Reflections

FAQs

Should I put my name on my Reflections artwork?

It is strongly recommended that Reflections reviews are blind—where judges only see basic entry information such as the title, artist statement and, as necessary, the student’s age. As such, the student’s name and/or other identifying information should not be visible on or within the artwork that will be judged. Things to avoid include adding a credit scrolls in Film entries, recording introductions in a Music entry recording, providing a by-line in Literature entries. Student information will be collected through the required Student Entry Form. 

What are your guidelines on using technology and software to create entries?

Digital technology and/or software can be used to develop, enhance and/or present an entry but may not provide the primary design and/or concept. Entrants must provide a brief description of the tools and method, including any generative elements. Additional state program requirements or exclusions may apply. Refer to your state’s Reflections website to ensure that you are participating in the program per their requirements.

Can a participant submit Reflections artwork created with a friend, teacher and/or adult?

Reflections encourages and recognizes individual creativity, so entries must be the creative product of the student artist alone. National PTA will recognize only one student as the award recipient for an entry, and they should be the primary creator of the piece—especially, the interpretation of the theme and the execution of the piece. Other individuals may appear in or perform a student’s work, but help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed. For specific questions regarding eligibility, refer to your state’s Reflections website to ensure that you are participating in the program per their requirements.

Can I submit an entry in a language other than English?

Students for whom English is not their first language may submit entries in their own language. However, an interpretive translation in English must accompany the entry. Translators should make every attempt to retain the same level of language and accuracy that is reflected in the student’s original work.

What are your guidelines on copyrighted materials?

The intention of the Reflections program is to encourage and showcase original artwork created by the student in response to the annual theme. Use of copyrighted material, including any copyrighted cartoon characters, copyrighted recorded music or copyrighted photographs, stock images or material downloaded from the internet, is not acceptable, except for the following:

• Entries may include public places, well-known products, trademarks or certain other copyrighted material as long as that copyrighted material is incidental to the subject matter of the piece and/or is a smaller element of a whole. The resulting work cannot try to establish an association between the student and the trademark/business/material or influence the purchase/non-purchase of the trademarked good.

• If background music is used in dance choreography and film production entries, it must be cited on the entry form. Use the Additional Details field to cite the title, composer, performer and/or the library or digital platform used. If certain details are not available, include as much general credit as possible to indicate that the materials are not the student's own creation.

• Visual arts, photography and film production entries may include portions of existing copyrighted works, such as photographs, magazine or digital media clippings and/or type cut out of a newspaper, as long as those portions of copyrighted works are used to create a completely new and different work of art.