography (rules)

• Visual Arts (rules)

*Special Artist Division (rules) 

Students may enter the National PTA Reflections Program in one or more categories. See each Arts Category Rules for additional entry requirements.

How are submissions judged?

Volunteer arts and education experts review submissions without knowledge of the entrants’ identity. Judges look for personal interpretations on the program theme that best exemplify creativity and technical skill. The judges use the following three criteria for evaluating the art work:

• Interpretation: How closely the piece relates to the theme, based on the artwork itself and the artist statement. 

• Creativity: How creative and original the piece is in its conception of the theme and its presentation. 

• Technique: The level of skill demonstrated in the basic principles/techniques of the arts area.    

What recognition will the participants get?

Reflections is a nation-wide arts appreciation and recognition program for students sponsored by National PTA.

• Entries are first judged and celebrated by the local PTA unit

• Selected entries are sent to the council and district PTA levels

• Winning entries at the council/district levels are then advanced to the state level

See award-winning artwork at state and national level:
2022-23 CAPTA Winner Entries 

General Rules: https://capta.org/programs-events/reflections/general-rules/