Reflections History

Reflections Historical Timeline

In 1969, Colorado State PTA President and arts educator Mary Lou Anderson introduced a student art contest that would eventually become Reflections, National PTA’s cornerstone arts program. In the 50+ years since the program’s founding, millions of students have been inspired to participate by reflecting on a specific, student-selected theme to create original artwork.

Explore the deep history of the PTA Reflections program.

1969

60s

Program founded by Mary Lou Anderson, National PTA Board Member and former Colorado PTA President
View Mary Lou Anderson's cultural arts essay
“Without the Arts, education is paltry indeed!” - Mary Lou Anderson
Originally included Literature, Visual Arts and Music Composition categories
First Reflections theme in 1969: Children and Youth, Mirror their World

Mary Lou Anderson

1970s

70s

1970-1971 theme: Reflections: Children and Youth Look to Tomorrow

1971

The Reflections program's success is reported at Convention in Oklahoma City. According to one Chairman, "it is amazing how much pride children gain from this program."

1978

1978 Reflections Poster

National Scholarship Winners

1980s

80s

1980-1981 theme: What a Family Means to Me
1980 Reflections Poster

1984

Mary Lou Anderson starts giving scholarships to National winners
Traveling Exhibit introduced, sponsored by Allied Van Lines

1986

With photography now more affordable to the general public, National PTA added the medium as a fourth Reflections category

1987

1987 Reflections Poster

1990s

90s

1990-1991 theme: If I Had a Wish
1990 Reflections Poster

1994

Reflections turns 25 with 700,000 student entries from 53 congresses based on the theme "Dare to Discover"

1995

Kindergartners invited to participate
“It warms my heart to see a child excel in something like this [Reflections Program], especially when they don't always succeed in their regular school work.” – Anna from Louisiana

1998

“When you’re recognized for your artistic ability as a child, it gives you more confidence to pursue it as an adult.” – April Maddox, 1998 Reflections participant from Virginia

2000s

00s

2000-2001 theme: It Would be Really Strange If…

2001

“When I participated in the Reflections program, it fed creativity. It made me feel like the arts were an integral part of what we did at school. It reinforced both my identity as a creative person and my value as a creative person. The Reflections program opened the door to pursue music as I got older.” – Anabel Martinez-Pauline, Reflections participant from California

2005

Film Production and Dance Choreography categories introduced

2010s

10s

2010-2011 theme: Together We Can…

2012

The Accessible Arts division (formerly Special Artist) was added to provide accommodations for students who identify as having a disability.
"I never imagined the terrific, positive affect this contest would have on our family. I am writing this because I want you to know that this program truly makes an impact in others’ lives. I know it did for us. It came at a time when it was so important for not only my son, but our whole family to have something happy to talk about. It turned a difficult topic into something positive that he could share with others. Best of all, he learned that not only could he share his feelings about something difficult, but he could be rewarded for it!" – Joy Blackburn, mother of a Jack Williams, division winner from Colorado
#PTAReflections hashtag launch on social media and started a global, ongoing conversation about the importance of the arts

2016

The first Awards & Reflections Celebration at National PTA Convention was held to provide an elevated red-carpet banquet experience for Reflections winners and their families to attend.
2016-2017 Reflections Virtual Exhibit What Is Your Story?

2017

National PTA publishes the ArtsEd Leader’s Guide, in collaboration with Americans for the Arts for arts advocates who value a complete education that includes the arts with the goal to improve family-school partnerships and arts education.
2017-2018 Reflections Virtual Exhibit Within Reach

2018

2018-2019 Reflections Virtual Exhibit Heroes Around Me

2019

Check out the 2019-2020 Look Within Reflections data report and virtual exhibit.
Reflections turns 50!

2020s

20s

2020

2020-2021 theme: I Matter Because…

“I believe the arts in school is so important especially for those who are creatives. With so much push for STEM in school (which is great for the minds who naturally gravitate that way) we can’t forget about the kids whose brains see things from a different perspective” – Carnelian PTA, California

Mary Lou Anderson inducted in the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame. Check out this video from the celebration event.

Check out our 2020-2021 I Matter Because… Reflections data report and virtual exhibit.

2021

2021-2022 Theme: I Will Change the World By... The 2021-2022 Reflections theme was submitted by Lydia Keel from Spanish Fork Junior High School PTSA in Utah.

“Our students have loved the Reflections program for the past several years. They enjoy working on something that is outside of our normal regular academics and focusing on the Arts. It celebrates another aspect of our students’ educational background and strengths.” –Bernice Young Elementary, Arkansas

Explore the 2021-2022 virtual exhibit and Reflections data report

2022

2022-2023 Theme: Show Your Voice! Thanks to Jason Yevin, from Salk/Macarthur PTSA in New York who submitted the 2022-2023 Reflections theme.

“I love how Reflections not only gives students an opportunity to be creative and use their creativity to express themselves, but it also provides an excellent opportunity for all viewers to experience diversity through the eyes of children. Each piece of art allows others to see how different it is, yet they all mean the same thing, Show Your Voice.” –Wanda Gray Elementary PTA, Missouri

Explore the 2022-2023 virtual exhibit and Reflections data report.

2023

2023-2024 Theme: I Am Hopeful Because...Thanks to Alice Meko from Hampton Cove Elementary PTA in Alabama who submitted the 2023-2024 Reflections theme.
"I love this program, and I think it's a great opportunity for students to showcase their work. I have participated the past two years, and it has been an amazing experience. Writing poetry is one of my main emotional outlets, and to be able to share my poems with a community has been monumental. I am participating in the Reflections program this year not only because it's an incredible experience, but also because I want to support this program so that it continues helping other students in the future realize how special their work is." Lauren Lee, Reflections participant (CA)
Explore the 2023-2024 virtual exhibit.

2024

2024-2025 Theme: Accepting Imperfection. Paige Opaska from Barbara Bush Middle School PTA in Texas submitted the theme that will inspire students in the 2024-2025 Reflections program.
Accessible Arts debuted as the replacement title for the Reflections Special Artist division. This change is in response to concern around the former title and recognizes the importance of evolving how we talk about disability to align with and be more inclusive of people with disabilities.