Give Something Special This Year

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(NAPSA)—'This holiday season, re- member, the more thought you putinto the gifts and greetings cards you choose, the happier the recipient may be. First, take your time by planning ahead.Is the purchase for a man or woman? Consider the recipient’s personality andinterests. Does the person do jigsaw puzzles or love books? Maketheeffort to ensure the gift you chooseis presentedas attractively as possible. Give thought to the words youwrite on the gift tag. Consider adding a photo to the card and a heartfelt, handwritten message. Mariam Par painting “TheGift.” ed images in the form of Christmas greetings cards, calendars and a range of other products, the artists’ motto is “Self-Help, Not Charity” “Christmas Snowfall” by Natalina Marcantoniis oneofthis year’s offerings. Second, choose a gift or card that’s a bit different, such as those created by the talented artists who belong to Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA). ‘This year, the MFPA celebrates its 60th anniversary since its formation by Erich Stegmann, who painted by mouth from childhood, due to polio. His vision was to form a unique, internation- al self-help group of disabled artists (those without the use of their hands), seeking financial independence and a fulfilling life throughart. Selling reproductions of their mouth- or foot-paint- One of these talented painters is Chicagoan Mariam Par. She became a quadriplegic at age 20, when, already an art student, she innocently took a stray bullet to the back in gangcrossfire. She then retaught herself to paint by holding a brush in her mouth. Today, her paintings reflect her love of art and the freedom of expression it brings her. Many of her images have been exhibited in galleries across the U.S. and in Europe. Par’s greetings card images are popular around the world and her talent has brought her a number of high-profile gigs, including appearing on “The Today Show” with Hodaand Kathie Lee and visit to the Malibu homeofactor and keenartist Pierce Brosnan. How To Purchase In early October, selected households across America will receive, through the mail, a collection of greetings cards and calendars for purchase. These items and other seasonal products are also available online at www.mfpausa.com and at (877) MEPA-USA.