By Jim Newell

Review Editor

The Orion Art Center’s new Portraits and Pottery exhibit features an array of work from local artists, from classical in nature, to abstract and whimsical.

Art Center Executive Director Janice Price feels the pieces in this show are “Outstanding in subject, technique and just the overall composition.”

Price said 18 artists submitted 30 portraits and 13 pieces of pottery to the show.

“Some of the pieces are almost photographic; some are more impressionistic. But, either way, you feel the energy, the personality of the personality of the portrait it is.”

Opening night of the exhibit, the artists’ reception, begins at 6 p.m. June 8, with the awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. at the Art Center, 115 S. Anderson St. Admission is free and open to the public.

Bunny Homan, Michigan Ambassador to the Portrait Society of America, is the exhibition’s portrait judge.

Marilyn Appleman is the pottery judge. Appleman art education is through the Paint Creek Center for the Arts, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center and Oakland Community College.

Most of the portrait artists were done by older, seasoned artists. “We didn’t have as many young people this time, even though we publicize at the high schools. Most of the young people submitted pottery,” Price said.

The Art Center just wrapped up its Joan Brace Scholarship art competition for high school seniors, awarding three scholarships to area students.

The Portraits and Pottery exhibition runs noon – 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and noon – 3 p.m. on Saturdays through July 15.

The winners from the Recreate Art exhibit in May are on display at Orion Township Hall until the end of June. The teachers from the Art Center’s Moose Tree Studio have their work on display at the Orion Township Public Library through the end of June.

Visit www.orionartcenter.org for information on upcoming shows and guidelines for submitting artwork. More information is available by calling 248-693-4986 or by emailing info@orionartcenter.org.

The Art Center website also has listings for classes at the recently-opened Moose Tree Art Studio. For questions about renting the studio or on classes, contact Art Studio Manager Susan VanHeck at 248-431-0025, or email slvanheck@comcast.net.