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Photo of the State Board members standing with Braeden Macchia of Silver Creek High School in Saint Vrain Valley School District. Braeden's drone photo won second place in the 2024 Congressional Art Competition, and his photo will be displayed at the Stat

Seven student artists who entered their artwork into the 2024 Congressional Art Show were recognized during October's State Board of Education meeting.

Each spring the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district. Students submit their entries to their representative's office and panels of district artists select the winners who are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony. Winning works from each district are displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Second-place winners in Colorado are displayed in the Colorado State Board of Education's boardroom. See the first-place winners and their artwork on the Congressional Institute's webpage. 

Zach Beguin from Legend High School in Douglas County School District won second place for his photo of a baby owl perched on a dead tree stump, its feathers flecked with snow. In a statement that was submitted with the photograph, Zach said: "I named this image 'Shower Time' because, amid the snowy landscape, this owl seemed anything but peaceful. Instead, it looked grumpy and annoyed, as if the cold winter shower had rudely awakened it. Through this image, I wanted to capture the emotion of wildlife in its natural habitat. The snow clinging to the owl’s drenched feathers adds an element of humor and a sense of personality to this elusive creature. While nature often portrays owls as wise and majestic, this photograph tells a different story—one of vulnerability and character. 'Shower Time' is a reminder that even in the wilderness, animals experience discomfort and mood, just as we do. The contrast of the owl’s grumpy expression against the stillness of the winter landscape adds a layer of connection between human emotions and the wildlife we encounter. This image represents a fleeting moment of unexpected beauty and humor in nature. I hope this photo brings joy to everyone and shows there is nature everywhere."

Braedan Macchia from Silver Creek High School in Longmont said he captured his drone photo at a Costa Rican beach. Macchia spoke to the State Board of Education, saying that he loves using drones for photography or video because it provides a different perspective that can only be seen from the rooftops or a plane. He said he started a business called Drones for Dreams that offers drone photography to nonprofits and has worked with five organizations so far.  

The first- and second-place winners in Colorado are:

Congressional District 1

First place, Madison Lee, "Bridging Identities." 

Second place, Hadley Gannon, "Banana."

Congressional District 2

First place, Skye Little Cloud, "The Hoofed Protector."

Second place, Braeden Macchia, "From Above."

Congressional District 3

First place, Lydia Wheeler, "Freedom."

Congressional District 4

First place, Chloe Schall, "The Savior."

Second place, Zachary Beguin, "Shower Time."

Congressional District 5

First place, Sharon Lee, "Our Fluttering Psyche."

Second place, Brooke Kelly, "Three Amigos."

Congressional District 6

First place, Jennifer Wen, "Reconcile."

Second place, Ozzy Rodriguez Perez, “Repeating Hours.”

Congressional District 7

First place, Joey Fiechtl, "Capitol in the Trees."

Second place, Sophia Ho, “Contemplation.”