By Steve Steiner

Managing editor

ssteiner@elkintribune.com

It was 6 p.m. and dusk was quickly giving way to nightfall when the Upper Yadkin Valley Habitat for Humanity store at 102 E. Market St. opened its doors. But no, it wasn’t extending operating hours in doing so.

The store was slated to remain open until 8 p.m. in celebration of its 20th anniversary; plus the celebration was also to honor its many volunteers.

On top of all that, Saturday’s event was also a fundraiser, and for UYV Habitat for Humanity, a first of its kind.

Months ago, according to Claire Sellars, executive director for UYV Habitat for Humanity, a number of area artists, craftspeople and artisans had been invited to select some furniture items that had been donated to Habitat and transform said pieces into works of art which would then be up for bid in a silent auction.

Those items displayed the creative imaginations of those who participated, some who called upon flights of fancy and whimsy in creating their “sculptures.”

Sellars pointed out one particular piece during a brief welcoming speech, a toilet that had been repainted and converted into a wine holder ... sort of.

Throughout the evening, people drifted in and out, which was of no surprise to Sellars.

“This is more a ‘drop-in’ type of affair,” she said.

As a duo composed of Naomi Orr and Craig Sexton played music of Celtic origins, guests and artists alike milled about, taking in the works. Many expressions of pleasant surprise and awe filled the room. At times, some artists explained how they arrived at their pieces.

One of the “sculptures” was a chair upon which flowers, a piece of log and a short-handled scythe rest upon where originally there was a seat. Wall re-arranged her piece so people could get a better view, and also because at least on one occasion, the scythe had almost been knocked off.

“This is called ‘Waiting for Weed,’” said Wall. “I was inspired by my grandfather, who would try to get rid of the thistles at the summer house in Nova Scotia.”

For Wall, working with wood was a different experience for her, as she said she is a metal worker.

Vonda Comer and her husband, Bob Comer, of Dobson, who were in attendance with friends David and Janet Head from Mount Airy, were enchanted with the artwork being auctioned.

“It’s beautiful, very unique,” said Comer. “You can’t go into a store and find something like this.”

Comer said she had placed a bid on two separate tables, and people were being encouraged to follow suit.

“If something catches your fancy, make a bid on it,” said Sellars.