Student Artwork from Across the Country to Exhibit at U.S. Department of Education

More than two-dozen pieces selected for gallery

CHICAGO (January 31, 2007) --The U.S. Department of Education and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) selected 27 award-winning students’ works of art to display from PTA’s national arts Reflections Program. Curated from the 2006 Reflections Program, themed I Wonder Why …, by a committee from the department, the exhibit will open February 5 at 11 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

"An arts curriculum is integral to any well-rounded education. Courses such as art, dance, music and theater are not just important by themselves, but can be effective tools in helping students develop math and reading skills." said Secretary Spellings. "It's an honor to host the works of these talented young artists at the Department. They remind us of our mission to advance opportunity and educational excellence for students across America."

Among those scheduled to attend the event are: Morgan Brown, assistant deputy secretary for innovation and improvement at the U.S. Department of Education; Anna Weselak, PTA national president; Reflections student performing artists and their families; and other arts education advocates and leaders from across the country. Selections of music compositions by the Reflections Program’s student winners as well as live performances by two of them will be featured at the event.

The artwork will be part of an ongoing art exhibition at the department. The pieces were selected from PTA’s national Reflections Program, a channel for students nationwide to create works of art for fun and recognition. The Reflections artwork will be open to public viewing through March 2007.

“PTA’s Reflections Program has given millions of students a way to express themselves through the arts for more than 30 years. We’re excited for these children and the prestigious recognition they’ll receive by showcasing their work at the Department of Education,” said Weselak.

The U.S. Department of Education art exhibit program at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., features visual art created by students in U.S. and international schools, and provides students and teachers an opportunity to display creative work from the classroom in a highly public space in order to honor this work as an effective path to learning and knowledge for all. To visit the I Wonder Why … exhibit at the U.S. Department of Education contact Jacquelyn Zimmermann at 202-401-0762 or at jacquelyn.zimmermann@ed.gov.

About PTA
PTA comprises nearly 6 million parents and other concerned adults devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that prides itself on being a powerful voice for children, a relevant resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned with the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

About the Reflections Program
In its more than 30-year history, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to explore their artistic talents. PTA believes all that children deserve a quality arts education and encourages students to pursue artistic expression through participation in its annual Reflections Program. The program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. Students in preschool through grade 12 are encouraged to submit works of art in six areas: literature, dance choreography, film/video production, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage).