Reflections
The Reflections is a national art contest and recognition program. Participating in Reflections allows students of all ages and abilities to explore their own ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence, and grow through their involvement in the arts. Students are celebrated and recognized for their artistic ingenuity to interpret a theme in a personal and meaningful way.
Due Date for submissions from councils and non-council local PTAs to WSPTA for the 2026-2027 program is TBD. Only Reflections chairs can submit entries to WSPTA. If you are a student or parent, please contact your local PTA about how to submit. Access the Reflections submission form here. Local PTAs that are part of a council should contact their council for the requirements to enter their PTA’s submissions.
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Briarcrest Reflections Program Chair: reflections@briarcrestpta.org
Contact the WSPTA Reflections Chair: reflections@wastatepta.org
Reflections Program
National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. For over 50 years, Reflections has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of students in pre-K through grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-created theme. In Reflections, students submit artworks in the available arts category areas and program divisions: Primary (Pre-K - Grade 2), Intermediate (Grades 3-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12), Accessible Arts (All grades welcome).
Access to the Arts
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:
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Inspire students and families to creatively engage around the annual theme.
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Share resources to support families' artistic endeavors and access arts education opportunities.
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Provide student artists access to recognition and celebrations for their creative talent.
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Encourage continued participation in the arts.
What My Culture Means to Me
The 2026–2027 Reflections theme, “What My Culture Means to Me,” invites Briarcrest students to explore and express the traditions, values, stories, and experiences that shape who they are. Culture can include family heritage, languages, celebrations, food, music, art, places, communities, or even the everyday moments that make a student feel connected and understood. As students create their artwork, they are encouraged to reflect deeply on what culture means in their own lives—how it influences their identity, how it shows up in the world around them, and how they want others to experience it through their creative work. Whether through visual art, music, literature, photography, film, or dance, students should use their artist statement to clearly connect their creative choices to the theme and share the personal meaning behind their piece. This is a powerful opportunity for students to celebrate who they are and the cultures that help shape them.