The Orion Art Center hosted its 28th annual gala fundraiser Saturday evening, with proceeds helping fund the Art Center’s projects and programs.
This year’s gala, A Night in Paris, was a French-themed event and included a silent auction, raffle, cocktail reception, gourmet dinner and dancing.
James Jenkins received the Patron of the Arts award, given to a person who goes above and beyond in supporting and promoting the arts in the Orion community.
Janice Price received the Artist of the Year award. Price is also the new Art Center executive director.
The gala is one of the Art Center’s biggest fundraisers. The Art Center will host eight exhibitions in 2017 at its headquarters at 115 S. Anderson Street in downtown Lake Orion.
The Art Center also hosts the annual Dragon on the Lake festival, it’s largest fundraiser and community event of the year; the Joan Brace Art Scholarship Competition for high school seniors who plan to major in the visual arts; and the Re-Create

exhibition coming in April.
The Re-Create art show, which begins April 13, focuses on artwork created from recycled materials. This year’s theme is United in Patriotism. To enter a piece in the show, contact the Art Center.
The Orion Art Center recently moved its classes and workshops into the Moose Tree Facility on Clarkston Road, next to Webber Elementary. The Art Studio offers a variety of classes for children and adults across several mediums, including painting, pottery, photography, jewelry-making, summer kids’ camps
For more information on Orion Art Center programs, classes, fundraisers, or to become a volunteer or patron, visit orionartcenter.org or call the Art Center at 248-693-4986. – By Jim Newell