When asked what his ultimate goal is, Penn State York professor and artist Fred Haag responds with a simple answer -- "To do good work."

But Haag is far from being a simple guy. An accomplished artist and teacher, he is also a competitive marksman, goat farmer and sustainable agriculturist.

He recently won 'Best in Show' at the Yorkfest Arts Festival with his painting "All of this III." The late-August festival hosted of music, film and literary competitions and events. Haag's painting was judged among dozens of others in the juried exhibition, and festival organizers say the award was well deserved.

"I think it's his use of familiar objects and personal environments to explore different artistic questions, like color and form," Kevin Lenkner, executive director of YorkArts.

Following his childhood love of drawing and painting, Haag first attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and later pursued higher education at Penn State. Haag's major influences range from Richard Diebenkorn to Jasper Johns, but he values anyone who can "manipulate paint."

But he does more than just paint. He and his wife run their own farm, raising dairy goats and chickens. Haag said they do their best to provide themselves with the majority of their own food, but they don't have the time with full-time jobs.

But he does have time to pursue another passion of his -- competitive marksmanship.

"Art is very subjective, where competitive shooting is either on or it's not," Haag said. "It's a release to the chaotic confusion that happens in an art studio."

Haag is also a member of a group of four artists known as 'Bau Movement', who strive to create edgy art. The group is holding an exhibition of their work at Studio Gallery 234 in York this January.

As a past recipient of the James H. Burness Teaching Award, Haag said he values his role as a teacher highly, as well at its influence on his art.

"It definitely keeps you on your toes and makes you re-examine preconceived notions," Haag said.

And in future endeavors, which includes a 2011 exhibition in Harrisburg with four other artists and a solo 2011 exhibition at the Susquehanna Art Museum, he will always keep his goal in mind.

"Do good work ... that's my only goal. To do good work," he said.