New York City, Orenda started drawing at age 5 and began journal writing at age 13. She graduated junior high school one year early with an Achievement in Arts Award, a college reading level and was chosen to illustrate the student handbook. Graduation from Manhattan's prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & the Arts followed in 1982, where the movie "Fame" was filmed. By 1985, Orenda majored in graphic design at the Art Institute of Seattle, followed by attendance at Highline College for interior design studies. Her influences are artist Peter Max, photographer Annie Leibovitz and memoirist Janice Erlbaum.
Synesthesia is the rare ability to see sounds and in 2002 Orenda began visually interpreting music through her abstract paintings. These canvases were initially displayed at the Renton Healing Arts Center. By 2004 Orenda had her first solo exhibit at the Crossraods Community Center and contributed her talent at Seattle's 107.7 The End 'Art for Peace' Project. As an Activity Director for Seattle's St. Cabrini Hospital, Orenda utilized her love for art and writing by creating articles, poems and drawings for the in-house newsletter which catered to a geriatric population.
Since 2007, many of Orenda's award-winning paintings have been viewed and purchased through various organizations and venues throughout the Puget Sound / greater Seattle area.
A few of the highlights of Orenda's art career includes the sale of a piece to the City of Renton and serving as Juror for the Renton Annual Art Event, among other honors.