Overall Entry Guidelines, Creating your Title and Artist Statement, & Understanding the Reflections Review Criteria

(*Scroll down after reading these guidelines for more specific category information*)

These are basic guidelines that all Reflections entries must meet to be eligible on the national level. Additional state and/or local program requirements may apply.

Each entry must be new artwork inspired by the current year’s theme are accepted.

• Theme-Inspired: Engage with the theme and create inspired artwork. This is critical to success in Reflections.

• New Artwork: Do not “recycle” artwork by submitting a piece created for other purposes (e.g., homework not related to Reflections; art used in another competition).  

Each entry must be the original work of one student only.

• Individual Originality: Reflections is designed to encourage and recognize individual creativity, artistic assistance from friends, family and/or teachers is not allowed.

• No Group Submissions: Only one student will be awarded for each entry.

• Artwork Details: Titles or artist statements must be the student’s own words and interpretations of the theme.

• Creative Choices: Decisions in the creative process must be made and/or directed by the student. If support is required, it should be limited and appropriate to the student’s grade and needs.

Each entry must contain a title and an artist statement. This is one of the most important parts of being an artist. Do not forget to create this to go with your original work of art.

• Word Count: Artists statement must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words. 

• ***WARNING: THIS IS IMPORTANT! If your artist statement exceeds 100 words it will not be submitted in its entirety or with its original purpose. MAKE SURE YOU KEEP IT AT NO MORE THAN 100 words.***

• Be Creative and Unique: Each entry submitted in Reflections must have a unique title and artist statement specific to that submission. Learn more about crafting a title and artist statement in the section below.

Each entry using digital technology/software in creation process must consider the following:

• Enhance: Technology/software may be used to develop, enhance and/or present an entry. 

• Original Use: Technology/software may not be used to provide the primary design and/or concept.

• Use Description: Entrants must use the “Additional Details” field on their entry form to briefly describe the tools and method used in the creation process, including any generative elements in 10 to 50 words (THIS INCLUDES ANY A.I.).

Important new information for this year's competition:

• Use of Copyright Materials: Guidelines were clarified to explain that, while permitted in certain categories, copyrighted materials in an entry must be incidental and/or as a smaller element of a whole and used to create a completely new and different work of art. 

• Use of Technology: Guidelines were clarified to emphasize that digital technology may not provide the primary design and/or concept for an entry and to indicate that entrants must provide a brief description for how they used the technology/software, including any generative elements (e.g. algorithmic techniques, artificial intelligence).

The category-specific guidelines and student entry packet/form reflect these changes. In addition, the category-specific guidelines also reflect language adjustments, especially the following: 

• Visual Arts: Category-specific guidelines now specify "digital art and graphics (drawings/paintings/illustration)," rather than "computer-generated images." 

• Literature: Category-specific guidelines now specify dictation is permissible based on the student being able, rather than their age. 

Creating Your Title and Artist Statement 

In Reflections, judges focus on how well you use your artistic vision and process to portray the theme and your unique interpretation, so the most successful entries have:

• A creative title that highlights your artwork and theme.

• An artist statement that explains your artwork, your take on the theme, your creative process, and key elements of your piece.
   

While creativity is important with titles and artist statements, there are certain requirements for Reflections entries to keep in mind when creating your title and artist statement:

• Each entry must have a unique title and artist statement. Don't reuse either for multiple entries.

• Statements should be between 10 and 100 words.

• Titles can be inspired by the theme, but should not copy the theme.

• Titles and statements must reflect the student's age and/or support needs. Any guidance provided by an adult (e.g., teacher, parent, guardian) should be minimal and non-artistic.
   

2025-2026 Reflections Theme: I Belong!

Tips and Tricks to Express Your Creative Vision

Your title and artist statement help judges and viewers understand your artwork and its connection to the theme. They act as your voice, explaining your inspiration and creative expression. 

Understanding Reflections Titles

Titles help viewers understand what you're trying to say with your artwork and help guide them to how you want them to see your artwork. A good title tells the story of your piece and starts to explain your interpretation of the theme.

