Associate of Arts Degree and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish, respectively.

Paralyzed in body but not in spirit, mouth artist Rebecca Newman was born in Roseburg, Oregon, USA. Her quadriplegic condition was caused by polio in 1972 at the age of 12 while living in Medellin, Colombia, South America. Although bedridden for one year, hard work and determination enabled her to pursue her interest in foreign languages. She graduated from Valencia Community College (1977-79) and the University of Central Florida.

Rebecca's interest in art actually came much later while in search of a much-needed creative outlet. Encouraged by an artist from England, she started painting with a brush in her mouth in 1999. Although the Polio that paralyzed her body is gone, her weakened physical condition limits her painting to a few hours at a time therefore some pieces take several months to finish!

In May of 2003, Rebecca exhibited her mouth paintings for the first time at the Grand Opening of the Casselberry Art House, Casselberry, Florida. In November of 2003 she was recognized for her outstanding achievements as a mouth artist, receiving the prestigious Celebration of Life Award. Subsequent exhibits have included the Open House Of Arts at City Hall, Orlando Florida; Lake Eola Fiesta in the Park, Orlando; and Walt Disney World Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.