Local disabled artist's talent shines for the holiday season
Local disabled artist Jim Hodkinson from Rosemeadow has once again been recognised for his artistic talent, with one of his paintings featuring in the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) 2005 Christmas Range of greeting cards, wrapping paper, gift tags and bookmarks.

Jim’s painting, which has been reproduced on a Christmas gift tag and wrapping paper, is currently being sent to households across Australia and New Zealand as part of the range, which allows customers to purchase the products by selecting their favourite designs.

Jim feels honoured that his colourful artwork of flowers, holly and ivy is featured in this year’s MFPA Christmas Range, especially since one of his paintings was also included in last year’s range.

“I like to paint bright colours- it always reminds me of a traditional northern Christmas with snow.

“Even though I have never seen a white Christmas, I find something about them very special.

“Most of my family is in Queensland so I celebrate every Christmas with friends,” Jim said.

Currently, Jim is working on another painting with a Christmas theme, as well as beginning his first landscape painting of a restaurant in Menangle.

Jim began painting with a brush held in his mouth after a diving accident left him a quadriplegic at the age of 23. He became an MFPA member in 1992.

MFPA is a self-help organisation which gives disabled people the opportunity to fulfil their creative ambitions while still maintaining financial independence, by selectively selling their highly regarded works of art.

MFPA was founded in 1956 by a group of mainly Swiss, French, British and German artists. It was founded in 1970 in Australia and now has a membership of over 700 disabled artists in more than 70 countries throughout the world.

To become a Student Member an artist must qualify by painting using a brush held in either their mouth or foot, having lost the use of their hands through an illness or accident. Once an artist becomes a Full Member or Associate they are guaranteed a salary for life, even if they are unable to continue painting.

For further information on the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists or to place an order please contact MFPA on (02) 9699 3473.

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Released for MFPA by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations.
For further information contact Aleks Czerwinski
or Marie Tritsaris on (02) 9413 4244.