Calling all Wilder Wolf Artists!
The Reflections Program is a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts competition. The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works. Young artists get involved through their local PTA or PTSA. A student may submit an entry in any of six arts areas. Only original works of art are accepted. The six art areas are: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Music Composition, Dance Choreography, and Film Production.
This year's theme is "I Belong"
For questions, please reach out to reflections@wilderptsa.net
Entry Process
The official Entry Form is available here. All entries are due by November 16, 2025.
All entries will be submitted electronically. Original visual art must also be submitted to the library with the original entry form. Please use this OneDrive link to submit your Reflections Entry Form and your artwork! Accepted file formats include: pdf, jpg, mp3, and mp4.
Steps for entry:
- Read the 2025-2026 National PTA Reflections Official Rules (en Español).
- Print out the Entry Form, fill out including required parent and student signatures.
Artist Statement must be less than 100 words. - Upload both the digital art submission (high-quality image, pdf, video) and a digital copy of the Entry Form.
- For visual arts entries, submit the original art with original Entry Form to the Wilder Library. NO NAME on the visible side of the artwork, put the artist's name on the back.
Please remember to upload both your entry form and your artwork. There have been occasional errors when uploading from a mobile phone. If you are having trouble uploading, please close the window and click the link again. If that doesn't work, try a different method to submit. If you continue to have an issue, please send an email to reflections@wilderptsa.net
Official Rules
National PTA Reflections Official Rules 2025-2026 (en Español)
Please click on the icons below for specific guidelines for each category.
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Choreography/Dance: originally choreographed dance composition. |
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Film/Video: original works, with or without sound, of animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or music video/film. |
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Literature: works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose, drama, short stories and lyrics. |
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Music Composition: original musical composition, with or without words. |
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Photography: color or black and white, included techniques: photogram, negative sandwich, and multiple exposure. |
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Visual Arts: drawing, painting in tempera, oil, acrylic, watercolor & t-shirt paints, computer generated art, two- dimensional collage, printmaking, needlework & leather tooling. |
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Special Artists: The National PTA special artist division is an option for students with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). |
Wilder Evaluation Criteria
- Alignment to theme (10 pt scale)
- Craft or quality in chosen medium (10 pt scale)
- Level of creativity and originality (10 pt scale)
Tips for a great entry
Think
- What does ‘Accepting Imperfection’ mean to me?
- How might I show it through writing, dance, music, film, photography or visual art?
- Consider several ideas before moving forward
Do
- Gather supplies and get started!
- Consider making a quick and dirty version, or a rough draft, before creating your final entry
- Make a complete entry before evaluating or critiquing your work. Your best work is finished work!
- Note: judging is blind so keep identifying information like your name or the title of your work out of your work. It will go on the entry form only.
Self-evaluate
- Does this work reflect the theme?
- Am I proud of my work in my chosen medium?
- Is this my unique perspective?
- If you answered ‘no’ to any of the questions, and you have time to revisit your work, take another stab at your entry!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reflections for visual art only?
No! Entries can be:
- Dance Choreography — Originally choreographed dance composition presented in a video entry
- Film Production — Original works, with or without sound, of animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or multimedia
- Literature — Original works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose, drama, reflective essay, narrative or short story. Entries must be a single literary work; collections are not accepted.
- Music Composition — Original musical composition, with or without words, presented in an audio recording
- Photography — Color or black and white. Included techniques: Photogram, panorama, photomontage (one print of multiple original photos), single or multiple exposure, negative sandwich.
- Visual Arts — Drawing; painting in tempera, oil, acrylic, watercolor or T-shirt paints; computer-generated art; two-dimensional collage; printmaking; needlework; leather tooling (see link for all accepted visual art forms). NOTE: LWPTSA Council is accepting ONLY 2D visual art.
What ages/grades are eligible?
The Wilder Reflections contest supports Wilder students from Preschool through 5th grade for the 2024-2025 school year.
What is the Special Artist Division?
Students with disabilities who receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 have the opportunity and accommodations to participate fully in the program. In fact, we can advance up to 6 qualifying Wilder students to the next round! The Special Artist Division offers modified rules and guidelines to ensure that every student has the chance to be part of the National PTA Reflections® program. We’ll work w/ you to make sure your entry is seen!
Can I do a group project?
Each entry must be the work of a single named author/creator. You can however enlist actors, singers, etc to perform the work you create and direct.
Are there prizes?
Yes! Entries submitted by October 1st will get an early bird certificate.
AND, artists will be recognized with personalized award certificates in a banquet at Wilder in November!
What about money?
Actually, yes! The national winner receives an $800 Young Artist Scholarship, and $200 for the Wilder PTSA.
Can I enter multiple times?
This contest is one entry per student.
Can I redo my entry?
Yes, as long as it’s before the November 16th deadline you can reach out to reflections@wilderptsa.net and coordinate a swap of your entry.
How many rounds of competition are there in Reflections?
There is a Wilder Reflections PTSA Contest from which qualifying entries continue on to (in order) the Lake Washington PTSA Contest, the Washington State PTA Contest, and the National PTA Contest. At each phase there is opportunity for awards and recognition!
How much time should I spend?
You can spend as much or little time on your entry as you’d like. Just make sure your work embraces the current theme is your best work in your chosen medium, and captures your unique, original thoughts.
How detailed does my work need to be?
Any level of detail works! Again, see the tips and judging criteria to create a great entry!
Do I have to enter?
No, this is an optional contest!
To learn more, visit
Other questions? Please contact reflections@wilderptsa.net