Reflections Arts

Recognition and Achievement Program 2026-27

Calling all HMS artists!  

(View theme flyer in Spanish below)

The PTSA Reflections art program is an opportunity for students to submit original artwork in up to 6 different categories:

• Film production
• Music composition
• Visual arts
• Dance choreography
• Literature
• Photography

The 2026-27 Reflections theme is “What My Culture Means To Me”. 

Reflections is open to all HMS students! For students who identify as having a disability under IDEA or ADA: Section 504, an Accessible Artist Division is available.

How to Participate in the PTSA's Reflections Art Program:

1) Pick an art category (or more than one - students may submit in multiple categories). Categories include film production, music composition, visual arts, dance choreography, literature, and photography. Review guidelines for entries (overall and for each category). 

2) Create original art that incorporates the Reflections theme of “What My Culture Means To Me”. 

3) Fill out an entry form for each art submission: Entry form link (English). Entry form link (Espanol).

4) Turn in your work of art and entry form.  Entries due October 16, 2026. For digital entries, email to kdurden1@gmail.com by midnight on October 16, 2026. For physical artwork, drop off in the collection bin in the media center by 4:00pm on October 16, 2026.  

School level results will be released in November. First and second-place at the school-level will move on to the District’s competition, then possibly State and Nationals.

• Art must be the creative product of the student alone. No group work or assistance from others is allowed. 
• Art must be a new work created for Reflections. Art created previously, for an art class, or for other purposes will not be accepted. 
• Art should be an interpretation of this year's theme, "What My Culture Means To Me". The entry form includes an Artist Statement where the student will describe the artwork and how it relates to the theme.
• Art will be judged at the school level by grade and category (i.e., Visual Arts - 6th grade, Photography - 7th grade, etc.).
• If the Accessible Artist division is selected and multiple types of art are submitted (i.e., dance choreography, visual arts), all art will be judged in the Accessible Artist division.
• Judging is based on the following criteria:
  • 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.
• Review the rules for each art category.  
• One entry form is required for each artwork submitted. Students can submit more than one piece of art but please turn in an entry form for each.
• Many of the categories will be digital submissions only (film production, music composition, dance choreography, literature, and photography). Please refer to guidelines on types of file formats accepted. 
• For visual arts, we can accept physical works of art in the media center or digital photos of your artwork. If submitting digitally, submit high-quality photos of your artwork. Entries are judged online in digital format.
• Questions or need more info?  Email the PTSA Reflections Chair Karen Durden at kdurden1@gmail.com