When she was 20 years old and just starting her art career, Mariam Paré became paralyzed after being caught in the cross-fire of gang gunfire. The incident caused Paré to become permanently unable to walk and with significant loss of function in her upper extremities.

However, Paré refused to give up her painting. During her rehabilitation, she was asked to sign a form, and resorted to holding a pen between her teeth. She realized her signature looked identical to what was once her handwriting. Paré’s was then inspired her to try painting again using a similar technique. Today, she’s a wildly successful painter and travels around the world to share her story and demonstrating her technique.

Hyde Park Art Center is pleased to host Paré during a stop on her North American tour of art museums and galleries. During this event, guests will be invited to watch Paré paint, try mouth painting for themselves, and come away with a new found appreciation for the different ways artists make work.

You can learn more about Mariam Paré and other artists like her through Mouth and Foot Painting Artists’ website. MFPA is an international, for-profit association owned and run by disabled artists to help them meet their financial needs.