Description

A visual arts entry must be an original print, drawing, painting, collage, photographic collage, metal etching or punch work, fiber work, or computer-generated artwork that relates to the theme.

Whether an entry uses a variety of techniques or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique.

Originality

Each entry must be the original work of one student only. An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student’s work. Because the program is designed to encourage and recognize each student’s individual creativity, help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. This includes the use of copyrighted cartoon characters or other such material.

Plagiarism is defined as taking and using another person’s ideas or writings or inventions as one’s own. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified and returned to the students.

Entry Form

All participants are required to fill out in its entirety and sign the Official Entry Form. Students who have not completely filled out the form will not be eligible to participate in the program. In situations where the child cannot fill out the entry form or write legibly, a parent may sign his or her child’s name.

Students have the option of placing the titles of their works on the Official Entry Form and must answer a few questions about how they created their works (see Required Information in the righthand column).

Return of Artwork

Please contact your state PTA for the artwork return policy. If your entry receives a national-level award, your original artwork will be used to prepare the Reflections Program online gallery. Following the completion of the website, National PTA will make every effort to return your artwork by early 2008.

Judging

All national entries are judged on artistic merit, creativity, and interpretation of the theme.

Presentation

·   All art must be flat and may not be more than 3/8 inch thick. This includes all two-dimensional materials and images, including small, flat items (such as string, fabric, and screening) that have maximum surface contact with the face of the image. Nothing three-dimensional (noodles, beans, beads, boxes, etc.) may extend off the surface of a work.

·   No art may exceed 24 inches by 30 inches, including
a mat.

·   Entries may be submitted on paper, canvas board, cardboard, hot or cold pressboard, or canvas (not to exceed 3/8-inch thickness).

·   Mount all paper or canvas entries on sturdy cardboard mats, but not in wooden, metal, plastic, or glass frames.

·   Protecting the work with shrink-wrap or a transparent plastic cover is optional but highly recommended.

·   Lamination is discouraged because it can permanently damage the surface of the artwork.

·   Place the Official Entry Form in a sheet protector and tape it (with masking tape) to the back of the artwork on top of the shrink-wrap.

Works Not Accepted

·   Sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and other three-dimensional artwork

·   Reproductions or enlargements of other artwork

Required Information

On the Official Entry Form, give the dimensions of the piece and describe the media used to create the piece.

Optional Artist Statement

On the Official Entry Form, describe what inspired you to create this work.