Mouth painting artist to exhibit work at local exhibition

MEDIA RELEASE 24 May 2007

Mouth painting artist to exhibit work at local exhibition
Opotiki mouth painting artist Kerrin Tilley will display several of his artworks at the Opotiki Art Society Exhibition from Friday, 1 June until Saturday, 9 June.

The exhibition will be held in the newly renovated Heritage Art Society Hall at 13 King Street, Opotiki.

"This art exhibition will be the first one to be held since the major restoration of the hall. It will be great to get involved and display some of my work again with the society," Kerrin said.

Kerrin began painting with a brush held in his mouth in 1988 after suffering a neck injury while playing rugby. He has been a student member of the MFPA since 1992, and has displayed his work in Opotiki Art Society exhibitions many times before.

"I’ll be displaying three paintings at this particular exhibition, one of which will be a rose. Most of my inspiration comes from New Zealand scenery," said Kerrin.

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 MFPA by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations (www.drpr.com.au)
For further information please call Aleks Czerwinski or Anthia Crosby on (612) 9413 4244.

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