REFLECTIONS OVERVIEW FOR PETER KIRK FAMILIES AND STUDENTS

Reflections is a National PTA arts in education program. The program was started in 1969 and is the largest arts program of its kind in the United States. Students have the opportunity to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works created around a theme that changes each year. The theme for the 2023-2024 year is I Am Hopeful Because … .

What does “I am Hopeful Because…” mean? Let’s encourage our young artists to share their hopes and dreams, expressing the things to which they most look forward.

Reflections is not “just an art contest.” It helps kids take risks, be inspired, think creatively, and be celebrated for their creativity and work. Working towards a theme and on a timeline can help them build successful processes that will be useful throughout their lives.

REFLECTIONS ARTWORK CATEGORIES

The Reflections program welcomes all grades and abilities to explore and be involved in the arts. Young artists will submit their original works of art. Entries are accepted in six categories:

*Peter Kirk PTSA’s Reflections program is not accepting 3D artwork at this time. 3D art includes sculptures, dioramas, architecture, 3D printing, etc. Please only submit 2D visual art.

REFLECTIONS ARTWORK PARTICIPATION
Participation is organized by student age and grade levels. Student works are critiqued against others in the same grade division. This allows recognition and judging of artworks by appropriate developmental age and skill levels. The divisions for Peter Kirk Elementary are:

Primary: Preschool - Grade 2
Intermediate: Grades 3 - 5
Additionally, the Special Artist division is an option for students with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Generally, rules and guidelines within the special artists division are intended to ensure accessibility to the National PTA Reflections program and are modeled after the guidelines outlined in the ADA.

JUDGING
While the primary focus of Reflections is a celebration of creativity through positive recognition, finalists from Peter Kirk PTSA may advance to Council, then Council-level finalists will advance to Washington State PTA judging. State finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation” award will advance to the National PTA round.
Entries are judged on creative ability and interpretation of the theme.

2023-2024 KEY DATES

Friday, October 27, 2023 (10:00 pm PST) - Deadline for all entries to Peter Kirk PTSA
November 20, 2023 - Peter Kirk PTSA finalists advance to LWSD Council PTSA
Friday, January 5, 2024 - Target date for Council to announce Council winners
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - Council winners advance to Washington State PTSA
Friday, January 19, 2024 - Open House (finalist celebration) at LWSD Resource Center
March 2024 - Results of WSPTSA announced
May 2024 - Results of National PTA announced

SUBMISSION

This year, we will be asking students to submit digitally and physically.

To submit digitally:

Click here to download Student Entry Packet (DOCX) (“how to enter” & rules)

Click here to download Student Entry Form (Fillable PDF)

Click here to access the Google Form to upload your student’s Entry Form and Artwork.

To submit physically:
All works of art will need to be collected in a physical format by Wednesday, Nov. 1^st to Committee Chair. Details to follow.
For Photography and Visual Art, the physical piece of art will need to be mounted on a black hardbacked mount.
For all other categories, the physical submission will need to be your student’s digital file on a flashdrive.

RULES FOR EACH CATEGORY (PDF):

Dance Choreography (Coreografía de Danza)

Film Production (Producción Cinematográfica)

Literature (Literatura)

Music Composition (Composición Musical)

Photography (Fotografía)

Visual Art — 2D entries ONLY (Artistes Visuales—Solo entradas 2D)

Special Artist Division Guidelines (Artistas Especiales)

For any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact reflections@peterkirkptsa.org