Reflections

A nationwide arts recognition program hosted by the National PTA to celebrate your voice and creativity.

The PTA Reflections program provides access to the arts and opportunities for recognition to help students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas using art and to develop confidence and a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.

The PTA Reflections Program aims to:

• Inspire students and families to creatively engage around the annual theme.

• Share resources to support families' artistic endeavors and access arts education opportunities.

• Provide student artists access to recognition and celebrations for their creative talent.

• Encourage continued participation in the arts.

• Dance Choreography

• Film Production

• Literature

• Music Composition

• Photography

• Visual Arts

Our school will have three divisions to submit under:

•  Primary (PreK–2nd grade)

• Intermediate (3rd–5th grade)

• Accessible Arts (504/IEP students all grades; all entries go to State).

The 2026-2027 Reflections program theme is "What My Culture Means to Me." This theme was created by Sophia Partola from Wilton High School PTSA in Connecticut. Stay tuned for more information in April 2026. 

In Reflections, judges focus on how well you use your artistic vision and process to portray the theme and your unique interpretation, so the most successful entries have:

• A creative title that highlights your artwork and theme.

• An artist statement that explains your artwork, your take on the theme, your creative process and key elements of your piece. 

While creativity is important with titles and artist statements, there are certain requirements for Reflection entries to keep in mind when creating your title and artist statement:

• Each entry must have a unique title and artist statement. Don't reuse either for multiple entries.

• Statements should be between 10 and 100 words.

• Titles can be inspired by the theme, but should not copy the theme.

• Titles and statements must reflect the student's age and/or support needs. Any guidance provided by an adult (e.g., teacher, parent, guardian) should be minimal and non-artistic.

Submissions are due to Weatherstone PTA via google form by a TBD date in October 2026 and will be judged blindly (so make sure you don’t sign the front of your art!) The top 2 per category/division will be submitted to Wake County’s level contest on November 1st.  The winners from Wake County will be submitted to the state contest ~ December 2026. National winners will be announced in the Spring of 2027.  All winners and honorable mentions will be notified at each level.