Every Student Has Something to Share
The National PTA Reflections Program celebrates student creativity and encourages children to express themselves through the arts. From painting and photography to music, writing, film, and dance, Reflections gives students an opportunity to explore their imagination and share their unique perspectives.
Open to all Parkwood students, the program welcomes artists of every ability and experience level. Entries are first celebrated and judged at the school level, with selected works advancing to district, state, and potentially national recognition.
2026–2027 Theme: “What My Culture Means to Me”
What makes you, you? Culture is more than where your family comes from. It’s the traditions you celebrate, the foods you share, the languages you speak, the music you love, and the people and communities that make you feel like you belong.
This year’s Reflections theme invites students to explore what culture means to them. Maybe it’s a special family tradition, a story passed down through generations, a favorite celebration, or something unique about their everyday lives. Your artwork can be joyful, thoughtful, curious, or anything in between. There’s no single right way to interpret the theme—what matters is sharing your own perspective.
Parkwood Entry Deadline: December 5, 2026
Submit Your Entry →Explore the Art Categories
Every student has a creative voice! Whether they love to draw, write, perform, or experiment with something new, there’s a way for everyone to participate. Students can submit original works in any of the six categories below.
Click a colorful icon to explore the guidelines for that art category.
Dance Choreography
Express your ideas through original movement and dance.
Film Production
Tell a story through film, animation, or video.
Literature
Write a story, poem, essay, or other original work.
Music Composition
Compose an original piece of music, with or without lyrics.
Photography
Capture an idea or perspective through photography.
Visual Arts
Create a drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, or other artwork.
Students may enter multiple art categories, but only one original entry per category is permitted. A separate entry form is required for each submission.
Art Is for Everyone!
Reflections welcomes students of all abilities and offers an Accessible Arts Division for students who identify as having a disability. Learn more →
How to Participate
Follow these four simple steps to bring your creativity to life!
Reflect
On the Theme
Think about the traditions, values, beliefs, and experiences that shape your culture.
Select
An Art Category
Choose one or more art categories to express your interpretation of the theme.
Create
Original Artwork
Make an original work of art inspired by the theme.
Complete
Your Entry Form
Submit your artwork and artist statement using the online entry form.
A Few Things to Remember
Do not include the student’s name on the front of their artwork or writing.
Every entry must include an artist statement explaining what inspired the artwork and how it connects to the theme. The statement is an important part of the judging process.
Guidelines & Inspiration
Looking for a little guidance or creative inspiration? Explore these helpful resources as you prepare your Reflections entry.
Learn how to explain what inspired your artwork and how it connects to this year’s theme.
Discover how entries are evaluated and what judges look for in each submission.
Explore award-winning artwork from students across the country.
Find additional program information, official rules, and resources for Washington participants.
Questions?
Have questions about the Reflections program or submitting an entry? Our coordinators are happy to help!