Olszewski: Owings Mills Student Wins Congressional Art Contest for Second District
Joshua Turner is a junior at the Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland
(Towson, MD ) – U.S. Congressman Johnny Olszewski today announced Joshua Turner, an Owings Mills resident and junior at Gilman School in Baltimore, as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Contest for Maryland’s Second District. Turner submitted an oil painting titled “Velma” that depicts Turner’s grandmother, a Jamaican immigrant, as she listens to music from a record player through wired headphones. The piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol complex for one year and will be viewed by more than 12,000 Capitol visitors and Members of Congress as they make their way to the House floor.
“Each submission my office received captured the passion of our students, and I was struck by the artistic talent across the board,” Congressman Olszewski said. “Joshua’s piece, and its detail, particularly stood out to me for both its technical skill and emotive qualities. I want to congratulate him and all of our exceptional students who participated in this year’s contest and send my best as they continue their pursuit of the arts.”
The Congressional Art Competition is an annual, nationwide event for high school students sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize and encourage the developing artistic talent in the nation, as well as in each Congressional District. The winning piece is displayed in the Cannon House Office Building tunnel at the U.S. Capitol for one year, along with the winners from around the country.
Ten students submitted artwork for consideration. Jacob Reicher, a 10th grader from The Park School in Baltimore, received second place for his painting titled “Charm City.” Arthur Lipscomb, a 10th grader at the Carver Center for Arts and Technology in Towson, won third place for “A Marble Countertop: Light and Reflections,” also a painting.
Please feel free to use the attached images of the winning artwork:
“Velma” — Joshua Turner
“Charm City” — Jacob Reicher
“A Marble Countertop: Light and Reflections” — Arthur Lipscomb
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