Art is more than just paint on a canvas, music notes or dance moves—it’s a powerful medium for self-expression, creativity and connection. When schools support the arts, they create environments where students can thrive emotionally, socially and academically.
For over 50 years, the National PTA Reflections arts program has furthered the goals of program founder Mary Lou Anderson, who believed in the power and importance of the arts, by awarding the National PTA’s Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant.
The grant awards fund to two local PTAs to help them administer innovative, student-centered programs that increase access to high quality arts learning experiences and new pathways for students to participate in National PTA’s Reflections program.
In 2023, two schools—Campbell Middle School PTSA in Smyrna, Georgia, and Maple Intermediate PTA in North Olmsted, Ohio—were awarded $1,000 each to create pathways for students to explore their creativity.
Both Campbell Middle School PTSA and Maple Intermediate PTA embraced this opportunity, designing programs that brought their communities together and inspired students to engage with the arts and the PTA Reflections program more deeply. Here’s how they made the most of their grants.
Maple Intermediate PTA: Rebuilding and Celebrating Through the Arts
Maple Intermediate PTA started the 2023-2024 school year with new leadership, new staff and a fresh group of students. It was the perfect time to make a bold statement about the power of PTA using arts education. With the support of the Mary Lou Anderson grant, they did just that.
The PTA focused on celebration as part of National PTA’s Reflections program and, along with a certificate to recognize their participation, the student winners received an art set so they could continue exploring their creative talents at home. This important gesture went a long way in boosting students’ confidence and encouraging their ongoing artistic development.
PTA leaders shared that “the [grant funds] truly help local PTAs expand their families’ experiences within the art community. It gives PTAs the ability to expose students to programs that they may not encounter in their typical school year. The Reflections categories offer a wide array of areas PTAs can explore.”
Maple Intermediate PTA also used the Mary Loud Anderson arts Enhancement Grant to host new and innovative arts education programming. In partnership with school administrators and the art teacher, the PTA hosted a 3D art workshop, which engaged the entire third-grade class, which has about 80 students. The workshop introduced students to new artistic techniques, sparking creativity and interest in new forms of self-expression. The success of this event was evident in the enthusiasm and pride students showed in their creations.
Maple Intermediate PTA also hosted a family art event that brought over 70 students and their families together. The event featured multiple art-making stations where families could explore different styles of creation. “Look what I made!” was the joyful refrain that highlighted to the PTA how much of an impact the program had on building family engagement through the arts.
Campbell Middle School PTSA: Art as a Tool for Family Engagement and Learning
At Campbell Middle School, the Mary Lou Anderson Arts Enhancement Grant was instrumental in providing enhanced, free arts education opportunities that engaged over 700 students and adults. As Campbell Middle School PTSA leader Latoya Palmer-Addy shared: “These activities not only enriched students’ educational paths, but they also promoted new interests, particularly in the arts, as evidenced by our successful participation in the National PTA Reflections program.”
The PTSA took the 2023-2024 Reflections theme “I am Hopeful Because…” to another level by creating a mindfulness coloring book filled with journal prompts and providing art supplies and digital tools. The book was designed to help students reflect on the theme while providing them with an outlet for their creativity. And, by also providing relevant materials, the PTSA ensured that all students could participate.
To ensure they were offering high-quality arts education experiences, Campbell Middle School PTSA utilized internal partnerships with the school’s administration and other departments like English, language arts and history, as well as external partnerships with the city’s art council. These partnerships enriched the program’s artistic content, ensuring a range of expertise and resources, and enabled the PTSA to leverage diverse skills and perspectives to enhance the educational impact. For example, the art department brought a professional touch to the exhibitions, while the history department contributed by integrating culturally significant art forms.
One parent shared a touching story: “Seeing my child have that ‘aha’ moment as he explored new interests at school has truly warmed my heart. It’s more than just education; it’s about him finding his place in the world and feeling supported by our community every step of the way.” This sentiment highlights how the arts can transcend traditional learning, helping students find their voice and feel valued within their community.
Using surveys and listening discussions to gather feedback and assess needs, Campbell Middle School PTSA is already exploring future opportunities and new ways to engage students and families in the arts. The PTSA hopes to continue their existing work and introduce new topics and community partnerships that will help to broaden the reach of their art education efforts.
Apply for National PTA Grant Funding
The stories of Campbell Middle School and Maple Intermediate are testaments to the transformative power of art in education. Through the Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant, these schools have not only enriched their students’ educational experiences but also strengthened their communities. Art has the unique ability to bring people together, to foster creativity, and to help students find their place in the world. As these PTAs continue to build on their successes, they are not just teaching art—they are shaping futures.
Congratulations, once again, to Campbell Middle School PTSA and Maple Intermediate PTA! Look for the Mary Lou Anderson Arts Enhancement grant and others to open at PTA.org/Grants.
