Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-09-24

HONORING BROWN STREET GALLERY

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On 2026-09-24, Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BROWN STREET GALLERY" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING BROWN STREET GALLERY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E984] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BROWN STREET GALLERY ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Thursday, September 24, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Brown Street Gallery as they celebrate their 20th anniversary as an inclusive art gallery for neurodiverse artists in Napa County. Brown Street Gallery was established in Napa, California, in 2006 as a program of Napa Valley Support Services, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Napa County. For 20 years, Brown Street Gallery has provided meaningful opportunities for neurodiverse artists and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create, exhibit, and sell their artwork in a professional gallery setting. The gallery promotes inclusion and economic opportunity while educating the community about the talents and contributions of artists with disabilities. Brown Street Gallery offers studio time, creative development, and support to find and grow an individual artistic voice. Artists can also earn real money through the sale of their work at gallery shows and exhibitions. Brown Street Gallery has helped hundreds of artists build confidence, tell their stories in creative ways, and become active participants in Napa County's cultural life. Brown Street Gallery has a long history of collaboration and partnership with schools, businesses, art organizations, nonprofits, and community groups to promote inclusive arts programming, and to develop artists as valued community members. To name a few examples, Brown Street Gallery artists volunteer with Meals on Wheels to deliver food, along with free flower delivery to seniors in collaboration with Napa Flower Power. Artists also regularly clean toys at the Napa Toy Library, attend the Farmers Market as volunteers, and attend collaborative shows with many well-known local artists. Brown Street Gallery also collaborates with organizations including Art Council Napa Valley, Moving Forward Towards Independence, and the Napa Education Foundation for community projects and art classes. Mr. Speaker, Brown Street Gallery is one of the few galleries in the region dedicated to showcasing the work of neurodiverse artists in a professional gallery environment. The gallery is recognized for fostering creativity, dignity, inclusion, and community engagement. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Brown Street Gallery here today. ____________________

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HONORING BROWN STREET GALLERY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E984] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BROWN STREET GALLERY ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Thursday, September 24, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Brown Street Gallery as they celebrate their 20th anniversary as an inclusive art gallery for neurodiverse artists in Napa County. Brown Street Gallery was established in Napa, California, in 2006 as a program of Napa Valley Support Services, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Napa County. For 20 years, Brown Street Gallery has provided meaningful opportunities for neurodiverse artists and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to create, exhibit, and sell their artwork in a professional gallery setting. The gallery promotes inclusion and economic opportunity while educating the community about the talents and contributions of artists with disabilities. Brown Street Gallery offers studio time, creative development, and support to find and grow an individual artistic voice. Artists can also earn real money through the sale of their work at gallery shows and exhibitions. Brown Street Gallery has helped hundreds of artists build confidence, tell their stories in creative ways, and become active participants in Napa County's cultural life. Brown Street Gallery has a long history of collaboration and partnership with schools, businesses, art organizations, nonprofits, and community groups to promote inclusive arts programming, and to develop artists as valued community members. To name a few examples, Brown Street Gallery artists volunteer with Meals on Wheels to deliver food, along with free flower delivery to seniors in collaboration with Napa Flower Power. Artists also regularly clean toys at the Napa Toy Library, attend the Farmers Market as volunteers, and attend collaborative shows with many well-known local artists. Brown Street Gallery also collaborates with organizations including Art Council Napa Valley, Moving Forward Towards Independence, and the Napa Education Foundation for community projects and art classes. Mr. Speaker, Brown Street Gallery is one of the few galleries in the region dedicated to showcasing the work of neurodiverse artists in a professional gallery environment. The gallery is recognized for fostering creativity, dignity, inclusion, and community engagement. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Brown Street Gallery here today. ____________________