Georgia O’Keeffe Elementary is participating in the Reflections program again this year. This will be our third year participating,. This PTA-sponsored program is a chance for students to express themselves artistically through a common theme using many different art forms.

The theme this year is "I am Hopeful Because" Children can choose 1 to 6 categories to enter into.

Children who place at our local level will move on to the next round of judging at the state level in January and onto nationals from there.

(This will be updated once a new video is produced for 2023-2024) IMPORTANT! Watch the video on the Theme “I am Hopeful Because...” and how to enter. It’s 15 minutes long and worth every minute! Or click here: Very Important Reflections Video

After opening, please press the download button to be able to fill in the document. 

Registration Form, click here

Please complete this form on the computer, and sign it electronically. Turn this into your teacher, if needed by printing and signing.

If you need more space for your artist statement, attach the statement to the form.

1. Think about the theme, "I am Hopeful Because..."

2. Perform a dance, make a video, write a poem or story, take a picture, create art, or make a song showing your voice.

3. Review the "Guidelines" (below) and "More Information" under your category (above).

4. Submit artwork with the online Registration Form.

   • Visual Art and Photographs: Original artwork must be submitted to the teacher with a registration form attached to artwork. Please label the art work with the student's full name/teacher/grade on the back where it is not visible.

     • Be sure to add a sturdy backing such as poster board, or matting to 2D paper art and photographs within the size range for its category.

   • All Submissions (Dance, Film, Literature, Music, Photograph, Visual Arts): send your submission with this form or to reflections@gokpta.com (the email has a lower size allotment).

All PTA Reflections program entries are judged on three criteria: 

• 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. 

• Technical Skill (30 pts.) The level of skill demonstrated in the basic principles/techniques of the arts area. 

Notice how heavily “Interpretation of Theme” is weighted? This is what makes the National PTA Reflections Arts Program unique. A well-developed concept is more important than technique. If two entries are tied, the entry with the higher score for interpretation of theme receives more recognition. Our, GOKPTA will use creativity scores if there is a tie for interpretation as well  (yes, this happened).

For more Judging Criteria Information, Click Here

We encourage ALL students grade K-5 to express themselves! 

Students may enter in one, two, three, four, five, or all six arts categories. Student must have entry forms for each category and family must be PTA members, Join Here

SUBMISSION  

1.  Create your art

2.  Make your artist statement

3.  Click "More Information" in the category section (above) to make sure your art meets submission criteria.

4.  GO TO: I am Hopeful Because Entry Form

5.  Press the download button in the upper right

6.  Fill in form

7.  Sign Form electronically

8.  Submit:  

• If entry is for Visual Arts and Photography, bring the original work.  Please label the artwork with student’s full name/teacher/grade on the back where it is not visible. 

  • Be sure to add a sturdy backing such as poster board, or matting to 2D art and photographs within the size range for its category.

• ALL Entries (Dances, Films, Literature, Music, Photography, or Visual Art) fill out this submission form or email to reflections@gokpta.com (email has a lower size allotment). 

  • Make sure your entry is within the time length and file size to enter. 

ART CATEGORIES  

• GOK will offer all 6 arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music  Composition, Photography, Visual Arts  

• Students may enter in one, two, three, four, five, or all six arts categories.  

• This is not a talent show. It must be an original work created by the student. 

THREE DIVISIONS 

• Primary: K - Grade 2 

• Intermediate: Grades 3 - 5th  

• Special Artist Division: Students who identify as having a disability may enter in the Special  Artist Division or grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities 

RECOGNITION  

• The top 3 entries in each 6 Art Categories for the 2 Divisions (K-2 and 3-5th), and the top 3 entries  in Special Artist Categories will also be recognized. Total maximum: 39 Awards.  If your artwork is recognized, you will move onto the State Judging and your work will be kept by  the PTA and will not be returned till Spring 2023.  

JUDGES  

• We have invited professionals in the arts community to participate as reviewers. We have a combination of outside judges and GOK teachers. All reviewers have a working knowledge of their assigned area of art. Judging will be conducted blindly, meaning the information of the student is hidden from the judges. 

Art Activities for Brainstorming

Tips for Photographing Art

PTA Reflections History and Purpose

National PTA Reflections Introduction

How to Video 

We are looking for volunteers to help things run smoothly. Volunteers are needed for gathering entries, data input, promoting, celebration planning, judging, creating thank you letters, etc.  Most of the volunteering tasks are needed during November/December.  More detailed timing is in the signup genius.   

Please sign up to volunteer here:  

We are also looking for different judges with expertise in each category: Dance Choreography, Music Composition, Film Production, Literature, Photography, and Visual Arts.  Please let us know if you know anyone who may be interested and may be a great candidate!  Can be GOK Parent, Teacher, or someone outside!

E-mail reflections@gokpta.com for assistance or more information.