The Reflections Arts Recognition Program is a national arts recognition and achievement program for students. Since 1969, over 10 million students across the nation have taken part in this popular PTA program. And this year, there have been the highest number of entries in program history, including over 50 pieces from students at Palisades Elementary School, according to program committee chair and Pali Elementary mom Ann Dinner.
Students in grades K-5 contributed pieces in six different categories including dance choreography, music composition, film production, photography, literature and visual arts. The pieces were created to embody the theme “The world would be a better place if…”
The artists showed off their pieces at the Reflections Art Reception at Pali Elementary on Tuesday, Dec. 2 and were given certificates of participation and ribbons for their artwork.
“We want to let everybody be celebrated for the artwork they did,” Dinner told the Palisadian-Post, adding that the showcase was about recognizing the artists without adding competition to the mix.
Kindergarten student Vanessa Masterson was eager to tell the Post about her painting of a hillside scene depicting “a girl’s house, plants, a rose, a tomato and her planting a potato.” When asked how the theme inspired her, Masterson said, “If more people planted flowers, the world would be prettier, filled with plants and there would be more food.”
Fifth-grader Nicholas Dinner wrote the music and lyrics for an original song with the help of his piano teacher, a moving tune entitled “For the Better.”
“The world would be better if there were less problems and we came together to fix our mistakes,” Nicholas said. “The harmonies in the music represent how much harmony the world could have.”
Contributing a photography collage spelling out the words “Read, Look, Do” was third-grader Sam Ceja who incorporated images of his travels, hobbies and activities into the piece.
“I think it fits the theme because people should spend more time reading, looking and doing,” Ceja said, noting the importance of getting away from phones, video games and TV and taking time to appreciate life “because one day you’ll be dead.”
Fourth-grader Emma Tillman choreographed a dance that she performed with her sister, Mattie Tillman. Emma, a dancer of six years at Fancy Feet Dance Studio, said she incorporated dance styles from around the world into the routine, including jazz and modern dance. One of the dance’s signature moves, however, is the sign for love.
“The world would be a better place if we all loved each other,” Emma said.
Artwork (five considered pieces from each category) will be forwarded to the PTA Tenth District in December and judged in early January 2015, with a citywide art show and reception to follow in February.
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