Geneva School of Boerne senior Joshua Patteson was selected to represent Texas’ District 23 in the annual Congressional Art Competition. His technical photograph of the Milky Way, blooming cholla cacti and Chisos Mountains will hang in Washington, D.C., from June 2026 to May 2027. Additionally, Joshua will attend the celebration at the Capitol Visitor Center on June 25.
Joshua said he takes photos of the Milky Way to share the beauty of God’s creation with others. This photo was taken in Big Bend National Park near the Chisos Mountain Lodge. The Congressional Institute sponsors a national high school visual art competition each spring to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the country. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries.