1. Reflections Contest 2016

2. Founded in 1969, National PTA Reflections encourages all students in
prekindergarten through grade 12
to explore the arts for fun and recognition.

4. Official Participation Rules
Entry Requirements:
The following are requirements that are in addition to the Category and Division rules:
The Student Entry Form must be complete with signatures and all contact information requested.
All entries must have a title and an artist statement.
The artist statement communicates what inspired the work, how it relates to the theme, and the content of the work.
The statement must include words.
All entries must be the product of the participating student’s creativity.
Each entry must be the original work of one student only.
Use of copyrighted material is prohibited.
Plagiarized entries will be disqualified.

5. The photographer should : be the one to set the scene
PHOTOGRAPHY is the process of creating an image. The photographer (student submitting entry) is a person who captures their own thoughts and ideas with a camera. By focusing on objects using various lenses, filters, and light sources, photographers may demonstrate the use of photographic techniques conventionally (using a film camera) or digitally (using a digital camera).
The photographer should :
be the one to set the scene
be the one to set the lighting
be the one to take the picture
If the photographer wishes to be in the photograph, a timer or remote must be used.

6. Accepted forms of photography for the contest include:
a single photo
a panoramic
a photomontage (one seamless print of multiple original photos – all pictures in the collage are on the same print)
a multiple exposure
negative sandwich
photogram
In addition, original black-and-white and color images are accepted.
There is NO limit as to the amount of entries in a single category.

7. Non-Accepted forms of photography include:
Entries with graphics over the image, including lettering
Original film (negatives or transparencies)
Multi-dimensional pieces
Photo collages not printed as one seamless photo (a collage must be a group of picture where they are all on the same print.)

8. Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the theme may be submitted.
Originality:
Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the theme may be submitted.
Each entry must be the work of one student only.
Consider use of objects, lighting and the location to clearly show how the photo relates to the theme.
An explanation of the photo process/form might be a useful addition to the artist statement.
All entries will be judged primarily on how well the student used his/her artistic vision to portray the theme, originality, and creativity.

9. Copyright:
Unacceptable – Cannot be used:
Copyrighted cartoon characters
Scenes created in computer programs (i.e., Minecraft)
Exceptions (can be used):
The following can be used as long as they are incidental to the subject matter or is a smaller element of whole.
Public places
Well-known products
Trademarks
When using any of the above, the work cannot try to establish an association between the material and the trademarked good.

10. Presentation:
Framed photos are not accepted – Matting is accepted.
Print photos must not exceed 11X14 inches, including matting.
Mount on sturdy material such as cardboard or poster board
Digital Photo: Must be high resolution (300 dpi or higher).

11. Packaging Your Entry:
Label the back of your print or digital photo file with the following:
Your state
Arts Category
Grade Division
Last and First Name
Protect your work with butcher paper.
Tape the paper to the back of the photo on one side and overlay the front of the photo to protect it during travel.
Do NOT laminate the photo

12. Packaging Your Entry, cont.:
Place 2 copies of your Student Entry Form in a sheet protector and secure it with masking tape to the back of the photograph so that it is still accessible for photocopying.
Do NOT tape over the opening of the sheet protector.
Include the required title and artist statement on the Student Entry Form.

13. Submission Requirements:
The student – or at least 1 person from their primary household – must be a member of the EMS PTA.

14. Return of Artwork:
Entries that win a local levels will be sent to the next level of judging.
If an entry is sent to the state level, it will not be returned until the end of the school year.
Final judging of winning entries occurs at the national level where all entries are received in an electronic format.
Entries awarded at the national level will be included in their online and traveling exhibit.
The original artwork may not be returned for 1-3 years.

15. Handouts and Forms Needed
You will want a copy of:
Official Participation Rules
Photography Rules
Student Entry Form
Handouts and Forms Needed

16. Remember the Following:
Students must be affiliated with a PTA/PTSA in good standing, as determined by State PTA.
Only new and original pieces of artwork inspired by the theme may be submitted.
Artwork must be the work of one student only and follow all rules and submission requirements.
Submission must contain a completed student entry form with artwork title and artist statement.