Reflections Art Program 2026–2027
The National PTA Reflections program is returning to Aldrin! Students in grades K–6 are invited to create and share original artwork inspired by this year's theme.
The Reflections Program is Returning to Aldrin!
Students K–6, you are invited to participate in the National PTA Reflections Art Program for the 2026–2027 school year! Explore the arts and express yourself by creating original work inspired by this year’s theme — “What My Culture Means to Me.” Get started this summer and present your best work this Fall. 💜
This Year's Theme
Each year, the National PTA Reflections program invites students to express their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas through the arts. For the 2026–2027 school year, the theme is “What My Culture Means to Me.”
Students may submit original artwork inspired by the theme in one or more of the six arts categories. Every student is recognized for their creativity, and local winners can advance through the district, region, council, and state levels — all the way to the national level.
Six Arts Categories
Students may enter one or more of the six arts categories. Tap any category below to see its official guidelines and requirements.
Key Dates
Here’s the official National PTA Reflections program calendar. Entries advance one level at a time — from your local PTA all the way to the national level. Aldrin PTA’s exact local submission deadline will be announced this Fall — check back here for the confirmed date. (Source: National PTA full-year Reflections calendar (PDF).)
Local PTA Deadlines & Review
Students submit their artwork to their local PTA. Aldrin PTA’s exact deadline will be announced this Fall.
Council, District & Region PTA Deadlines & Review
Local winners advance and are reviewed at the council, district, and region levels.
State PTA Deadline & Review
Winners advance to Virginia PTA for state-level review. Plan to give yourself a two-week cushion before the national deadline.
National PTA Deadline & Review
State winners advance to National PTA for national-level judging.
How to Participate
Now is the perfect time to start! Students can begin creating their artwork over the summer and present their best work this Fall. New to Reflections? The official National PTA guide for students and families walks you through how to create and submit an entry — find more links under Official Resources & Helper Materials below.
Ready to enter? See How to Submit Your Entry below for the two ways to turn in your artwork. Aldrin PTA’s exact local deadline will be announced this Fall.
How to Submit Your Entry
You can submit your Reflections entry in one of two ways, depending on the kind of artwork you made:
Digital Entry
Best for music, film, dance, and other media. Complete the online entry form to submit your digital entry to the Reflections Committee.
Open the Online Entry FormPrintable Entry Form
Best for visual art, photography prints, and literature. Print the official entry form, fill it out, and attach it to the back of your artwork.
Download the Entry Form (PDF)Bringing your artwork to school? When you return this Fall, you may bring your finished artwork in person with the completed Entry Form attached to the back. The exact drop-off date and deadline will be announced this Fall.
National-Level Prizes for Top Winners
Merit Award
Bronze Medal, Certificate of Merit, and your work featured in the virtual exhibition.
Award of Excellence
$200 Young Artist Scholarship, Silver Medal, Certificate of Excellence, and your work featured in the virtual exhibition.
Outstanding Interpretation Award
$800 Young Artist Scholarship, Gold Medal, Certificate of Outstanding Interpretation, your work featured in the virtual exhibition, and a $200 prize for the local PTA unit.
Official Resources & Helper Materials
Learn the rules, get inspired, and prepare a winning entry with these official resources from National PTA:
Links open the official National PTA website in a new tab.
Questions?
Have questions about the Reflections program? Email Lee-Anne Griffin at reflections@aldrinpta.org
Enjoy making art! 🎨