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Peruvian Mouth Painter to Visit Ellensburg July 12-14
Felix Espinoza will Give Demonstrations at Gallery One

Ellensburg, Wash. (July 9, 2007) -- If you happen to pass by the windows of Gallery One on July 12 or 13 and notice a man painting with his mouth, don't be shy about stopping to watch him work - that's the whole reason for his trip.

Felix Espinoza, a Peruvian mouth painter, will visit the gallery, located at 408 N. Pearl St., in downtown Ellensburg on Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. He will paint and give demonstrations at the gallery. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday he will sell his art at the Kittitas County Farmers Market. His paintings consist primarily of bright oil and watercolors depicting religious and cultural Peruvian scenes.

The traditions, religion and scenic beauty of Perú are what inspire most of Espinoza's works, but his passion for art goes well beyond the simple need to create. It is something he says he was born to do.

In 1955 Espinoza was born in the small mining town of La Oroya. He entered the world without both forearms and with only one leg. His mother was unable to care for him, along with her other children, and so she sent her young son to live with another woman.

"Raising Felix was difficult for her," said Caroline Sullivan, a Winthrop resident and friend of Espinoza's. "This other woman had no children and offered to adopt him. She was active in helping many other handicapped children in Perú. She was definitely cutting edge."

That event fundamentally changed Espinoza's life by opening a door to the world of art - a door that might never have opened otherwise.

"He was raised by a woman that ensured he got the very best education," Sullivan said.

Early on in his childhood, teachers marveled at his ability to paint with his mouth, and encouraged him to pursue his talent.

"The teachers realized I was different from other people," Espinoza said. "They encouraged me to study art."

Painting led to carving, sculpting and print making. And his ambitions eventually brought him to The Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, or Pontifical Catholic University, a 90-year-old private university in Lima.

At Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Espinoza studied the craft of painting, as well as carving, sculpting, printmaking and pottery. After he graduated, he continued his education, studying in England and Mexico. In 1990, the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists of the World awarded him with a scholarship, and in 2005 it made him an associate member of the organization.

"I have won seven awards in my life. I also received a scholarship to study in England," Espinoza said. "I believe I was born to be an artist. I was just born that way."

As he honed his artistic talents, new opportunities arose, and he was given the chance to travel and continue studying in many countries, including Spain, Japan, Cuba, Taiwan and the United States.
While on a visit to the United States in 2003, Espinoza met Sullivan, who was inspired by his work and perseverance as an artist.

"I met Felix and wanted to help him succeed. He endears you to him immediately," Sullivan said. "So I started a business to help him sell his art, and it's worked out well."

Each year, Espinoza returns to Winthrop with his wife and daughter, where they stay with Sullivan, travel across the state, and sell his art at various galleries and farmers markets. Sullivan, a Spanish instructor, helps him network.

After his annual visit, he returns to Perú, where he has a peaceful studio in Punta Hermosa. He also lives in Lima off and on throughout the year.

"My studio overlooks the ocean. It's a very nice place to paint," Espinoza said.

He focuses primarily on painting, and specializes in oil, watercolor and glass murals. He also spends a good deal of time on carvings, which he creates while grasping tools with his teeth.
While visiting, Espinoza will stay with Sullivan's friend, Ellensburg resident Mollie Edson, a Gallery One board member.

"The gallery is always trying to encourage and inspire art in the Kittitas Valley," Edson said. "To have Felix demonstrate his art in the window prior to the market will give that many more people the opportunity to be inspired by this amazing man."

After his trip to Ellensburg, Espinoza will have an exhibit at Arthead Gallery, 5411 Meridian Ave. N., in Seattle. That show, titled "Mouth and Foot Painters: 50 Years", will feature several artists and opens July 28. Visitors can meet the artists that day from 5 to 8 p.m.

Espinoza will be the featured artist at the show. His work will remain at the gallery until Aug. 25.

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