Local mouth painting artist's work on show at the Creative Mountain Arts Exhibition

MEDIA RELEASE 31 March 2009

Local mouth painting artist's work on show at the Creative Mountain Arts Exhibition
Dorrigo mouth painting artist, Gary Atkins will be exhibiting his unique art work at this year's Dorrigo Creative Mountain Arts Exhibition from 9 to 18 April 2009.

"The Creative Mountain Arts Exhibition is a great opportunity to highlight the work of the many talented artists we have living in our local area. I am looking forward to exhibiting my work and the unique technique of mouth painting to the community", said Gary.

Gary was encouraged to try mouth painting by an occupational therapist, while recovering in hospital after a diving accident left him a quadriplegic. Initially Gary experimented with black and white sketches and moved on to oils three years later. He was awarded a Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) student membership in 1981.

Since becoming a student member of MFPA, Gary has experimented with several mouth painting techniques and developed a true passion for art. Gary finds most of his inspiration for his art in photographs or pictures of the beautiful landscapes surrounding Dorrigo.

"Living in Dorrigo, we are lucky to be surrounded by endless natural beauty. These local landscapes never fail to inspire creativity. I enjoy the challenge of transferring the beauty of Dorrigo onto canvas", said Gary.

The Creative Mountain Arts Exhibition runs from Thursday, 9 April through to Saturday, 18 April 2009. Open from 10am to 4pm, the Exhibition can be found at the Dorrigo Community Centre, Hickory Street, Dorrigo.

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 Australia in 1971 and currently has 17 members around the country.

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 or the book, contact MFPA on (02) 9698 3933 or visit www.mfpa.com.au.

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 (02) 9413 4244.

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