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I enrolled at Santa Monica College in the Fall of 2020,

and never set foot on campus until June 2nd, 2022.

It wasn't for a class... it was time to pick up my cap and gown.

When I finally walked around the beautiful campus on that day, 

everything that had transpired in the time between flooded my mind.

The pain and uncertainty of a global pandemic.

All of my classmates on Zoom and Canvas.

A contested election, an attempted coup.

The books I read and the papers I wrote.

The mandates, the vaccines, the death.

All of my teachers who showed up to teach anyway.

So much happened while I was a student here. 

But I wasn't really here.

I thought about how much I changed during my education. 

Learning about astronomy and statistics.

The history of wheat cultivation in early civilization.

The hypothalamus and the hypothesis.

Toni Morrison, Tennessee Williams, and Carl Rogers.

So much growth and knowledge, 

more than I ever really imagined I could learn in 2 short years.

During my time at SMC,

much of what I learned ended up in my art.

Perhaps it was a kind of study skill, 

creating abstract representations of class material 

to learn in a way which I was sure to remember.

I made a lot of art in those two years.

I was finally in the place I was supposed to be.

But it was already over. I had my sash and tassel.

I had received so much, not just knowledge,

but a path to understand myself, my potential, and my purpose.

It led me to continue my educational journey at UCLA.

The next phase of my life was created by and entirely dependent on 

the support I had already received from this institution.

Without them, I haven't a clue where I'd be.

Or who I would be.

As I was walking through the campus on that June day,

I tried to go to all the places I thought I would have had to go

as a normal student who wasn't dodging a deadly pandemic.

I walked around the math complex, reading random bulletin boards.

I sat in the courtyard, eavesdropping on students between their classes.

With nothing to do, I had one idea left.

I wanted to see the library that I never got to use.

So I walked over, and walked in.

I showed my student ID, the only time I'll ever use it.

It didn't look much like me anymore, my hair had grown so long.

The library was cool and almost silent, like a library should be.

Like a dream, I walked every single aisle in that building.

Learning where each section was, like it was my first semester.

Making notes of interesting books I would never check out.

But I started noticing something else. Art on the walls.

What if... what if I....I have... I have some art. Maybe I could...?

The idea came slowly. For every piece of art I saw on the walls,

I also saw a beautiful empty space where a piece could be.

There was no one around. I didn't know who to ask.

But in a library, there are librarians. And they know things.

I walked up to the information desk.

The person behind the plexiglass cheerfully asked how they could help.

I knew what I wanted, but not how to ask. 

Librarians are great at that. I asked for their name.

"Patty... this might be a little odd. I'm graduating soon and

I would like to donate some artwork to Santa Monica College. 

The library specifically. Is there anyone... who could help me do that?"

Sure enough, Patty picked up the phone, 

and the interim director Steve came down.

I told Steve and Patty then, what I will tell you now.

"Santa Monica College gave me so much in my time as a student.

More than education, a community in a time of distance.

More than knowledge, an understanding of myself and the world.

I would be deeply honored to donate a piece of my artwork

as a token of my gratitude,

and as a way of physically connecting myself 

to the school which I respect and love."

It is a privilege to hang these pieces in the Santa Monica College library.

It is my hope they may encourage and inspire 

the eyes and minds which see them in this special place.

We may create a better world through 

the compassion and wisdom which education provides, 

and I salute whomever may visit this library

along their journey towards that better world.

This installation is dedicated to the Faculty, Staff, 

and Student Body of Santa Monica College.

 It is an honor to have been in community with all of you. 

In gratitude,

Justin C.M. Brown

Santa Monica College, Class of 2022

Thank you to each and every one of 

my teachers, counselors, and administrators 

I encountered in my time at SMC.

Your professionalism, care, and expertise 

will be remembered well.

Thank you to the SMC library staff:

Steve Hunt, Fariba Owlya, Walter Butler, 

Tracey Hughes, and Patricia Sophos

for their kindness in allowing me this privilege

and professionalism in seeing it through.

Thank you to the SMC maintenance staff

for drilling the holes and placing the screws

on which this art hangs.

I would also like to extend a general appreciation 

to all teachers and librarians around the world 

for dedicating themselves to educating others.

Thank you to my wonderful partner Andrea, 

who continues to be a central inspiration and motivation 

in my pursuit of higher education, in my career as an artist,

and in my life in general. (ILYATMIF)

Thank you to the Brown and Gambino families, 

your support continues to inspire and affirm

 my creative identities in more ways than I could ever describe.

Thank you to Joey Castanon of (The Spindustry Podcast)

for his excellent videography and insightful commentary.

If you enjoyed this work,

please share it with your friends

and browse the gift shop at JCMBmade.com

you are a unique creative force in the world

Love,  Justin C.M. Brown | @JCMBmade

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