Opotiki mouth painter to show award winning pieces in solo exhibition

MEDIA RELEASE 20 April 2009

Opotiki mouth painter to show award winning pieces in solo exhibition
Opotiki mouth painting artist Kerrin Tilley will display his unique artwork at his solo art exhibition to be held at the Opotiki Art Society, King Street Hall, from 25 April to 2 May. The exhibition will feature 45 paintings by Kerrin Tilley.

In the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) display at the recent Auckland Royal Easter Show, Kerrin was awarded second place for his painting of the New Zealand Kaka parrot and forth for an abstract piece entitled 'Figure study'. Both these artworks will be displayed in his solo exhibition.

"The MFPA display at the Auckland Royal Easter Show is the largest MFPA exhibition in New Zealand so it was a great honour to win both second and fourth prize at the show," said Tilley.

"The prize winning art works will be on show at my solo exhibition. The exhibition is a great opportunity for me to showcase these paintings alongside several other favourite pieces.

"I am extremely proud of the collection and look forward to sharing my love for art with the community", added Tilley.

The opening night of the exhibition will be held on Friday, 24 April starting 5.30 pm and will be open daily from 11 am to 3 pm.

Kerrin began painting with a brush held in his mouth in 1988 after suffering a neck injury while playing rugby. He has been a member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) and also the Opotiki Society since 1992, and became an associate MFPA member in 2005.

As a member of the MFPA, Kerrin has been able to financially support himself through his painting and be involved in community exhibitions as well as larger exhibitions around the country such as the Royal Auckland Easter Show.

Founded in 1956 by a group of European artists, the MFPA is a self-help organisation which gives people with disabilities the opportunity to fulfil their creative ambitions while still maintaining financial independence by selectively selling their artworks. The MFPA was established in New Zealand in 1961 and currently has 20 members.

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. Student members receive scholarships for art supplies and tuition. 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 contact MFPA on (09) 827 6746.

Released for Mouth and Foot Painting Artists by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations (www.drpr.com.au)
For further information please call Gemma Crowley or Nicola Rutzou on (0011 61 2) 9413 4244.

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