[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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