Calling all Wilder Wolf Artists!
The Reflections Program is a PTA arts competition. The purpose of the program is to allow students to express themselves and their creative talents through original works in response to a theme. A student may submit an original work of art in different categories (e.g., Visual Art, Photography, Literature, Music). Students are then recognized at a Wilder awards ceremony in November and may be selected to go on to additional rounds of competition.
All students are invted to participate – there’s no need to be a “artist”! Reflections is a wonderful opportunity for children to express themselves, try something new, and have their work celebrated.
Submission Due Date
Submissions are due Nov 1st. Submissions are made electronically (e.g., photo of original work of art). More details to come on submission process in early October.
Theme
This year’s theme is “What My Culture Means to Me”
Entry & Submission Process
Entry process has not yet been finalized. Will post final details in early October.
ACCEPTED FORMATS: only digital entries (digital files, PDFs, etc.) submitted virtually are accepted. (Hard copies of finalist selections will be collected and displayed later in the school year.) See each category’s rules for acceptable file formats.
Official Rules
Click on categories below for specific guidelines
Choreography/Dance: originally choreographed dance composition
Official Choreography/Dance rule description
DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY is the act of creating movement. The student submitting the entry must be the choreographer. The choreographer may be the performer or one of the performers but does not have to perform in the entry.
To portray your original choreography, consider the following styles and ensembles: ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, tap, folk Dance, religious dance, dance ensembles (color guard/indoor guard), ice skating/dancing and gymnastics-floor routine.
Whether an entry displays formal dance technique or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses their artistic vision to portray the theme, originality and creativity. Consider use of choreographic style and techniques, background song(s), props and the location to show a clear relation of the dance choreography to the theme.
Copyright: Plagiarized entries will be disqualified. Use of copyrighted material is not acceptable, except for the following:
- If background music is used, it must be cited on the entry form.
Submission Requirements
- Submit artwork and student entry form according to your PTA’s guidelines.
- Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the theme may be submitted.
- Each entry must be the original work of one student only.
- Entries with added graphics over the video, including lettering, are not accepted.
- Cite background music (if any) on the student entry form.
- Videos must not exceed 5 minutes or 1,000 MB (1,000 megabytes).
- Accepted file formats: MP4, MOV, AVI.
Film/Video: original works, with or without sound, of animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or music video/film.
Literature: works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose, drama, short stories and lyrics.
Music Composition: original musical composition, with or without words.
Photography: color or black and white, included techniques: photogram, negative sandwich, and multiple exposure.
Visual Arts: Drawing, painting in tempera, oil, acrylic, watercolor & computer generated art, two-dimensional collage & mixed media, printmaking. 3D art is not accepted. *Please no stretched canvas more that ¾ in. and please no framed art.*
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).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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?
Kinder through 5th grade. There are 2 age divisions for elementary school:
- Primary: Preschool – Grade 2
- Intermediate: Grades 3-5
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!
- Artists will be recognized at an awards banquet in mid-November
- The national winner receives an Young Artist Scholarship.
Can I enter multiple times?
No, it is one entry per student.
How are entries judged?
All entries are judged on three criteria. Interpretation of a Theme (aka the artist’s statement) has the highest weight
- Technical Skill (30 pts.): The level of skill demonstrated in the basic principles/techniques of the arts
area. - Interpretation of Theme (40 pts.): How closely the piece relates to the theme, based on the artwork itself and the artist statement.
- Creativity (30 pts.): How creative and original the piece is in its conception of the theme and its presentation.
Questions or want to learn more?
Email: [email protected]
