“Thoughts on Africa,†a photography exhibit by Oklahoma City-based attorney Don Nevard, will open Saturday, August 24 with an artist reception from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Inasmuch Foundation Art Gallery, located inside the Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC).

Armed with only his Canon camera, Nevard traversed the game reserves of Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania and Botswana to produce his diverse portfolio of stunning animal photography. The completely unedited photography exhibit encompasses both the beauty and color of the landscape and includes the pensive stare of the African Leopard and the playful side of the hippopotamus.

“Probably the most memorial photo event occurred during dinner at the Kalahari Plains Camp in Botswana, as evidenced by the photo entitled ‘Lions Coming to Dinner,’†Nevard said. “Twelve of us on the safari, including two guides, were having dinner on the ground, 15 feet from a birdbath and 15 feet from the bush. During dinner and without any protection or any notice, eight uninvited lions came into camp, to drink out of the birdbath. They were 15 feet from us, and you can actually see the corner of the table at the bottom of the photo. We sat for 20 minutes without moving, without talking and without eating. When they left, we all went directly to the bar.â€

Immediately following the opening reception, Nevard will be recognized before The Capitol Steps, a political satire performance at 8:00 p.m. in the OCCC VPAC Theatre. “Thoughts on Africa†is available for viewing Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through October 26. For more information on the exhibit or to purchase seats to The Capitol Steps, contact the OCCC Box Office at (405) 682-7579. The Inasmuch Foundation Gallery is located inside the Visual and Performing Arts Center located at 7777 S. May Ave in Oklahoma City. The gallery is free to the public.