Students may choose one or more of the categories below to create original work that interprets the 2023-2024 PTA Reflections theme: “I hopeful because….”

Dance Choreography: Solo and ensemble works of all dance styles are accepted. Entrant must be the choreographer and may also be the performer, or one of the performers. If background music is used, cite on entry form. Video file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size. Accepted formats: AVI, FLV, WMV, MOV, MP4. Packaging: Send digitally to the local PTA along with the entry form.

Film Production: Accepted short film styles include Animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or media presentation. Use of PowerPoint is prohibited. Entrant must be the screenwriter, cinematographer, editor, and producer. If background music is used, cite it on the entry form.

Video file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size. Accepted formats: AVI, FLV, WMV, MOV, MP4. Packaging: Send digitally to the local PTA along with the entry form.

Literature: Accepted forms of fiction and nonfiction include Prose, poetry, reflective essay, screen play and play script, narrative, and short story. Entrants may write in their primary language as long as an interpretive English translation is also attached. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Writing must not exceed 2,000 words and may be handwritten or typed. Packaging: Send digitally to the local PTA along with the entry form.

Music Composition: All music styles and combinations of instrumentation are accepted. Entrant must be the composer and may also be the performer, or one of the performers. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Audio file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size. Accepted formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, ACC, FLAC. Notation (score/tablature) is only required for middle and high school divisions.

Packaging: Send digitally to the local PTA along with the entry form.

Photography: Photo must be a single print. Collages and collections of photos are not accepted. Entrant must be the photographer and may use a variety of digital editing techniques including but not limited to, multiple exposure, negative sandwich, and photogram. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited.

Packaging: Send digitally to the local PTA along with the entry form.

Visual Arts: Accepted forms of visual art include: 2D original print, drawing, painting, collage (cut and pasted materials such as clippings and photos), metal etching or punch work, fiber work or computer- generated artwork. Frames and artwork containing loose materials are not accepted. Matting is accepted. Dimensions must not exceed 24x30 inches, including mat. Paper entries must be mounted on sturdy material. * Packaging: Place the Student Entry Form and its copy in a plastic sheet protector and secure it to the back of the artwork with masking tape.  

Note: Do not tape over the opening of the sheet protector. Student Entry Form and its copy inside. Do not tape over the opening of the sheet protector. 

*Note for Music Composition entries: Ensure middle and high school grade division entries include the music score. 

Special Artist Division: Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may enter in the Special Artist Division or grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities. The Special Artist Division welcomes all grades and all abilities and offers non-artistic accommodations (e.g., adaptive technology; transcribing; holding a camera) for students to participate fully in PTA Reflections. Assistants must refrain from being involved in the artistic process (e.g., developing an artist statement, choreography, music lyrics, storyboards, etc.) Student recognition and awards are announced as part of the Special Artist Division.

Check out the Reflections Facebook Group for up-to-date info and idea sharing or visit the RISD Council of PTAs Reflections Website HERE.