MPHS senior, Josue Vega, won the TX01 District Congressional Art Contest on Sunday, December 8 at The Longview Museum of Fine Arts. His piece will be displayed at the United States Capitol for a year. He has won two Southwest Airline tickets for himself and a guest to fly to Washington D.C. for the unveiling in the summer of 2025. He also received a gift card for $200 for art supplies, donated by Eastman Chemicals and Eastman Credit Union. Vega’s piece, The Boys, is a tribute to Vega’s uncles when they were younger.

The Congressional Art Contest, now in its 43rd year, is a nationwide art competition for high school students. To enter, students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Mount Pleasant is in the 1st Congressional District of Texas, represented by Congressman Nathaniel Moran. Congressman Moran’s district encompasses 17 counties in the northeast corner of the state running along the border between Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The 1st place pieces from each district are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol in the Cannon Tunnel. The tunnel is the most highly traveled access point between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol. Every day, members of Congress, distinguished visitors, and tens of thousands of tourists – from the United States and abroad – walk through the tunnel and admire the artwork.

“I would like to congratulate Josue Vega for receiving first place in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition hosted by Congressman Nathaniel Moran,” said MPHS art teacher, Laura Kirkland. “This year out of several students across East Texas, there were 2 Honorable Mentions, 3rd, 2nd, and our very own 1st place winner, Josue Vega. I would like to thank Congressman Nathaniel Moran for hosting this event. Also, Tara Baker and all her helpers for organizing, and finally, thank you to the contributors for the prizes.”

Vega has been a student in the MPISD art program for five years. After graduation, he is planning to either attend an auto mechanic or electrical trade school for an established career and is considering pursuing art on the side. He is the son of Jose Valentin Vega and Mary Cardenas.

Photo:

Josue: (L to R) Congressman Nathaniel Moran, Josue Vega, Tiffany Jehorek, Executive Director and Curator of Exhibitions for the Longview Museum of Fine Arts