A few days ago I had the pleasure of being a Reflections judge for an evening at Woodridge Elementary in Bellevue. The brand new school is absolutely beautiful and behemoth, the walls decorated with tiles hand painted by its first year of K through 5ers. Even at night the entire building still buzzed with hope and energy. I'd love to see the school on a busy weekday!

Reflections is "an arts recognition and achievement program for students. The Reflections Program provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a pre-selected theme, while increasing community awareness on the importance of the arts in education.

The Reflections Program was established in 1969 by National PTA board member Mary Lou Anderson. Since that time, more than 10 million students have participated in the program. The program's longevity and participation figures attest to its strength. The excitement and enthusiasm that the program generates for children, parents, schools and communities is unmatched."

I got to judge Visual Art and Literature as divided by K-2 level and 3-5 grade level in addition to 3-5 level Photography and Dance. Um, kid art is freaking awesome!?! I've seen some kids in action lately as it relates to them drawing dresses for the Fashion Book, but the art I saw last night was really stupendous.

This year's theme was "I can make a difference by..." I saw tons of fabulous art -- great story telling, bold color choices, ahead-of-their-time editorial cartoon type stuff or light-years-beyond-me poetry forms, and innovative use of perspective (or non-perspective.) And really awesome composition! I took notes for my own work! Woodridge has a real live art teacher, I hear, and she is loading up those kids with great art education and chutzpah to express themselves if these Reflections entries are any indicator.

Ahem, as a past Reflections winner (boo-yah Northshore District 1983 Primary Division 1st place winner!***) I can tell you this program has legs and is a wonderful and support-worthy endeavor.

This settles it. I'd really like to be more involved with kids and art as soon as possible. Unless I can teach Logan how to paint with his tail...