New Free Exhibition Celebrates Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter Through Dec. 1

A new exhibition, “Beauty & the Beaks: A Photographic Love Letter to the Swaner Preserve” by Steve Krongard and Jodi Buren, will be on display at the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter through Dec. 1.

In this new exhibition, visitors will experience the dynamic landscapes of the Swaner Preserve and majesty of the sandhill cranes who call it home. Breathtaking photographs and hands-on interactives reveal the science and splendor of the preserve and the cranes who thrive here.

The free exhibit, available in both English and Spanish, is appropriate for all ages.

Artists Steve Krongard and Jodi Buren have been drawn to photograph Swaner Preserve over many years, each with similar passion but differing visions. Their photographs are a love letter to grand and timeless beauty; to fog, snow, wind and rain; to mountains and grasses; to big skies and the creatures who live beneath them. They photograph to preserve the fleeting moment; to share with others this ever-changing meeting of earth, sky, and nature’s light show that graces us with its presence every day.

“What a special opportunity to highlight the intricate beauty found in this special wetland habitat. One of my favorite things about this exhibition is the chance Jodi and Steve give the viewer to adjust their focus from macro to micro — encompassing the brilliant expanses and the minute details all in one show,” says Hunter Klingensmith, director of visitor experience and exhibits at Swaner. “Our team had so much fun designing interactive experiences to accompany the photos and can’t wait to see those of all ages engaging with this exhibition.”

Beauty and The Beaks is full of interactive opportunities for kids (and adults, too) — dress up as a crane, build a nest, forage for food, or fill in the crane’s thoughts on the Kids' Wall. In addition, visitors can follow an interpretive guidebook to learn more about the ecosystem behind the photographs or send their own love letter on a postcard.

All materials are available in both English and Spanish. Visitors can explore the exhibition during normal EcoCenter hours, Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For those interested in purchasing any art from the exhibition, the community is invited to RSVP to a “Meet the Artists” event on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 5-7 p.m. This 21+ event will include snacks and drinks, a discussion with the artists and time to peruse the exhibit.

Tickets are free and are available here; advance registration is required. For more information about the exhibit, click here.