AN event which combines wildlife art with safari holidays and the work of AfriCat is being held on March 2 at The Wharf Arts Centre ? Tavistock.

The event, which is free, is intended to provide the public with an entertaining and educational afternoon on wildlife art safaris and Big Cat Conservation in Africa.

The event starts at 2pm with a preview of the wildlife art of Richard Albon. Richard ? a member of AfriCat UK and David Shepherd award winner ? will be showing his latest work, based on the trip he made to Namibia last year, including a visit to Okonjima, where AfriCat are based.

The artwork is on show until March 27 and includes originals, prints and cards, with half of the sales made going direct to supporting AfriCat work programmes.

?As an artist I found visiting AfriCat at Okonjima was very rewarding from the point of view of seeing lions, cheetah and leopard at close quarters? said Richard.

?I was impressed by the work they are doing in helping these endangered animals.?

After the preview, visual presentations will be made by AfriCat and Endangered Wildlife Travels. Introductions will be made by Chris Burchell, Art Exhibition Coordinator at The Wharf. The event will be opened by the Mayor of Tavistock, Majorie Corner. Barry Harding will be representing AfriCat and showing the range of work they are doing to help wildlife conservation in Namibia.

For those of us who could be lucky enough to visit Southern Africa, Nicky Evans from Endangered Wildlife Travels will be showing what it is like to be a tourist there.