Hudson PTA Hosts First “WOW” Reflections Art Show Opening Night Gallery

WOW! What a night! The Hudson PTA hosted its first Reflections Art Show opening night at the Hudson Library and Historical Society on Thursday, December 4, 2008.

The event was the first-ever gallery-style opening in the program's history for the student entrants, their families and the community. Hudson students did not disappoint in their efforts to “Wow” the community with their talent and creativity, according to Amy Roos, PTA's Reflections Chairperson. Reflections is an annual art program with a different theme, sponsored by the national PTA for the past 31 years; this year’s theme was “WOW”. Each year, an increasing number of students in grades K through 12 enter the Hudson PTA’s local Reflections contest, with dozens going on to compete and win at both the state and national levels.

More than 300 people mingled and enjoyed the artwork of the children and sampled holiday refreshments provided by the Hudson PTA during the evening event. Attendees were welcomed to the Flood Room South, where some of the artwork was displayed, including more than 23 literature pieces, and 27 video and musical submissions played on video monitors throughout the evening. Hudson High School senior Amy Breedon performed her original musical composition live for the appreciative crowd. The majority of 165 visual art and photography entries were displayed in the main rotunda area of the library and remained through the month of December.

“Our young artists were thrilled with the opportunity to see their artwork on public display, like a real art gallery opening, a 'first' for many to experience,” said Roos. “Most of all, a great big 'WOW!' goes out to all the great Hudson students for their creativity and support of one another at our PTA Reflections art show opening,” she continued. “This year’s art show was so exciting and meaningful to all who attended.”

This year’s Reflections entries were judged by a local panel of artists and 24 entries were chosen to compete at the state level this January.

“The Hudson PTA is proud to sponsor the wonderful Reflections Art Program and especially to have so many talented students participate,” said PTA President Liz Dawson. “I would like add our thanks to the generous vendors who donated prizes, materials and their talent and time to make this year’s Reflections Art Program a huge success.”

Please contact Amy Roos, Hudson PTA Reflections Chair, at aroos@hudson-pta.org if you are interested in donating your time or prizes to the Reflections art program. Planning is already underway for next year's program!

The Hudson PTA wishes to thank the following for their generous support of Reflections: HCSD Administration, Building Principals, Teachers, Building Supervisor Rick Ilcisko, Shelly Kelnhofer of Aloha Catering, Kathleen Johnson of Hudson Fine Art & Framing, Lisa Madel of Green Thumb Florists, Caroline Gong of PTA Communications, The Hudson Library and Historical Society, The Hudson Hub-Times, HCTV and HCER!

We also want to thank all our 2009 Reflections Art Program Honorees and Hudson Schools Reflections Participants and Parents for a great year in Art! We look forward to seeing all your creative endeavors for the National PTA's Reflections 2009-10 "Beauty Is..." art contest this coming year!

Letter to the Editor:

On behalf of the Hudson PTA Board, I would like to thank everyone in the community whose support made the PTA's Reflections Art Show Opening on December 4 such a success. Congratulations to the hundreds of K-12 students who submitted such amazing and beautiful works of art, literature, music, dance, and video, and to their families who encouraged them. Special thanks go to Amy Roos, PTA Reflections Chairperson, who so ably organized this massive and rewarding undertaking.

The PTA also wishes to recognize and thank The Hudson Library & Historical Society for graciously hosting the Reflections Art Show Opening and month long display; especially to Kathy Hamad, Leslie Polott and Elaine Portalupi for all their assistance. In addition, PTA thanks the Hudson City Schools' administrators, teachers, support personnel and Communications department for their enthusiastic support and assistance with Reflections; Sean Bammer of Metropolis Popcorn, who generously donated a $5 gift certificate for a bag of gourmet popcorn for each Reflections participant; Kathy Johnson, of Hudson Fine Art and Framing, who donated a large supply of matting and framing materials to display the student artwork; Todd Volkmer, HHS alumni and owner of both City Gallery and Red Light Gallery, who donated his time in setting up the display, and is using his incredible talent creating ‘one of a kind’ original painted tote bags for each young artist participant who attends the Reflections awards reception in the spring.

PTA is proud to announce that, of the 235 total entries, 24 have been selected to move on to the state level Reflections Art Contest in January.

Congratulations to those young artists and to all who participated in Reflections.

Liz Dawson
President, Hudson PTA