Titles can take many different forms and share information in unique ways, including: 

• Specific: Include names, locations, seasons, etc.

• Playful: Include a play on words, jokes, pun, rhythm, etc.

• Literal: Include a brief, but exact, description of the piece like color, materials, etc.

Tips and Tricks to Create Your Own

If struggling to create an artwork title, look at your art and consider the following:

• Think about this: How can you describe your subject matter or theme in a different way?

• Reflect on your feelings: What emotions or thoughts did you have while creating or looking at your piece?

• Consider the viewer's perspective: What might viewers think or feel when they see your artwork?

• Recall conversations: What words or phrases came up when you discussed your piece with a friend, teacher, or family member?

• Tap into memories: What memories describe your piece or are associated with the theme or your artwork?

Understanding Reflections Artist Statements

While a title is general and means to peak a viewer’s interest, an artist statement should provide more complete context and descriptions for your inspiration behind the piece, creative process in crafting the piece, and your interpretation of the Reflections theme.

Your artist statement should describe your artwork and prioritize details related to the Reflections theme or the student's interpretation. Consider the following:

• Explain your artwork: Describe how specific parts or elements relate to the Reflections theme or your interpretation.

• Share your decisions: Explain why you made certain choices to connect your piece to the theme.

• Highlight key elements: Talk about metaphors, sequences or patterns that are important to the theme.

• Describe personal connections: Share any personal experiences that inspired your interpretation of the theme.

Tips and Tricks to Create Your Own

If struggling to create your artist statement, consider these suggestions:

• Think about this: What questions might a viewer have about your artwork? How would you answer them?

• Consider your goals: What do you hope people feel or think when they see your art? What actions do you want them to take?

• Reflect on influences: Are there any cultural or traditional elements in your piece? How would your artwork be different without them?

• Describe your process: What steps did you take to create your artwork? Which parts were the most challenging or rewarding?

• Imagine you're the viewer: Pretend you're not the artist. How would you describe the piece? What do you like, dislike, or find confusing?

• Talk it out: Describe your artwork and interpretation of the theme to a friend, teacher, or family member. Record the conversation or take notes.

• Detail your artwork: Write a detailed description of your piece, including materials, subjects, and your favorite parts.

Understanding the Reflections Review Criteria  

In Reflections, the review process allows PTAs to score and award student entries for each level of the Reflections program. To structure and guide a fair review process, specific PTA Reflections review criteria are used to assess entries:  

• 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. 

How to Use a Rubric to Make Your Art Shine

A rubric is like a treasure map—it shows you what reviewers are looking for and helps you make your artwork the best it can be! Here’s how to use it to guide your creative journey—and a few things to watch out for.

Smart Rubric Tips for Reflections Artists

• Look at the Rubric Together: Go over the rubric with a family member, teacher, or friend to make sure you understand the criteria.

• Check Your Work: Use the rubric to score your own art. Ask yourself: “Are there ways I can improve within each area?”

• Focus on What Matters Most: Some parts of the rubric might be worth more points—like Interpretation of Theme. Spend extra time making those parts really strong!

• Ask for Help: Show your art and the rubric to someone you trust. They might notice something you can improve.

• Use the Rubric Words: If the rubric says “shows strong creativity,” think about how you can make your connection to the Reflections theme stand out even more.

Rubric Mistakes to Avoid for Smart Reflections Artists

• Forgetting the Rubric: Don’t just guess what the reviewers want. When in doubt, use the rubric to guide you.

• Messy Work: Even the best ideas can lose points if the artwork looks rushed or sloppy. Take your time! If something is especially unique about your piece, explain why you made that choice in your artist statement.

• Not Understanding the Rules: If you’re not sure what something means, ask! It’s okay to get help and its better to understand now, than miss out later. Double-check requirements and deadlines with your PTSA. 

• Trying to Do Too Much: Don’t try to fit everything in. Keep your idea clear, focused and relevant to the Reflections theme.

• Skipping the Planning Step: Start with a sketch or a plan to guide your piece. It helps your final creation look more polished.