At the Air Gallery, Mayfair, London

The Francesca Sanders December 2011 Exhibition in Mayfair, London showcases Francesca's work developed through parternships with East African conservation groups over the last two years. Having heard of the significant work of Save The Elephants in particular, she made two extended trips to their research camp in Samburu between 2010-2011. Here she joined the team in their research trips, where she was not only able to sketch and study their anatomy and movements, but learn about the characters of elephants and their families, who the STE team are able to recognise individually. She was also able to study the larger factors involving the nature of their ecosystem,  the fragility within which their ecosystem is maintained, and the work that Save The Elephants does to preserve and develop knowledge of these great animals. All of this has helped greatly to inspire her latest collection of artwork.

Whilst at the camp, Francesca also painted a large mural over two walls surrounding the new kitchen at the Westgate School. This school has been developed with the sponsorship of Save The Elephants and Elephant Watch Safaris, and 'Orias new stove' was the latest facility to be added. The idea was to provide entertainment to the children lining up along these walls at mealtime. The scene includes elephants and other animals found in Samburu, and a Save The elephants vehicle is painted over the window where the food is served from. This makes it look as if the cooks are serving the food from a large elephant emblazoned car, and children can climb up on the ledge, and pretend to drive.

Francesca's exhibition runs from 5th-10th December 2011 at the Air Gallery, 32 Dover St, London. An e-catalogue will also be available to view the exhibition online. 10% of the price of each painting developed from her work in Samburu will be donated back to STE. To register interest in this, or future exhibitions, please email Francesca personally at francescasanders@yahoo.co.uk  or visit http://www.francescasanders.com  and search Francesca Sanders Wildlife Artist on Facebook.