At UPL, we believe that displaying art enhances the library experience for our patrons, staff, and volunteers. When we see art in our community spaces, we’re inspired to engage with it and make art of our own. We seek to exhibit the work of diverse voices that reflect the communities in which we live.

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Photography by Ken Haas

January 6 - February 28 2025

ARTIST STATEMENT

Through my photography, I try to inspire others to appreciate the beauty and mystery of birds as I see them.

BIOGRAPHY

My interest in birds started in 1965 when I was 11 years old, living in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Watching birds come to the feeder my dad and I built, increased my interest in their behavior as well as identification. Sadly, the birds were at too great a distance for the Kodak Instamatic camera I was using at the time. Frustrated, I gave up trying to take pictures of birds. Over the following years, I concentrated on taking pictures of scenery, flowers and macro subjects, but still not birds. It wasn’t until 2018 that I was finally able to invest in the specific lens and camera combination that gave me the desired results when photographing small birds at a distance. Recently, as my skills improved, I have placed first and second in a photo contest sponsored by a bird feeder manufacturer and have been selected by the Audubon Photography Awards contest to be included in their Favorite Female Bird Photos category, and Audubon’s “Top 100” out of almost 9000 submissions.

I co-lead Beginner Bird Walks at Sapsucker Woods in Ithaca and guest lead walks for the Kittatinny Group/Pennsylvania chapter of the Sierra Club. Also, I am a member of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cape May Bird Observatory, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, National Audubon Society, American Birding Association and the Cayuga Bird Club.

My bird photography is available for purchase as greeting cards at One Green Horse at 9 E. Main St. in Trumansburg and Wild Birds Unlimited in the Visitor Center at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca.

To purchase prints, framed or unframed, please contact me directly via my email address or through my website.

I still consider myself a student of nature photography and continue to practice my craft and hone my skills - both as a bird photographer and birder.

Visit Ken’s website at www.kennethhaasphotos.com

ARTIST RECEPTION

Join us for a reception celebrating Ken’s work, Saturday January 18th from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome.