During a brilliant life that shone all-too briefly, Natalie Nance made a lasting impression on a great many people.
Blessed with a rare gift for art, an innate talent for hairstyling and driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Natalie had big plans for her life.
When she died in a car accident last January, Natalie’s dream of displaying her art at her own hair salon was over. But now, a portion of her dream is about to come true.
Through the cooperation of Melissa Buffington, Natalie’s art teacher at Lake Orion High School, and The Glitz Salon, her former employer, the late artist’s work will be publicly displayed on Fri., March 2 at Glitz, 345 S. Broadway (M-24).
Buffington, who taught Natalie for two years at the high school, said her former student was evolved beyond her years as an artist.
‘She was a great student and artist who, at a very young age, was able to develop her own artistic style,? said Buffington. ‘She liked to use a lot of vibrant colors, and her subjects were usually fellow classmates doing everyday things at the school.?
At the March 2 art show, which runs from 7:30-9 p.m., everyone that purchases a ticket will receive a framed print of Natalie’s work, along with a coupon for a haircut and style complimentary of the Glitz Salon.
All proceeds from the sale will go to the Natalie Nance Scholarship Fund to help other art students at Lake Orion High School realize their dreams.
Attendees will be able to select their favorite print from about 24 of Natalie’s art pieces contained in her portfolio. Pickup will arranged for a later date, after the artwork is professionally matted and framed.
‘Natalie was such a great kid,? added Buffington. ‘She had such a large amount of wonderful work for such a young person. People really need to see it.
‘We are having Natalie’s prints framed and matted, so they will be something people can keep forever to honor her memory.?
Tickets are $65 if purchased before March 1, and are available at the Glitz Salon, the main office of Lake Orion High School, or from Melissa Buffington.
Tickets purchased at the door will be $75.
A 2003 graduate of Lake Orion High School, Natalie had been attending Western Michigan University before she died.
For further information, call Lake Orion High School at (248)693-5420, the Glitz Salon at (248)693-1500 or e-mail mbuffington@lakeorion.k12.mi.us.