Reflections Arts Categories:

• • Dance Choreography: is the act of creating movement. The choreographer (student submitting entry) may be the performer or one of the performers, but the choreographer does not have to perform in the entry.

  • Photography: is the process of creating an image The photographer (student submitting entry) is a person who captures their own thoughts and ideas with a camera. By focusing on objects using various lenses, filters and light sources, photographers may demonstrate the use of photographic techniques conventionally or digitally.

  • Film Production: is the process of making a film. The producer (student submitting the entry ) is not required to appear in the film but if the student chooses to, a camera tripod may be used. All screenwriting, directing, camera/ filming and editing must be done by the student producer.

  • Music Composition: is the process of creating a new piece of music. The composer (student submitting entry) is a person who expresses their own thoughts and ideas through the use of sound. The student composer may submit an entry performed by an individual or group and / or make use of a sound library generated performance of a composed score. Student composers are not required to perform their composition.

  • Visual Arts: include many art forms that are visual in nature. The artist (student submitting entry) I a person who captures their own thoughts and ideas to create a visual piece of art. Accepted forms include both 2D and 3D works such as ceramics, collages, drawing, painting, sculpture, etc.

Review Criteria

• • 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.

Artworks are submitted first to Stocklmeir PTA. The top 3 entries in each category are then sent on to councils and then districts for consideration. The final artworks submitted to California State PTA by districts are then considered for Outstanding Interpretation, Awards of Excellence or Awards of Merit. Outstanding Interpretation and Award of Excellence entries then go on to represent California in the final National PTA judging round.

State-level Outstanding Interpretation honorees receive:

• Onstage recognition at the California State PTA Annual Convention

• The opportunity to showcase their artwork at the California State PTA Convention Reflections Gallery

• Prizes including an Outstanding Interpretation plaque, award and certificate

State-level winners were recognized at the 2019 California State PTA Annual Convention. National-level Outstanding Interpretation honorees are recognized at the National PTA Convention, plus their artwork, along with any National Award of Excellence and Merit winners, are featured in Reflections’ popular traveling national exhibit. See the winners.

 Tips and Tricks:

• • Check out the Reflections video.

  • Consider participating in categories besides Visual Arts. That category receives the most entries and hence, chances of getting picked for next level goes down.

  • Please ensure to fill out the required forms in full (especially artist title and statement). Numerous entries get dropped due to lack of this information. In your artist statement, tell us about your work and what it means to you.

    • How does your work relate to the theme?

    • What is your personal connection to the theme?

    • What did you use to create your work (e.g. supplies, technology, instrumentation, props, etc.)? 

    • What/Who was your inspiration?

  • Please allow children to expand on their creativity with minimal adult interaction/participation.