By Meg Peters
Review Co-Editor
Lorene Porter might be known best for her contagious community spirit.
Or, it could be phrases like ‘my heart be still,? and her ability to make the room smile.?
The thing is, no one really knows the Metamora resident yet, apart from the members and the teachers of the Orion Art Center, which she now directs.?
Porter entered the new year with her new position, which she plans to utilize to its full potential.?
‘I really believe in this business of building community and enriching community. And I also believe strongly in reciprocity. When I’m able to provide something for you and you are able to provide that relationship. It is so exciting.?
This is what Porter is most pumped about’making the OAC a bigger asset to the Lake Orion community.
‘We absolutely want a relationship with the business community. They are a source of strength to us, and we want to be a value to them and the community at large.??
Her other short term goal is increasing the volunteer base and membership of the art center with respectful, engaging, and outright fun publicity.?
‘I want folks to know more profoundly what we are about and the manner in which we can be together in this endeavor related to art.??
She has her experience in directing. After Berkley Schools brought her in to teach, they promoted her to curriculum and staff development. From there she directed a gifted program, which led to the Roeper School hiring her as their lower building director.?
Roeper School is a private school in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills.
‘Lorene is a creative and gifted leader with a passion for the arts and community. The art center will be in excellent hands with her at the helm, former student at the Roeper School, Theresa Andari, said.?
Porter thought she would retire but then learned about the OAC position.?
‘The whole idea of a community art center of course was very appealing,? the artist said.?
Porter is an acrylic painter, specializing in furniture, and is lately into these little sculptures she calls Wind Spirits made of polymer clay, wood, paper and screws.?
Now the OAC is her new canvas.
Those who walk inside the art center building come February, will see some renovations, including removal of the pegboard and fresh paint. ? After Porter came on board the OAC received a large financial donation which has been used to renovate the charming house off Anderson St. near Orion Township Fire Station 1.?
The OAC was founded by a group of Orion citizens, and originally was one of the church patronages of the Lake Orion United Methodist Church. The pale yellow home was moved from its original location to 115 S. Anderson St. and is the space used for exhibits, displays and reception parties.?
David Brice, a local landscape architect, is the son of two of the founding members, and has donated tons of his time to help refurbish the interior for several upcoming shows.?
Porter’s first show will be February 12 for the OAC members and studio teachers from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Its theme will be ‘Celebrating Our Own.?
‘Everyone is invited to come and see what we are offering, just to make sure that people first of all understand and know the quality of art here, which is fabulous, so they can appreciate it,? she said.?
Wine and appetizers will be provided.?
The next show is the Lake Orion K-8 Student Show in March, and following that is the Portraits and Pottery Show in April.?
But, don’t hesitate to meet the new OAC director Wednesdays through Fridays, from noon to 6 p.m. at the center.?
‘Anytime somebody pops in and I haven’t seen them before, and they come back a second or third time, oh my heart, and it is fun the kind of interest that they show,? she said.?