Exhibitions in 2008
Painting in the Park
29th and 30th August - the MFPA artists will be holding an outdoor art exhibition and giving mouth/foot painting demonstrations in Hyde Park, London.
The event will be held at the Bandstand on the Serpentine Road, circa 150 yards from the Queen Elizabeth Gate entrance at Hyde Park Corner.
|
|
Exhibitions in 2007
The House of Commons
The MFPA had a collection of art on display at the House of Commons in Spring 2007. A number of MPs and their guests visited the exhibition and were able to see painting demonstrations from artists Steve Chambers, Keith Jansz and Tom Yendell.
 |
|
"It’s a pleasure to have supported this event. I first met the MFPA ten years ago and the painting that I’ve had of Tom’s (Yendell) since then has had many comments from friends and family. I’m hopeless at painting and to see such absolutely stunning paintings here is humbling. This exhibition is also a great reminder of the incredible variety of paintings the MFPA produce."
Rt. Hon. William Hague MP |
|
|
 |
|
"This is quite something - the idea of this all starting in Germany and now being international is phenomenal. I’m totally inartistic myself but it’s fabulous to see such beautiful paintings here in the House of Commons."
Mark Field MP
|
|
|
October 2006
Royal College of Art, London
The Mouth and Foot Painting Artists held a major exhibition of their work at the RCA to mark the organisations 50th Anniversary.
The exhibition which consisted over 100 British and overseas paintings was opened by renowned English wildlife painter David Shepherd OBE FRSA FRGS.
The President of the MFPA, Mr Eros Bonamini also travelled from Italy to attend the opening along with his fellow artists from Britain, Denmark and Cyprus.
The artists gave live demonstrations of mouth and foot painting throughout the week-long show.
|
|
David Shepherd opening the exhibition with artists Trevor Wells (with his wife Shirley) and Tom Yendell. |
|
MFPA artist Leanne Beetham with writer Frederick Forsyth. |
|
Congratulations
MFPA
"The excellent work the Mouth and Foot Painting
Artists (MFPA) have created over the last 50 years are both an
inspiration and example to us all. I believe that disabled people
are entitled to have the same aspirations and expectations as
other people, and the support that the MFPA gave to aspiring
artists is crucial to those people fulfilling their aspirations."
Anne
McGuire, Minister for Disabled People
“After 50 years the MFPA go from strength to strength,
offering huge support and encouragement to artists who paint by
mouth or with their toes. In turn this gives creative fulfilment
and helps to provide an income to some exceptional people. Congratulations
and keep up the good work.”
Heather Mills McCartney
"I had the honour to be invited to an exhibition of
MFPA work several years ago and was astounded at the talent displayed.
For someone who has no artistic abilities in that direction it
was positively humbling to see such wonderful work and enthusiasm
produced by severely disabled artists. It was especially joyful
to meet Ms. Alison Lapper who has now very deservedly become a
national monument.
I am in great admiration and awe of this association and its artists
and wish them every success on the occasion of their 50th anniversary."
Rula Lenska
|
|
"It is a pleasure to have the opportunity
to congratulate the MFPA on reaching its 50th anniversary. The
work of the MFPA first came to my notice when I was the Minister
for Disabled People and I was struck not only by the compelling
quality of the art work but by the ethos of the organisation.
For the last ten years I have been able to admire an excellent
example of this work on my wall at home.
Through its work, the MFPA has brought a diverse range of artists and artistic
skills to the attention of the public and I am delighted to have been able to
support their efforts over the years. So many people in Britain are now able
to appreciate the talent of artists previously unknown to them, and I wish the
MFPA continued success in the future as it showcases what ranks among the best
of British art."
Rt. Hon. William Hague MP
"Congratulations to the MFPA in their Anniversary Year. A wonderful
organisation representing such talented people. Have a happy Year."
Terry Wogan |
|
"I have
the greatest possible admiration for all those artists belonging
to the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists organisation and I
was proud to open an exhibition of their work just a few years
ago at the Royal Geographical Society in London.
I have particularly happy memories of being the guest on
Watercolour Challenge on ITV when three of your artists came
to our house in Surrey to paint the garden and house. I was
invited by the Director of the programme to attempt to paint
a similar picture with my mouth. At the end of the programme
it was judged by all your three members who were participating
and they all agreed that mine was a disaster!
I have the greatest possible admiration for all of you in the
organisation and I never cease to be amazed at the talent of
your members."
David Shepherd: (OBE FRSA FRGS) |
|
“These artists
are extra-special – painting well is a demon in any circumstance
and to accomplish what they do commands admiration, respect and
naked envy. Long may the MFPA flourish: and to the fine artists
whose work amazes and enchants us all, a sweeping bow and a blizzard
of good wishes.”
Joanna Lumley
"I first saw a 'foot artist' when I was about 7 or
8 years old. A man without arms did all the things I did, with
his feet. That made me feel good because it seemed that whatever
might befall people, nothing seems to be impossible.
Long live the
Mouth and Foot painting (and everything else) Artists."
Sir Jimmy Savile OBE KCSG |
|
Artists on Rolf Harris
Art Specials
August 28th 2005
Artists Katrina Gardner, David Cawthorne,
Steve Chambers and Edward Rainey participated in the second of
the BBC’s Rolf Harris ‘Big Draw’ specials, which
was staged at The Mount, Edinburgh. The group worked with members
of the public and celebrities to produce a giant painting of Leonardo
da Vinci’s painting, the Mona Lisa.
September 26th 2004
BBC1 television broadcast a Rolf on Art Special live from Trafalgar
Square as part of a big event called ‘The Big Draw’.
144 artists from across the UK had just one day to paint an individual
section of Constable’s masterpiece, ‘The Hay Wain’
– recreating the entire painting to the size of a double-decker
bus!
MFPA artists Katrina Gardner, Tom Yendell, Dave Cawthorne, Steve
Chambers, Alison Lapper and Kate Mitchell all participated in
the painting, alongside many celebrities including TV presenters
Lorraine Kelly, Fearne Cotton, Anna Ryder Richardson and England’s
goalkeeper, David James.
A huge 30ft by 20ft canvas structure was created to hold each
section of the painting that was unveiled live on television,
outside the National Gallery. |
|
 |
|
International
News
Al Gore visits MFPA exhibition
Former U.S. Vice-President, Al Gore, opened an MFPA
international art exhibition at the renowned, Woodruff Arts Centre,
in Atlanta, Georgia.
Among the 150 paintings on display were paintings from British
artist, Trevor Wells, who had the opportunity to talk about his
work with Mr Gore during his tour of the exhibition. British artist,
Keith Jansz, was also featured at the exhibition with one of his
'Venice Collection' paintings. |
|
|
HRH
Visits Gallery
HRH The
Prince of Wales at a visit to the MFPA artists gallery at Selborne,
Hampshire
Accompanied
by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, HRH was greeted by a crowd
of flag waving people. As well as meeting organiser of the visit,
Tom Yendell, the artist and curator of the gallery, HRH was also
introduced to other artists, Trevor Wells, Keith Jansz and demonstrating
mouth painting, on the day, Rob Trent.
During
the visit HRH was also presented with a Trevor Wells, snow-scene
original painting. HRH, a keen artists himself, said of the visit,
"It was wonderful to come to see you today. I have been looking
forward to it" |
|
|
