Episode Notes:

This episode dives into the amazing Utah PTA Reflections program, a national art competition for students.

Hosts:

• Mike Williams, Director of Communications, Utah PTA
• Angelee Aedo, Family Life Commissioner, Utah PTA
• Cammy Whitchurch, Community Engagement Commissioner, Utah PTA

Guest:

• Rebecca Pitts, Utah PTA Reflections Specialist

Discussion Points:

• What is Reflections? (01:23)
  • An art competition with seven categories (visual arts, photography, literature, music composition, film production, dance choreography)
  • Students can enter one piece per category.
  • Utah is a national leader in participation, often having the most national winners per capita.
  • Utah piloted some new categories, including 3D visual arts.
• The Theme (04:32)
  • Each year has a different theme students use to inspire their artwork.
  • The theme is chosen through a national process with suggestions from each state.
  • This year's theme is "Accepting Imperfection."
  • Next year's theme will be "I Belong."
• Judging the Artwork (07:12)
  • 40% of the score comes from how well the artwork reflects the theme.
  • Entries are judged anonymously based on originality, creativity, and mastery of skill.
  • Anyone 18 or older can be a judge, regardless of formal qualifications.
  • Judges with experience in the specific category are preferred for higher levels of competition.
• Reflections Before Online Submissions (12:23)
  • Entering Reflections used to be a complex process requiring physical submissions.
  • Now, entries are submitted online, making it more accessible.
  • The Utah PTA website offers translation tools to support diverse participants.
• The Judging Process Today (15:12)
  • Reflections requires three judges per entry for fairness.
  • Judges have flexibility to review entries at their own pace.
  • The goal is to provide a fair and positive experience for all students.
• Copyright Considerations (21:23)
  • Entries cannot focus on copyrighted materials (e.g., logos, characters).
  • It's best to avoid copyrighted materials altogether and focus on original creations.