Arts Education supporters gathered today at the Department of Education to celebrate the unveiling of the National PTA Reflections program annual exhibit.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Americans for the Arts President and CEO Bob Lynch delivered remarks to an audience of students, parents, and educators from across the country to celebrate their success. In a video welcome, Secretary Duncan expressed his concern for the arts in education and the valuable role it plays in student development. "The arts should be, must be, a part of a well rounded curriculum for every child," he concluded.

Bob Lynch addressed the group as supporters and advocates for arts education and encouraged them to speak up and make a change in their community to ensure that all students have access to the arts as a part of their education. He spoke of the value of Americans for the Arts' work with National PTA and the chapters in communities across America.  "We stand with the PTA in making every student's potential a reality," he said. "Especially through the transofrmative power of the arts."

The National PTA Reflections program welcomes all grades and abilities to explore and be involved in the arts. Annually, thousands of students will reflect on a common theme and create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts.