Beaver Lake Middle School 2024-25 Reflections Program

THEME: “Accepting Imperfection”

 The deadline to submit entries is Friday, November 1st, 2024. 

The Reflections Program is a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts competition, giving students the opportunity to express their creativity through original works. The theme for the 2024-2025 program year is “Accepting Imperfection.” The program begins in autumn and concludes statewide in January. A student may submit an entry in any of the six arts areas: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Music Composition, Dance Choreography, and Film Production. 

Click here to read more on the WA State PTA Reflections site.     

For category guideline details, please click here.

Drop-Off Location is in the Beaver lake Middle school Administration office

To make a submission, please go to: 

https://forms.gle/TFWbG3pYkybJR3gg8

Rules:

Following WSPTA rules, a student may submit a single, original work of art in any of six arts categories. A student can submit in multiple categories but only one entry per category. More detailed rules for each category are in the Student Entry Packet (attached).

Categories:

  • Dance Choreography: Solo and ensemble works of all dance styles are accepted. Entrant must be the choreographer. Video must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1,000 MB in file size. Accepted file formats include: .mp4, .mov, .avi file format.
  • Film Production: Accepted short film styles include: animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or media presentation. Use of PowerPoint is prohibited. Entrants must be the screenwriter, cinematographer, editor and producer. Video must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1,000 MB(1,000 megabyte) in file size. Student artists should film or use a tripod. Another person holding the camera is not considered the student’s own creation. Accepted file formats include: .mp4, .mov, .avi.
  • Literature: Accepted forms of fiction and nonfiction include prose, poetry, reflective essay, screenplay and play script, narrative, and short story. Entry must not exceed 2,000 words. PDF is the accepted file type. Handwritten & typed entries are accepted on 8.5x11 paper.
  • Music Composition: All music styles and combinations of instrumentation are accepted. Entrant must be the composer and may also be the performer, or one of the performers. Audio recording must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1,000 MB (1,000 megabyte)in file size. Do not say the student name anywhere in the audio entry including opening and ending credits.
  • Photography: Photo must be a single print/digital image. Entrants must be the photographer and may use a variety of digital editing techniques including but not limited to, multiple exposure, negative sandwich and photogram. Print must be no smaller than 3x5 and no larger than 8X10 inches. 
  • Visual Arts: Works of both fine and design arts are accepted, including but not limited to: architectural drawing and models, ceramics, collage, digital art and graphics (drawings/paintings/illustration), crafts, drawing, fashion clothes and jewelry, fiber work, mixed media, painting, printmaking and sculpture. Dimensions must not exceed 24x30 inches, including matting.

Note:

  • Copyright infringement and any form of plagiarism will disqualify a piece.
  • The importance of interpreting the theme. Interpretation is worth 40% of the judge’s score and often is a tie-breaker when deciding which piece will move onto the next level.
  • A strong title can greatly enhance a piece. Try to use a title other than just stating the theme.
  • Artwork needs to be an original concept wholly imagined by the student and is therefore not suitable for whole class art lessons or docent lessons. Using a learned technique or style is fine, submitting something a group did together under direct instruction

Steps:

We encourage all students to participate by following these simple steps. 

  1. Create an original artwork based on this year’s theme: "Accepting Imperfection" One submission per category per student.  
  2. Fill out your digital entry form (fillable PDF attached) including all fields, typed signatures.
  3. Write your artist statement to explain how your artwork relates to this year’s theme.
  4. Photograph, scan, record your artwork to digital format.  You will need to create an electronic version of your artwork.  We will accept .jpg, .pdf, .img, .png file formats for visual arts and literature. Please rename your file with the following format (with no spaces):
    ArtCategory_Art Title_Student Firstname.Lastname
    For example:
    Entry form file name format: visualarts_Hopeful_James.Smith.pdf
    Uploading art Category format: visualarts_Hopeful_James.Smith.png/jpeg
  5. Submit your digital artwork, typed artist statement, AND completed entry form by November 1st, 2024. Please submit your completed artwork and entry form : Google Form.
    If you are entering a large digital file, please email blmsreflections24@gmail.com in advance for upload details. 
  6. Submit your physical artwork by Nov 1st, 2024 following the instructions given after submitting digitally if necessary.
  7. TIP: Avoid some common errors.  Make sure to sign the entry form and the form is complete.  Make sure your name is NOT on the front of work.
  8. TIP: You will need to submit a digital picture of your Visual Arts artwork.  When taking a photo of visual art to upload, make sure the entry is in good light, camera is aligned straight with artwork, and crop everything else out. 

For more information, or if you have questions, contact BeaverLake Middle School PTSA or email : blmsreflections24@gmail.com