Local mouth painting artist exhibiting work at Mangere Bridge library

MEDIA RELEASE 30 October 2007

Local mouth painting artist exhibiting work at Mangere Bridge library
Local artist Murray Cohen is displaying one of his artworks, painted with a brush held in his mouth, in an exhibition at Mangere Bridge library held by the Mangere Bridge Art Group until Tuesday 13 November.

The exhibition of 40 artworks includes Murray's painting of the 600 acre volcanic Puketutu Island. Murray is the only mouth painting artist to be displayed in the exhibition.

Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) member Murray lost the use of his hands after a diving accident left him a quadriplegic in 1988. He started painting with a brush held in his mouth in 2003.

Murray said that he has a lot of memories of Puketutu Island as he was a quarry manager on the island prior to his accident.

"I decided to paint it because it will soon be turned into a regional park," Murray said.

A seascape that Murray painted has also been selected for inclusion in the 2008 French MFPA calendar as part of the Christmas card range.

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 Aleks Czerwinski or Anthia Crosby on (0011612) 9413 4244.

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