Local mouth painting artist wins first place in Easter Show art awards

MEDIA RELEASE 23 April 2009

Local mouth painting artist wins first place in Easter Show art awards
Ahipara mouth painting artist Kevin Griffiths won first place in the Mouth and Foot Painting Artist Awards at the Auckland Easter Show with his winning painting entitled 'Fairground child'.

Kevins' painting received unanimous commendation from the judges for the sense of childhood innocence conveyed clearly through the art.

This is the fifth time Kevin has won first place at the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) section of the Art Awards.

"The MFPA display at the Auckland Royal Easter Show is the largest MFPA exhibition in New Zealand. I feel very honoured to have won this prestigious award", said Kevin.

Kevin entered four paintings in this year's Auckland Royal Easter Show including a colourful depiction of Autumn foliage entitled 'Natures Palette', two impressive landscapes entitled 'Lake Views' and 'Rock fishing at Muriwai', as well as his winning art work, 'Fairground child'.

Kevin, who began painting with a brush held in his mouth after a diving accident at the age of 14 left him quadriplegic, joined the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) in 1992.

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 (MFPA) by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations (www.drpr.com.au)
For further information please call Gemma Crowley or Nicola Rutzou on 61 2 9413 4244.

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