GHS Has 12 Entries in Citywide PTSA ‘Reflections’ Arts Program
Below are the works that have been selected to represent Garfield High School in the 2023 PTSA Reflections Art Program. This year’s theme: I am hopeful because.
Congratulations to all our artists and photographers, with special thanks to Mr. Louviere and Ms. West for facilitating this year’s entry process.
Works submitted at Garfield were judged by a panel of art and photography professionals, and assigned a score, with points given for Interpretation of Theme, Creativity, and Technical Skill. The top twelve scoring works have now been submitted to the Seattle Council PTSA, where they will compete with works from other Seattle high schools. City-level results should be available after winter break, with potential for competition at statewide and national levels. Stay tuned!
The Reflections program was founded by Mary Lou Anderson in 1969 and provides students an opportunity for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life. You can learn more about the program here: https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections
Garfield PTSA would like to expand our Reflections program to include entries from a fuller range of categories next fall. Feeling inspired? You can start thinking now! The chosen theme for 2024-25 is: Accepting Imperfection
- Dance
- Choreography
- Film Production
- Literature
- Music Composition
- Photography
- Visual Arts
My Room
My piece is not exactly a portrait, but it symbolically represents me and my space. This piece shows ‘I am hopeful’ because I was able to demonstrate and prove there are vibrant and exciting colors out there. On my everyday walks to school all I see is brutalist architecture and cars that are desaturated in color. I am hopeful because of my dog. The dog in my piece makes me hopeful because he has been with me every step of the way and I know he’ll continue to be.
I am hopeful because the outdoors, and specifically my recent interest in rock climbing has given me freedom, and an escape from the more stressful parts of my life. When I use mediums like climbing to explore natural areas, the rest of my life seems to fade away, and all of my attention narrows to the rock above me. I can focus on the future instead of the present, it feels amazing. My photo, taken of my friend climbing in Eastern Washington, effectively portrays this idea. The rock surrounding her fades into the darkness while the destination ahead shines brightly.
The person currently in the photo is my little brother. A 13 year old African American into the world. The one thing in this photo that I see hopeful is His life and growth. To see him grow and begin his story and to see his future. For a young African American into this society I want his goals to push away the obstacles that the world throws at him. I want him to believe, dream, but also hope.
It’s really hard to focus on how waste from wealthier nations ends up in poor undeveloped countries. These countries often lack the resources to properly manage this waste, which can lead to environmental damage and health problems. It’s a perspective check of the global inequality that exists. I’m hopeful for the resilience and strength of these communities. They deserve our support in finding sustainable solutions.
Jumping Barriers
I sat there for a long time, waiting for Watson to land his trick. Things started off rocky, but he stuck through it pushing himself. However, after many tries, he started to lose his confidence. Others around him noticed how he felt, they encouraged him, and gave him positive feedback. That was just what Watson needed, a push of positivity, helping reassure himself. People started to gather around and watch, every time he got above the barrier you could feel the suspense and excitement in the air, it wasn’t too long after that he landed his trick.
I like seeing things being painted over. There’s a certain picturesque anguish between what used to berate air, and what now suffocates it. I’d like to believe love as the ultimate trump card, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. However, in this photo I see it as so. I am hopeful because love exists all around us, whether you can see it or not. And I am hopeful for those who dare to make love where there is none.
Catching Motivation
After the first playoff game of the year, Garfield shuts out Kelso to win the game. Emotions were like uneven roller coasters as the game was going on. Gaining and losing hope as the game went on. Anything could happen at this point; the season was on the line. At the end of the game many families were relived, and their emotions exploded. Going down to greet their athletes they shared the hope they had for the state championship. The families of players all hopeful that their team takes it all the way.
I chose this picture because the things I went through when my brother passed away were so hard. But the person I am today shows that hanging on and being hopeful things will get better is shown.
This represents what hope means to me: looking forward despite struggle. The bird is surrounded by thorny branches and a cloudy sky. Regardless, the bird looks past and above, towards hopefully a more positive future.
Reflection of the ages
In the old villages of China most family houses are preserved to show off their family’s wealth. This village was in the middle of nowhere, no attention around but their pride was strong. They kept their house up looking nice and shiny with a small pool out front. I captured this shot by using the pool as a reflection to show a unique building and its surroundings. The families in the village all hope to keep it standing as long as possible, keeping their families legacy thriving.
I am hopeful because the moon is always there for me. When I forget to breathe the moon is there to remind me. When I look at the moon, I get reminded of all the memories I’ve made below it. When I look at the stars the moon is there, beautifully among them. When I cry, I can look up and forget all my worries. The moon gives me light when it’s too dark to move forward.
Unlocking
People lock their love up all the time, sometimes it doesn’t always end they way they would like. But I like to think that whoever made a wish on this locket had their dream come true. It’s nice to know someone had something that they liked so much they wanted to display it, it’s an admiration of love and commitment. I believe this photo depicts hope in a sad but strong and elegant way. Everyone hopes for something, and whoever locked this lock expressed their wishes aloud.