74 INTRODUCING INTRODUCING JUSTIN THOMAS, MUSEUM SHOP BUYER AND MANAGER JUSTIN THOMAS HAS DEEP ROOTS AT SCMA. As a native of Western Massachusetts and a serious art student starting when he was in high school, he has fond memories of visiting the museum as a teenager. “I remember vividly the Cézanne landscape and the Louise Nevelson sculptures. Both made strong, early impressions on me.” His long-standing friendship with Nan Flem- ing, his predecessor at the Museum Shop, began when both worked with the designer Janna Ugone. “Nan was my manager then! When she joined SCMA as Museum Shop buyer/manager, she invited me to accompany her on her first buying trip to NYC.” Justin has worked in design-related fields— including product design and development and web- site design — since receiving his B.F.A. in painting and ceramics from UMass Amherst. “Essentially, I’m a creative person who also has a strong business, sales and marketing background. I enjoy the finer qualities of a good spreadsheet!” He also has extensive experience working with the public and loves to engage with people from all over the world. Most recently he was co-owner, with Janna Ugone, of Ugone & Thomas Company, an artisan/design firm that designed and hand- crafted fine lighting and home décor. Their work was represented by numerous galleries across the United States and online. Justin believes that thoughtfully designed, well-crafted objects can enhance our daily lives for the better, profoundly impacting the way in which we engage with our surroundings. “I’m very excited about being a member of the SCMA staff and Smith College community. I look forward to continuing the warm, welcoming tone of the Shop that Nan nurtured over the years, and to bringing my own style and tone to it as well.” ABOVE: Smith students enjoying the Museum Shop during Night at Your Museum