A Moment Behind the Lens

Chatham Hall is proud to celebrate photography student Virginia B. ’29, who represented the School in the 5th District Congressional Art Competition, an annual program that highlights the artistic talent of high school students across the country.

The exhibition reception, held on April 28 at Sweet Briar College, brought together a vibrant community of young artists, educators, and families. Virginia was joined by fellow Chatham Hall students Scarlet D. ’29, Bethany W. ’29, Mariah R. ’29, Maggie P. ’29, and Char P. ’29, along with her family, in a meaningful evening that honored creativity, dedication, and artistic voice.

Virginia submitted two photographic works, Cardinal and Eagle, both of which reflect her distinctive eye for composition and storytelling through the lens. While neither piece was selected as the overall winner, Cardinal received a special Patriotic Award, an honor that speaks to both the strength of her work and its resonance with the competition’s themes.

In recognition of this achievement, Congressman John McGuire has invited Virginia to have Cardinal displayed in his Washington, D.C. office, where it will be viewed by constituents and visitors alike. This invitation is such an honor, and we are proud to celebrate Virginia’s accomplishment.

Judges noted that Cardinal was among the top three submissions out of 32 entries. They praised Virginia’s use of perspective and composition, as well as the strong sense of place conveyed through her work. Her photography was described as possessing a painterly quality, elevating everyday subjects into pieces that feel both intentional and expressive. The judges also highlighted her technical skill and the clear passion that informs her creative process.

The full collection of student artwork remains on display at the Sweet Briar College Wailes Conference Center through next Tuesday, offering the community an opportunity to experience the range and depth of student artistry across the region.

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide initiative sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives, designed to encourage and recognize artistic talent in high school students from each congressional district. Winning entries are displayed in the U.S. Capitol, while additional honors, like Virginia’s, provide opportunities for broader recognition.

Virginia’s achievement is a testament not only to her individual talent but also to the strength of Chatham Hall’s visual arts program, where students are encouraged to explore, refine, and share their creative voices with the world. Not to mention, Virginia is an avid bird lover, so her works gave her the opportunity to truly shine forth not only in a medium she loves but also in a topic she’s deeply passionate about. 

We congratulate Virginia on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing where her artistic journey leads next.