Art is by Bev Jackson Cotter

Bev Jackson Cotter is a member of The Albert Lea Art Center, where the Tammy Schneider retrospective will be on display through July 27.

We did it again! The Albert Lea Art Center’s Unique Junque Sale was one of more than 50 citywide garage sales during Eddie Cochran Weekend. And, once again, our community and visitors proved how supportive and enthusiastic they are.

From the donors who cleaned closets, cupboards and garages to the volunteers who spent hot and sweaty hours manning the merchandise, to the patrons who smiled at their bargains, the people were great and the weekend was a memorable one.

This year, the Art Center “junque” was indeed unique.

One of my favorite items was an unusual cow sculpture. A young man purchased it for his parents who used to be dairy farmers. He could just see it in their home. I wonder how it was received. Another was a beautiful original oil painting of Norway — memories for the previous owner and dreams for the new collector. Then there was the hockey skates to be given as a gift for a family with young boys, and the tall, very heavy glass vase that would be used for fresh flowers from the garden. The new owner was sure her cat couldn’t knock that one over. And the camping cot, removed from its storage bag and assembled in the driveway; the purchaser wanted to try it out, lying down on it to check its sturdiness and length. It was perfect. Then there was the little pink bicycle for an equally little pink girl who was smiling from ear to ear when the bike was packed into their vehicle, and the acrylic, sentimental winter scene purchased out of respect and love for a dear neighbor. Then there was a chest of drawers for a college student, and a Norman Rockwell bell for a collector, and doilies we didn’t think were still in fashion, and even a fold up clothes line pole loaded into a pick up by a happy gentleman.

Hundreds of items, some unique and some ordinary, donated by people who believe in the Art Center and its role in the cultural aspects of our community, and purchased by others who said, over and over, “Oh, it’s for the Art Center. Well, then keep the change.”

I believe that this weekend and these sales benefit our community in so many ways. Certainly the terrific bargains purchased by the hundreds of patrons are important, but the smiles and conversations and friendly greetings and camaraderie, the renewing acquaintances, the reminiscing, the discussions and the general overall atmosphere are the most significant.

I find it interesting that in spite of the occasional naysayers, the people who complain about the heat, the rain, politics or even the cotton floating in the air and drifting like snow, we do live in a positive and optimistic community where good people are doing kind things for others.

How neat it is that an enthusiastic group of volunteers can organize Eddie Cochran Weekend with its music and memories and classic cars and a church service and even community garage sales, and, just for a while, our little portion of the world knows peace and understanding and joy.

Thank you, thank you to everyone who helped to make it happen.