Opotiki mouth-painting artist displays his talent to the community once again
Opotiki mouth-painting artist Kerrin will be displaying three of his paintings at the Opotiki Art Society’s end of year exhibition in its King Street Hall from 1 to 9 December.

Mouth and Foot Painting Artist (MFPA) member, Kerrin Tilley 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 MFPA and the Opotiki Art Society since 1992.

“I’ve been an Opotiki Art Society committee member for the last ten years and really enjoy being involved with the group and working with all the artists,” Kerrin said.

“We have mid year and end of year exhibitions, as well as a number of smaller exhibitions throughout the year. They always receive a very positive reaction from the local community and many of the paintings are actually sold at the exhibitions.

“This year we have called the exhibition the Blood and Fire Exhibition as the hall used to belong to the Salvation Army and while we were doing renovations we uncovered an old Salvation Army Emblem with the words Blood and Fire on it,” he said.

At the beginning of next year, Kerrin will be involved in a number of activities including displaying his paintings at Opotiki Art Society exhibitions and entering two art competitions.

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.

To become a 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.

For further information on the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists or to place an order contact MFPA on (09) 827 6746.

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Released for MFPA by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations (www.drpr.com.au).
For further information contact Aleks Czerwinski or Nicola Rutzou on (612) 9413 4244.