This card is entitled "Village Scene" and is a reproduction of a work by an artist named Abala.

Abala creates miniature impressionistic oil paintings, no larger than an index card, and sells them mounted to an 8.5x11 sheet of paper folded in 4, to be used as cards. His work is exceptional in its diminutive perfection, and his colors and themes illustrate his love of home, traditions, and his country.

We met Abala as he sold his paintings/cards on the street and decided to support him. We hope you will do the same.

"Buffalo" comes to us thanks to Julia Cassell a Zambian-born artist who expresses herself through her oils and watercolors. We found Ms. Cassell's work staring at us enticingly from the shelves at the Mercury Mail office and decided right then and there that her work was just what we needed to illustrate the beauty of African wildlife and to demonstrate the level of artistic talent that can be found on the continent.

Julia Cassell's work ranges in size from medium to large canvas, and we do hope to offer some of her original works in our Gallery in the not too distant future. In the interim, we will feature several of Ms. Cassell's masterly wildlife illustrations as tribute cards, and we sincerely hope that you and your loved ones enjoy them.

The baobab tree is an African icon and a symbol that, for many sub-Saharan tribes, represents the Guardian of the Spirits. Chiefs, medicine men and other tribal dignitaries are often buried close the baobab with the certainty that their souls will rest in piece under the vigilant guardianship of this majectic tree.

Our "Baobab" is the work of Los Angeles artist, Kate Cunningham who, at the request of the African Conservancy founders kindly agreed to paint and donate an original work, inspired by photographs taken in Africa by Conservancy staff.

Ms. Cunningham's work is typified by a blend of boldness and sensitivity and a brilliant use of color. We thank her for her beautiful creation and are very greatful for her willingness to help us honor our departed.