By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
Thirteen artists participated in this year’s first art show, the member and teacher art show, at the Orion Art Center entitled ‘Celebrating Our Own.?
Art ranging from pottery, sculpture and prints filled the walls and rooms of the newly painted art center highlighting the works of the organization’s most talented.
‘We have so many amazing artists both on the teaching staff and artists that live in the community we wanted to show them here,? OAC Director Lorene Porter said. ‘In my mind it’s was all about celebrating our own.?
This was Porter’s first art show as OAC director and she curated an evening that filled the downtown building with not only artists but admiring fans. And what interested onlookers couldn’t get enough of was Alan Brown’s marble carving of an aquatic woman.
Brown’s sculpture, titled ‘Lilly of the Pond,? not only took first place but was the focal point of the night. His statue, weighing more than 300-pounds, is of a majestically toned woman holding out her hand which happens to be the resting spot of a bronze dragonfly. Her face is flawlessly smooth and her flowing hair transitions into a koi fish behind her head. The rest of her body is covered in bronze drapery etched in detailed lilly pad design.
‘It’s great because I’ve never shown this piece before so it’s great to get first place,? Brown said. ‘It’s a small group of people so it’s very family like. We’re not competitive with each other and we’re very complimentary and helpful.?
Coming in second place was the equally impressive work of painter Harry Villalonga. He had several pieces on display including his life-like painting of a sail boat in shallow water at sunset from the point of view of a beach-goer. The approaching waves, sudsy water, and colorful sunset made it appear like it photograph.
Also a notable mention was long time artist and Lake Orion art teacher Jerry Brazeau who had many pieces on display including a sculpture piece of an orangutan cradling its baby.
Brazeau is working with the OAC on their next show which is a youth-based art show for kindergarten to 8th grade. The show has an opening of March 17 and will be showing what students are working on in the schools. He’s expecting around 120 students? works to fill the art center.
‘I’m going try to get a little variety of drawings, painting, and ceramics to just get the exposure out there,? Brazeau said.
The OAC is located at 115 South Anderson St. by Children’s Park. Anyone interested in submitting their artwork or getting involved with the OAC can call 248-693-4986.