—. eo 2?@ar1_ —_@e so SorStset CF @e-—a~— eco @erfr 8 Holiday Cards With A Difference (NAPSA)—Sending greetings cards has been an integral part of the Christmastradition for generations. ThePast: It began in Britain in 1843, when Sir Henry Cole commissioned an artist to design a card that would enable him to share his Christmas message with others living in distant parts of the country. It soon became popular in America, too. ‘The Present: Greetings cardsarestill a great waytotell people you're thinking of them. A personal, handwritten mes- sage inside a card says so much more than an electronic message ever could. Plus, its something they can proudly display on the mantelpiece or around the house, where it serves as a constant reminder of how muchyoucare. Alana Tillman at work. mouth from childhood dueto polio, decided to create a unique, international self-help group of disabled commercial artists who work without the use oftheir handsto achieve financial independence and a fulfilling life through art. Their motto is “Self-Help, Not Charity,’ and they sell reproductions of their mouthand foot-painted images directly to the public in the form of Christmas cards, calendars and a rangeof seasonalitems. Oneofthese talented artists is Cal- ifornian Alana Tillman, who creates “Oh! Tannenbaum”by Alana Tillman. A Special Greetings Card The Christmas card is particularly importantto a groupoftalented, disabled artists called the Mouth and FootPainting Artists (MFPA), this year celebrating its 60th anniversary. It began in 197, when Erich Stegmann, who painted by her art by holding a paintbrush in her mouth. Born with arthrogryposis, Tillman wasleft without the use of her arms and hands and she took up painting while in hospital as a child. “The MFPA has been life changing and a big part of my independence and motivation,” said theartist. How To Purchase Tillman’s beautiful greetings card is one of many you can buy online at www.mfpausa.com and (877) MFPAUSA.
