CLASSES AND EVENTS
Want to learn taxidermy?
Below are my taxidermy classes and events!
Teaching taxidermy is not just about the animal in isolation, but how we integrate our humanity. I love creating experiences that reveal connections between people, animals, and the places we share. The fulfillment of teaching comes from releasing a piece of myself to every student, and in turn, a piece of every student is with me.
When I first started teaching in 2013, there weren’t many people like me in the field. So teaching is a way to offer the support, connection, and inclusion I wish I’d had!
I teach taxidermy classes at my studio in Brooklyn NYC, and travel around the world too! Please email me if you are interested in private classes or events.
All photos in class listings are student work.
Cant make it to a class? Join my “Learn Taxidermy” groups on Reddit, Discord, and Facebook.
NEW—TAXIDERMY CLASS PAYMENT PLANS! Options vary by venue.
What’s a taxidermy class like?
Every class is different! They range from 4 hour workshops to day-long private courses. My goal is to provide attentive care and education to nurture curiosity and creativity for every student. All events are designed to accommodate absolute beginners in an inclusive, welcoming environment. Many of my students have no prior experience. Please read individual class listings for more info.
Mouse Taxidermy Class with Morbid Anatomy NYC
This class is in partnership with Morbid Anatomy at my studio in NYC. Tickets and more info here - https://www.morbidanatomy.org/classes/in-person-mouse-taxidermy-class-with-taxidermist-divya-anantharaman-on-may-4th
In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of mammals and traditional mammal taxidermy. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome! Students will learn everything they need to create their very own mouse taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, degreasing/washing, to sculpting, mounting, and finishing.
This class is in partnership with Morbid Anatomy at my studio in NYC.
Tickets and more info here - https://www.morbidanatomy.org/classes/in-person-mouse-taxidermy-class-with-taxidermist-divya-anantharaman-on-may-4th
Mouse Taxidermy Class with The White Memorial Conservation Center
This class is at The White Memorial Conservation Center in CT. Tickets and more info here - https://white-memorial-conservation-center.square.site/product/learn-the-art-of-taxidermy-with-gotham-taxidermy/1629
In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of mammals and traditional mammal taxidermy. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome! Students will learn everything they need to create their very own mouse taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, degreasing/washing, to sculpting, mounting, and finishing.
This class is at The White Memorial Conservation Center in CT. Tickets and more info here - https://white-memorial-conservation-center.square.site/product/learn-the-art-of-taxidermy-with-gotham-taxidermy/1629
Sunset Moth Domes with Morbid Anatomy NYC
This class is in partnership with Morbid Anatomy in Brooklyn NYC. Tickets and more info here - https://www.morbidanatomy.org/classes/in-person-mouse-taxidermy-class-with-taxidermist-divya-anantharaman-on-may-4th
In this beginner’s class, students will learn everything about basic moth/butterfly/winged insect preparation. We will discuss harvesting and drying specimens, rehydrating dried specimens, and in class we will practice handling techniques, spreading, mounting, the nuances of posing, display, and maintenance. Students will also learn how to put together and maintain their own rehydration chamber, things to check for during all stages of the process to ensure a clean and successful end product, and tips for gentle handling. Students will also build their very own spreading boards for use in class and beyond. We will also cover how to select archival-quality materials to maintain specimen integrity.
Students go home with the following:
a glass dome display of their own design with a Sunset Moth
their own prepared Sunset Moth on a spreading board, both can be used for future projects
a dried specimen to practice on at home
and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future
This class is in partnership with Morbid Anatomy in Brooklyn NYC. Tickets and more info here - https://www.morbidanatomy.org/classes/in-person-mouse-taxidermy-class-with-taxidermist-divya-anantharaman-on-may-4th
Mouse Taxidermy Class with Morbid Anatomy NYC
This class is in partnership with Morbid Anatomy at my studio in NYC. Tickets and more info here - https://www.morbidanatomy.org/classes/mouse-taxidermy-in-person-sparrow-skeleton-dome-class-with-taxidermist-divya-anantharaman-on-march-16
In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of mammals and traditional mammal taxidermy. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome! Students will learn everything they need to create their very own mouse taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, degreasing/washing, to sculpting, mounting, and finishing.
This class is in partnership with Morbid Anatomy at my studio in NYC. Tickets and more info here - https://www.morbidanatomy.org/classes/mouse-taxidermy-in-person-sparrow-skeleton-dome-class-with-taxidermist-divya-anantharaman-on-march-16
Sparrow Skeleton Dome Class
In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of birds and the oxidation process of skeleton cleaning. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in bird preservation. No matter the experience level, all are welcome! Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird skeleton display in a glass dome. Skeletons will be provided, and students will be able to pose them to their liking, and mount them onto bases.
This class is in partnership with Morbid Anatomy at my studio in NYC.
