During the final month of the exhibit, “On the Wing: The Avian Photography of Nirmala Khandan,” visitors to the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces can enter a free drawing to win one of the actual print-on-metal photographs from the exhibit.

Visitors have a chance to win the print, “Western Meadowlark,” or one of two copies of his 8-x-12 hardcover lay-flat album, “Fauna & Flora of New Mexico,” filled with copies of all the prints included in this exhibit. Khandan has graciously provided these items to be given away. The promotion is now through Dec. 3, and only visitors 18 and over who have paid regular Museum admission may enter – one entry per person per visit. Purchasers of any of Khandan’s photographs that are on display receive five free entries in the drawing.
The lucky winners will be notified during the first week of December.
Khandan, a professor at New Mexico State University, began photographing birds in his native Sri Lanka before moving to Las Cruces 17 years ago. His show includes 32 images that are beautifully colorful and display great detail.

While his technical expertise and talent in composition are evident, there’s much more to his work. He hopes to raise awareness of the importance of habitat.

“I hope this exhibit will help raise awareness, especially among younger generations, about the diversity and beauty of local avian life, and encourage the preservation of our ecosystem in the face of rapid urbanization, climate change, and habitat loss.”

About the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum:
The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum is located at 4100 Dripping Springs Road in Las Cruces. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for children ages 4 to 17, and $2 for active U.S. military members and veterans. Children 3 and under, and members of the Museum Friends receive free admission. The Museum is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.