27 April 2026
From 12 to 17 April 2026, the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (VDMFK) gathered in London for its 13th General Assembly — a week that carried extra significance this year, marking not only the Association's most important organizational event but also a truly special milestone: the 70th anniversary of the Association.
Artists from around the world travelled to London to take part in this remarkable week of celebration, exchange, and decision-making. Today, the Association brings together more than 700 mouth and foot painting artists from numerous countries, supporting both their artistic development and their economic independence — a mission that felt especially present throughout every event of the assembly.
Exchange, Decisions, and Community
Beyond the celebratory atmosphere, the General Assembly carried out essential organizational business, with the week's agenda centred on key decisions that will shape the Association's direction for years to come. Chief among these was the election of a new president and the reappointment of board members.
During the assembly, Tom Yendell was elected as the fifth president in the VDMFK's history — a moment of real significance for an organisation now entering its eighth decade. Long-standing board member and Vice President Thomas Kahlau was voted out of the board after many years of dedicated service, while Keith Jansz was newly elected to the board, bringing fresh energy and perspective to the Association's leadership.
Yet beyond the formal proceedings, the assembly offered something equally valuable: a genuine platform for personal exchange. For many artists, the week was a chance to reconnect with long-time colleagues and friends from across the globe, to share stories and experiences, and to build new relationships within the international artist community. These personal connections — often forged over shared meals, quiet conversations, and moments between sessions — are, in many ways, the heart of what makes the General Assembly so meaningful to those who attend.
Cultural Highlights of the Anniversary Week
With 70 years of history to celebrate, the organisers ensured that the cultural programme matched the significance of the occasion.
A Festive Gala at the Guildhall
Among the week's most memorable moments was the festive gala held at the historic Guildhall, one of London's most iconic ceremonial buildings. The setting provided a fitting and elegant backdrop for the 70th anniversary celebrations, bringing together artists, supporters, and guests for an evening dedicated to honouring seven decades of artistic achievement and perseverance. The grandeur of the Guildhall matched the magnitude of the occasion, offering a truly memorable evening for everyone in attendance.
An International Exhibition at Lindley Hall
Equally impressive was the exhibition opening on 14 April 2026 at Lindley Hall, where works by artists from over 33 countries were presented side by side. The sheer breadth of the exhibition offered a powerful demonstration of just how far the Association's reach extends — and of how art transcends borders, empowers individuals, and connects communities worldwide, regardless of language, culture, or circumstance. Visitors moving through Lindley Hall were able to witness firsthand the incredible diversity of styles, subjects, and techniques produced by artists painting with their mouth or foot, each piece a testament to individual talent and determination.
A Royal Visit
A particularly special moment during the anniversary week came with the visit of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who attended the exhibition "Defying Limits, Defining Art: 70 Years of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists." Her presence added a distinguished and touching dimension to the celebrations, and she took the time to show her genuine appreciation for the participating artists, engaging with their work and their stories. For many artists present, this royal recognition served as a powerful affirmation of the value and impact of their art and their journeys.
Seventy Years of Purpose
The VDMFK was founded in 1956 by the German artist Erich Stegmann, driven by a vision of supporting people with severe physical disabilities in achieving both artistic recognition and financial independence through painting. Seven decades later, that founding mission remains just as vital: the Association today represents around 720 artists in 71 countries, continuing its work of enabling people who paint with their mouth or foot to earn a dignified living through their art.
The London assembly, and its anniversary celebrations, stood as a powerful reminder of just how far that original vision has travelled — from a single founder's idea to a truly global community spanning dozens of countries and continents.
A Week Full of Inspiration
The days in London were marked by meaningful conversations, creative inspiration, and a strong sense of community that resonated throughout every event, formal or informal. Once again, the gathering demonstrated how art can unite people — regardless of their background, nationality, or physical limitations — around a shared passion for creativity and self-expression.
For those who attended, the 13th General Assembly will remain a lasting memory, not only because of its historic anniversary significance and the important decisions made during the week, but above all because of its unique atmosphere and the shared experiences that brought together artists, supporters, and friends from every corner of the world.
As the Association looks ahead under its new leadership, the spirit of this milestone week — one of celebration, connection, and renewed purpose — will undoubtedly continue to inspire its members for years to come.
Source: VDMFK News