Ekka is Brisbane's largest cultural festival, held annually at the Brisbane Showgrounds, and next month Margaret Greig, who has overcome more than most artists, will showcase her work.

Ms Greig must paint by holding a brush in her mouth and will demonstrate her amazing technique and enter two paintings in the show, from August 5 to 14.

She has been painting by holding the brush in her mouth since her mid-teens, after contracting polio when she was just 13 years old.

She has lived her life in a wheelchair since then and has become one of Australia’s most recognized mouth painting artists and has been an active artist of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists since 1970.

“I am looking forward to demonstrating at Ekka, as it is a great opportunity to meet the public, who often don’t believe that MFPA members can paint by holding the brush in their mouth until they see it for themselves,” Ms Greig.

“I often invite them to try to paint by holding the brush in their month or just use a pen held in their mouth to try and write their name as a way of convincing them that it really is very difficult and takes many, many years of practice to master.”

Members of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists gain their income through the sale of their paintings or products illustrated with their paintings and although this started with Christmas cards, today it includes a wide list of products ranging from special occasion cards, jigsaws, tea sets, address books, calendars, Christmas serviettes and place mats, gift tags and wrapping paper. Several artists have also written and illustrated their own books.

This year at Ekka, MFPA has a stand selling a range of their products.

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 16 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 contact MFPA on (02) 9698 3933 or visit www.mfpa.com.au.