PTA Reflections
The Reflections program helps students with both art appreciation and helps boost their confidence in their own artistic abilities. Each year over 300,000 students in pre-K through 12th grade create original works of art based on a given 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 life.
This year's theme is "I am Hopeful Because..."
Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts.
Students participate in the appropriate division for their grade: Primary (Pre-K - Grade 2), Intermediate (Grades 3-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12), Special Artist (All grades welcome). Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may enter the Special Artist Division or grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities.
Please contact Lauren Vogel at reflections@gfespta.com with any questions or for more information. Start creating!
How to submit your entries:
Entries are due by October 27, 2023
To submit your child's work you must first fill out the contest entry. The artist statement should be written by your child, but parents/guardians may type it for them. Please save and name the file using the following format: student last name.first name.school.category.age division."entryform"
So, for example, if Jane Smith were submitting a musical composition entry in the intermediate division, the form would be: smith.jane.greatfalls.muscialcomposition.intermediate."entryform"
To submit the child's work, please either take a photo of it or otherwise submit it electronically in a file named using a similar format: student last name.first name.school.category.age division."artwork"
So, for example, if John Smith were submitting a photograph entry in the primary division, the digital photo should be named: smith.john.greatfalls.photography.primary."artwork"
Once you have your child's entry form and digital entry, please upload both to dropbox by using this link Please be sure to complete a separate form for each category your child wishes to enter.
Reflections categories and contest entry rules
Students may submit artwork for any of the following categories in the stated file format.
Dance Choreography: Solo and ensemble works of all dance styles are accepted. Entrant must be the choreographer and may also be the performer or one of the performers. If background music is used, cite it on the entry form. Video file must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1 GB in size. Acceptable formats: AVI, FLV, WMV, MOV, and MP4.
Film Production: Accepted short film styles include: Animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or media presentation. Use of PowerPoint is prohibited. Entrant must be screenwriter, cinematographer, editor and producer. If background music is used, cite it on the entry form. Video file must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1 GB in size. Acceptable formats: AVI, FLV, WMV, MOV, and MP4.
Literature: Accepted forms of fiction and non-fiction include: Prose, poetry, reflective essay, screenplay and play script, narrative and short story. Entrant may write in their primary language as long as an interpretative English translation is also attached. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Writing must not exceed 2,000 words and may be handwritten or typed. Acceptable formats: Single-sided print on 8 1/2" x 11" paper or PDF.
Music Composition: All music styles and combination of instrumentation are accepted. Entrant must be the composer and may also be the performer or one of the performers. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Audio file must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1 GB in size. Acceptable formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, ACC, FLAC. Notation (score/tablature) in PDF format is only required for middle and high school divisions.
Photography: Photo must be a single print or digital image. Collages and collections of photos are not accepted. Entrant must be the photographer and may use a variety of digital editing techniques including, but not limited to, multiple exposure, negative sandwich and photogram. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Print image dimensions must be no smaller than 3" x 5" and no larger than 8" x 10". Acceptable print formats: Mounted on mat or poster board no larger than 11" x 14".
Visual Arts: Works of both fine and design arts are accepted, including, but not limited to: architectural drawing and models, ceramics, collage, computer generated images and graphics, crafts, drawing, fashion clothes and jewelry, fiber work, mixed media, painting, printmaking and sculpture. Use of copyrighted materials is prohibited. 2D artworks must be mounted on sturdy material and no larger than 24" x 30" with matting. Framed entries are not accepted. Include one digital image of artwork with your submission. 3D artwork submissions must contain 3 digital images of artwork at different angles. Image(s) are used for artwork identification, judging and exhibition purposes.
2022-2023 reflections recognition
CONGRATULATIONS! We would like to recognize the following Great Falls Elementary School students who participated in the 2022-2023 National PTA Reflections Art Contest. Last year’s theme was “Show Your Voice!” and our amazing Great Falls Elementary students did just that!
Eight students won first place awards at Great Falls Elementary and their work moved up to the Fairfax County PTA level for judging.
Abigail Soban, Dance, Age Group 3-5
Elizabeth Soban, Visual Arts, Age Group K-2
Isabel Mallory, Literature, Age Group K-2
Dominick Choi, Photography, Age Group 3-5
Talulah Choi, Photography, Age Group 6-8
Halia Ochieng, Visual Arts, Age Group 6-8
Victoria Burke, Visual Arts, Age Group 3-5
Iris Mohan, Dance, Age Group K-2
At the Fairfax County PTA level, two students placed first and their work moved on to compete at the Virginia State PTA level!
Abigail Soban, Dance, Age Group 3-5
Isabel Mallory, Literature, Age Group K-2
At the Virginia State PTA level, one student placed first!
Isabel Mallory, Literature, Age Group K-2
Congratulations to all who participated and to our winners!
