View the Reflections online showcase with Eckstein students!

Lekha ​Dhaka, 11, and Maddie Field, 13, have been selected to represent Eckstein in the annual Reflections art competition sponsored by the National PTA. Lekha, a 6th-grader, and Maddie, an 8th-grader, created original artwork inspired by this year’s theme,  “I Matter Because …” Their pieces are on display in an online gallery showcasing the top artwork from participating Seattle schools. ​Winners of the Seattle Council PTSA competition will compete at the state level; results will be announced at a later date. ​​

The 2020-21 Reflections artists and volunteers will be honored during a virtual art reception on Sunday, Dec 13 at 4pm. The informal celebration will consist of a short art activity with participants sharing their creations with one another at the end of the session. Please come with a piece of paper and something to write or color with so you can join. Register for the reception today. 

Lekha Dhaka 
Lekha's photomontage began as a selfie taken during a trip to Joshua Tree National Park. “One thing that inspires me to make art are the things that I collect and take pictures of, like shells or flowers, when I'm out walking,” Lekha said. “I like to use found objects and make collages or jewelry or crafts with them. I love lots of art mediums — painting, drawing, calligraphy, yarn projects — but I really wanted to learn Photoshop, so I chose photography for the Reflections competition.” The photo is a collage of things and people who Lekha said helped shape the person she is today. “My parents, friends and dog support me and help me achieve my goals,” she said. “Images of my neighborhood, like beautiful flowers and social justice signs, inspire me. Collectively, these images make up my matter, and I know I matter because all of these bits and pieces make me whole.” 

Maddie Field 
Maddie said this year’s theme and the chance to learn new computer skills are what inspired her to interview a diverse group of people about why they matter and if they ever felt they didn’t matter, and then turn their responses into a short film. 

​“I made a video because my dad makes videos for work and he showed me how to use video software once, and I thought it was kind of cool,” Maddie said. “And I thought making videos and films sounded cool. And the Reflections theme this year was a topic that I cared about.” ​

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