Paul L.
Yelp
Locals tell me that it's not unusual to see folks on horseback going through the drive-through lane at Dairy Queen. This small town has kept out intruders like Wal-Mart in order to maintain a preserved atmosphere that is very appealing. The pace is slow here.
I passed through Albany years ago and was intrigued by some interesting sculptures in the courtyard of an old jail that had been converted into an art center. It was closed that day so, when I had some time recently, I drove the three hours from Dallas to try my luck again.
What kind of art do you think is displayed here? Nope. You're wrong.
A small gallery of Renoir, Modigliani, van Gogh, de Goya, Delacroix, Boudin, Munch, Monet, Matisse, Picasso, Pissarro... well, I could go on but this list is enough to make any art lover pause. It's not all paintings. There are some fascinating sketches and preparatory drawings. There are also very good small collections of Mexican and Asian art. Exhibitions of modern art have a place here, too. One room has local and western artifacts that provide context into Albany itself.
In spite of all the great art here, I will never forget the two 19th century childhood dolls of Celia Mae Terry Nail. Comprised of nothing more than cotton, string, and ink, these are literally rag dolls. It's a heartbreakingly direct window into what it was like to be poor during those times. A toy, any toy, was obviously an out-of-reach luxury so a humble rag had to suffice.
That this is called an art center and not a gallery or museum is apt because the Old Jail Center occupies a special place in the community. During my visit, I watched children finishing their art projects for the day. On a wall were a series of 'giving trees' painted by an elementary school class.
Unfortunately, in today's United States, art does not always play a central role in communities. It was reassuring to see that in such a small place as Albany, art is a cultural touchstone. I look forward to future visits.
