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Reflections Art Contest

Welcome to the 2026-27 Reflections Art Contest! Bells Mill students are invited to create and submit an original work of art inspired by this year’s student-selected theme. Our top Bells Mill submission will move on to the county level, with opportunity to compete at the state and national level!

How to participateExplore categoriesSubmit an entry
National PTA Reflections 2026–2027 call for entries: “What My Culture Means to Me.” Explore the arts and express yourself! Learn more at PTA.org/Reflections.
Bells Mill student deadline to submit: Friday, Dec. 4, 2026. Let your creativity shine! Go to submission information.

Bells Mill student deadline to submit:
Friday, Dec. 4, 2026

Start here

From idea to entry

Start with an idea, choose your art form, and make something that is uniquely yours.

1

Explore the theme

Think about the people, traditions, places, values, and everyday moments that shape your culture.

2

Choose a category

Select Dance, Film, Literature, Music, Photography, or Visual Arts.

3

Create your entry

Make a new, original work and give it a unique title and artist statement.

4

Submit to Bells Mill

Follow our local instructions. Entries cannot be sent directly to National PTA.

Bells Mill Submission

Craft your entry!

Remember to review all guidelines before submitting your entry:

  • Each entry must be new artwork inspired by this year’s “What My Culture Means to Me” theme.
  • Each entry must be the original work of one student only.
  • Each entry must contain a title and an artist statement.

Please visit the National PTA Reflections page for detailed entry guidelines, including rules on the use of AI and other digital tools.

Find your creative path

Six art categories

Open a category for descriptions, file requirements, and links to the full official rules.

Dance Choreography
Create original movement inspired by the theme.

At a glance: Video up to 5 minutes and 1,000 MB; MP4, MOV, or AVI.

The student must create the choreography; copied routines are not accepted. Credit background music on the entry form with its title, composer, and performer.
Full national rules ↗
Film Production
Write, direct, film, and edit an original short film.

At a glance: Video up to 5 minutes and 1,000 MB; MP4, MOV, or AVI. No slide presentations.

Credit background music on the entry form with its title, composer, and performer.
Full national rules ↗
Literature
Write a poem, story, essay, screenplay, or other literary work.

At a glance: Up to 2,000 words; submit as PDF.

Submit one literary work, not a collection. Entries in another language must include an English translation.
Full national rules ↗
Music Composition
Compose an original piece of music in any style.

At a glance: Audio up to 5 minutes and 1,000 MB; MP3 or WAV.
Full national rules ↗
Photography
Create one original photographic image that interprets the theme.

At a glance: JPG, JPEG, or PNG; no added graphics.
Full national rules ↗
Visual Arts
Create an original 2D or 3D work using the materials of your choice.

At a glance: At least one image for 2D art; at least three images from different angles for 3D art. JPG, JPEG, or PNG.

2D artwork must be no larger than 24 × 30 inches, including matting. Mount paper artwork on sturdy material. Frames are not accepted.
Full national rules ↗
Accessible Arts Division ↗

An optional participation pathway for students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or Section 504. Students still select one of the six art categories and their grade-level division.

Theme Inspiration

What does culture mean to you?

There is no single “correct” interpretation. Use these questions to find your own starting point.

Culture can be something you inherit, live, celebrate, question, or share.
What traditions, people, places, or memories help you understand who you are?
What is something about your culture that makes you feel proud?
How does your culture shape your family, school, or community?
What story would you like your artwork to tell?
A Bells Mill Reflections story

Many Stories, One School

Get inspired by “Many Stories, One School,” a Bells Mill Reflections story.

Many Stories, One School — A Bells Mill Reflections Story. Illustrated children outside Bells Mill Elementary School.

Visual story link coming soon.

Final review

Before you submit

Review your artwork and entry details, then check each item before submitting.

Information

Frequently asked questions

Can my child submit artwork made for another purpose?
Create new artwork for this year’s Reflections theme. Do not reuse unrelated homework or artwork created for another competition.
What should the title and artist statement include?
Use the student’s own words. Give each entry its own title and a unique 10–100-word artist statement explaining how the artwork connects to the theme. The title should not simply repeat the theme, and neither the title nor statement should be reused across entries.
How do we choose the Accessible Arts Division?
Contact reflections@bellsmill.org to confirm availability and discuss accommodations. Then opt in using the checkbox on the Student Entry Form and select an art category and grade-level division. Students choosing Accessible Arts must use that division for all entries that program year.
Can my child enter more than one category?
Each artwork should be submitted to only one category. Students may create multiple artworks and enter them in different categories.
How much can a parent help?
Parents may discuss the theme and help students understand instructions, but the creative ideas and artistic decisions must come from the student.
Can my child use a computer, editing software, or AI?
Maryland state art contest rules prohibit AI-generated content. If digital tools or software are used, include a 10–50-word description of the tools and methods in the entry form’s “Additional Details” field. The student must remain the creator. Review the National PTA guidelines for category-specific requirements.
Which grade division should my child enter?
The Primary division covers pre-K through grade 2; Intermediate covers grades 3–5. Choose the division for your child’s current grade. See the Maryland program guidance and the Accessible Arts question above for that participation pathway.
Can my child submit an entry in their first language?
Yes. Students whose first language is not English may submit work in their own language with an English translation. The translation should preserve the meaning and language level of the student’s original work. See National PTA’s language guidance.
Can other people perform in my child’s entry?
Yes. Other people may appear in or perform the student’s work, but the creative ideas and artwork must belong to the student entering. An entry recognizes one student artist, rather than a group of co-creators. Review National PTA’s participation guidance and the rules for your category.
What happens after Bells Mill judging?
Bells Mill will recognize participating artists and notify families if an entry advances to the county level.

Official Reflections resources

National PTA student guideTheme, categories, requirements, and inspiration↗Free State PTA — MarylandState forms, eligibility, and Maryland-specific rules↗Maryland Reflections Handbook (PDF)2026–2027 state program guidance and AI policy↗Maryland Category Rules (PDF)Requirements for all six arts categories↗Montgomery County PTACounty advancement and recognition information↗
Recognition

Where an entry can go

Students begin locally. Selected entries may advance through progressively larger PTA programs.

  1. 1 · SchoolBells Mill PTA
  2. 2 · CountyMontgomery County PTA
  3. 3 · StateMaryland PTA
  4. 4 · NationalNational PTA

Student artwork gallery

Swipe to browse artwork →

A place to celebrate our student artists. Artwork will be shared here with family permission.

Questions about Reflections?

Get in touch with the Bells Mill Reflections team.

reflections@bellsmill.org
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