Mouth & Foot Painting Artists
The Association Mouth and Foot Painting Artists was founded in 1956 by German Mouth Painter, Erich Stegmann. Since its inception, the Association's motto has been “Self-Help, Not Charity.” What began as 17 artists almost 70 years ago has grown into a worldwide organization of over 750 artists with disabilities, enabling them to live independently and with dignity through the sale of their work in the form of unique, stunning products. To this day, Mr. Stegmann’s belief that the artists be recognized as artists first, disabled second, remains the driving force behind this incredible organization.
About Us
MFPA, a global for-profit organization, is dedicated to empowering its member artists to achieve financial independence. Their primary revenue stream comes from the sale of high-quality consumer goods featuring their artwork, such as cards, calendars, prints, and now, their brand-new Pick-to-Print website. MFPA operates as a democratic cooperative, where artists elect delegates to ensure their needs and vision are respected and fulfilled. The board of directors comprises Full Member artists from within the association (apart from one able-bodied legal counsel), who are democratically elected by the delegates and actively support the organization’s goals. Currently, there are 48 artists residing and working in the USA, with new and talented individuals joining MFPA every year. Below, we present the featured Pick-to-Print artists, and we hope you’ll be captivated by their extraordinary talents and inspired by their personal stories that resonate with the enduring spirit of humanity.
Artists Bios
MFPA USA - ARTIST'S BIOS
Tom Yendell, O.B.E.
Mouth & Foot Painter, UK
Tom, born with limb difference due to thalidomide, uses his mouth, feet, and chin for daily tasks, including painting. His graphic works exhibit a high degree of perfection, with a precise, ornamental style, vibrant strokes, and rich colors inspired by nature. Tom joined MFPA in 1986. He is now a Full Member serving on the MFPA board. Tom is distinguished by his commitment to people with disabilities, and his philanthropic efforts earned him the investiture as an Officer of the British Empire in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.
Grant Sharman
Mouth Painter, New Zealand.
Grant, an avid rugby player and aspiring pilot, faced a life-altering setback when a bad tackle left him paralyzed from the chest down. Despite these obstacles, he met a mouth painter who taught him the art of mouth painting and led him to the MFPA, where he became a scholarship recipient in 1987 and a full member in 1993. Today, he actively serves on the MFPA Board. Grant’s paintings are a testament to his profound connection to nature and his refined painterly instincts.
Brom Wikstrom
Mouth Painter, USA
Brom, an apprentice at his father’s art business, became paralyzed after a swimming accident. Despite this, he continued working under his father’s guidance as a mouth painter. Finding joy and purpose in art, Brom attended art therapy courses and created an art program at the Children’s Hospital in Seattle. He received an MFPA scholarship in 1985 and was promoted to Full Member in 1992. Brom’s work is known for its beautiful clarity and solid graphics.
Dennis Francesconi
Mouth Painter, USA
Dennis was paralyzed in a tragic water skiing accident. To cope with the emotional turmoil of a life-altering injury, Dennis began mouth painting and discovered a talent he didn’t know he possessed. Undeterred by his physical limitations, he completed his college degree while continuing to hone his artistic skills. His determination paid dividends: Dennis holds the rare distinction of entering MFPA as an Associate Member in 1995 and was quickly promoted to Full Member in 1999, enabling him to exhibit his art globally.
Mariam Paré
Mouth Painter, USA
An aspiring art student, 20-year-old Mariam was caught in the crosshairs of gun violence, leaving her with shoulder-to-toe paralysis and no finger dexterity. Believing her career was over, she discovered painting after signing her name with a pen in her mouth. A scholarship recipient of MFPA since 2016, she became a Full Member in 2023. In 2015 she had the honor of presenting acclaimed actor Pierce Brosnan with a portrait of him as the famous 007, James Bond. A visionary artist, she shares her message of perseverance, exemplifying MFPA’s “Artist First, Disabled Second” message.
Sara Jane Parsons
Mouth Painter, USA
Sara Jane, an avid textile artist, was paralyzed from the shoulders down in a car accident at twenty. Seeking an outlet, she discovered mouth painting. After passing the bar exam, she took art classes and found a new purpose. Sara Jane joined MFPA as a scholarship recipient in 2009 and was promoted to Associate Member in 2021. She enjoys painting organic forms and is an excellent portraitist. Sara Jane lives with the love of her life, Jimmy, who is hearing impaired, and together they have formed their own special method of communicating.
Nancy Hall
Mouth Painter, USA
Nancy, a single mother of five, sustained a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident, resulting in quadriplegia. Frustrated and desperate, she began using a pen in her mouth to help her children with homework and sign her name. Encouraged by her children, she discovered a new passion: mouth painting, particularly landscapes and animals, and she became an MFPA scholarship recipient in 2011. As if raising a family on her own didn’t demonstrate her determination, Nancy recently fulfilled a dream of an assisted skydive.
Christopher Kuster
Mouth Painter, USA
Chris, paralyzed from the chest down after a diving accident, sought out a new purpose and discovered mouth painting. His iron will and perseverance shine through in his captivating paintings, capturing the calm and beauty of coastal Florida. A MFPA scholarship recipient since 2010, Chris was chosen to illustrate a children’s book about the late Team USA Paralympian, Nick Springer. Chris is a self-avowed motorhead, and when he is not painting, you can find him at car shows and rallies.
Moses Hamilton
Mouth Painter, USA
Moses, or “Mo” as he is known to his friends, suffered a spinal cord injury in a tragic car accident. An avid artist before his injury, Mo found mouth painting to continue his passion. Though not suitable for his usual subjects, this new technique was uniquely suited to express his native Hawaii and the Hawaiian people’s journey through bold, expressive brush strokes. In 2016, he became an MFPA scholarship recipient and often paints in situ on Kauai’s north coast.
Anna Marecka
Foot Painter, USA
Anna, born in Poland with limb difference due to a congenital condition, learned to use her feet like other children use their hands. At seven, she and her mother moved to the USA so she could undergo a painful leg lengthening procedure for better lower limb function. As a young single mother, Anna found joy in painting and became an MFPA scholarship recipient in 2020. Self-taught, she hopes her art inspires her son and others to find joy in the little things in life.