Young artists get involved in Reflections through their local PTA or PTSA. A student may submit an entry in any of four arts areas. Only original works of art are accepted. The four art areas are:

• Literature-- works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose, drama, short stories and lyrics.

• Music Composition-- original musical composition, with or without words.

• Photography-- prints up to 11 x 14 inches in color or black and white, including techniques: photogram, retouched, montage, sandwich and multiple exposure.

• Visual Arts-- drawing, painting in tempera, oil, acrylic, watercolor & t-shirt paints, computer generated art, two-dimensional collage, printmaking, needlework & leather tooling.

In addition to these four categories that are recognized by National PTA, Washington State PTA offers two additional areas. These works are judged at the state level, but are not sent on for further judging. The areas are:

• Film/Video-- original works, with or without sound, of animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or music video/film.

• Choreography/Dance-- originally choreographed dance composition (recorded on VHS tape or DVD).

Participation in Reflections is organized by student age and grade levels. Student works are critiqued against others in the same grade division. This allows recognition and judging of artworks by appropriate developmental age and skill levels. The grade divisions are:

• Primary -- Preschool - Grade 2
• Intermediate -- Grades 3 - 5
• Middle/Junior -- Grades 6 - 8
• Senior -- Grades 9-12

Entries are judged on creative ability and interpretation of the theme. The Reflections Program is structured for PTAs to recognize students at the local, council, state, and national levels. Entries are first judged at the local level and selected works are chosen to represent the PTA at each subsequent level. They will send the chosen entries to the Northshore PTA Council program.

Once entries reach the state level, the state PTA may select up to five entries in each of the four arts areas (a total of 20) to submit to the National PTA. National first, second, and third place, and honorable mention entries are recognized at the National PTA Annual Convention.

All PTAs/PTSAs in good standing may sponsor the Reflections Program. Students may only submit entries through a PTA/PTSA. Parent groups not affiliated with the National PTA are not eligible to sponsor this program. Information packets, rules, guidelines, and entry forms are distributed to units in each PTA's Fall Leadership Packet.

For additional information, please contact Denise Allen by e-mail, or call 425-481-8394.

Important dates:

Jan. 3, 2008          Reflections Entries due at District
Jan. 11-12, 2008   Reflections Open House, Northlake Luthern Church (6620 NE 185th St. Kenmore - 2 blocks west of 68th & Bothell Way intersection.)