Tickets and more info here - https://www.morbidanatomy.org/classes/in-person-sparrow-skeleton-dome-class-with-taxidermist-divya-anantharaman-on-july-30
Goldmine Holiday Market
FREE entry! More info and RSVP here https://www.facebook.com/events/1332159464093703
Handmade art, gifts, clothing & accessories, plus vintage, thrift and designer resale. Find those last-minute holiday gifts for loved ones or indulge yourself. Relax in our jungle-themed bar and cozy lounge, enjoy chill beats on the big sound system and take pics at our selfie station. End the day by staying for our holiday movie night: https://www.facebook.com/events/705660284863583/
Confirmed vendors:
Miss Scorpio - Vintage, costume and designer pieces selected for their unique visual appeal - http://linktr.ee/miss_scorpio_fashion
Aqua de Soi - Spa quality clean-burning soy candles in deluxe scents - https://www.thesoico.com/aqua-de-soi
Figure of A - Couture London fashion house inspired by Japanese rope bondage - https://figureofa.com
Gotham Taxidermy - Taxidermy jewelry and other tiny curiosities - https://www.gothamtaxidermy.com
I Delgado Skincare - Organic vegan food-grade skincare - https://www.etsy.com/shop/idelgadocouture
Jeanne's Jacket Vintage - Curated vintagewear, accessories & gifts
Second Star Curio - Whimsical watercolor wall-hangings, cards & ornaments - https://www.instagram.com/second.star.curio
Star Sapphire Boutique - Handmade sterling silver jewelry and vintage-inspired accessories - https://www.etsy.com/shop/StarSapphireBoutique
Zoa Chimerum Jewelry - Biomorphic handmade jewelry of cut rubber layered over forged aluminum - http://www.zoachimerum.com
FREE entry! More info and RSVP here https://www.facebook.com/events/1332159464093703
Oddities Flea Market
Tickets at - https://theodditiesfleamarket.com/events/ofm-nyc-2023
The Oddities Flea Market is one of my favorite events, and I am so excited for this holiday market! Ryan and Regina are have created a fun and fabulous event highlighting artists, vendors, and creators who embrace the beautiful and bizarre. The community built around this event has been one of the most supportive forces in my career, enabling me to reach people and share the joy and wonder of taxidermy. As you know, I work primarily by commission, but this event is a rare opportunity for folks to purchase readymade and more affordable artworks from me, or to just stop by and say hello. I look forward to seeing you there!
Taxidermy Classes at ADKX Adirondacks NY
Spend a weekend with me at the beautiful Adirondack Experience museum on Blue Mountain Lake! I am teaching a mouse taxidermy class on Saturday Oct 28 and a rabbit/jackalope taxidermy class on Sunday Oct 29th.
Tickets for mouse taxidermy - https://www.theadkx.org/event/mouse-taxidermy-23/
Tickers for rabbit/jackalope taxidermy - https://www.theadkx.org/event/jackalope-taxidermy-workshop/
Wunderkammer NYC
In the 1800s, taxidermy was displayed at world expos to engage the public in wonder and curiosity. Wunderkammer carries this tradition forward, but with a focus on modern values of sustainability, inclusivity, and imagination.
Join us as the nation's most innovative taxidermy artists fill you with awe and wonder as they showcase their most creative creatures in a showcase that awards the beautiful and bizarre. A cabinet of curiosities come to life!
Celebrate the art and science of taxidermy with your hosts for the night Adam Bashian and Divya Anantharaman. Adam Bashian is a Broadway Actor who has starred in many shows, including Phantom of the Opera, is the resident Santa at the world famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and you may remember him from Oddities! He is also the collector who curates Dark Interiors, a popular Instagram shop full of many curious artifacts. Divya is NYC’s premiere taxidermist, specializing in birds, replicas, and anatomic anomalies for artistic and scientific clients. She is also a passionate avian educator and conservationist, and star of the Emmy winning documentary "Rearranging Skin".
Rat Taxidermy class with World Oddites Expo in Baltimore
Explore the world of Taxidermy with a hands-on class! Learn valuable techniques such as mounting, setting the eyes, and more! No experience required. Patrons 15-18 must be accompanied by an adult, however said adult does not have to be enrolled in class if not participating. Tickets and more info at https://www.woetothee.com/baltimore2023
Chick Taxidermy Class in Colorado
Im traveling to Colorado to teach taxidermy! Tickets at https://www.novismortemcollective.com/classes
In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of birds and traditional bird taxidermy, with a focus on handling small and delicate specimens. Though chicks are vey delicate specimens, with the right guidance, they can offer a very rewarding introduction to small bird taxidermy. Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, fleshing, degreasing/washing, and skin preparation, and spend time practicing various techniques for grooming feathers. Professionally made forms will help bring the bird to life, with special attention to fitting, hidden stitches, and how to arrange feather patterns. We will discuss and use various carding techniques and drying set ups tailored to the individual poses of each bird. Chicks can be posed and outfitted as the student desires, students are welcome to bring their own accessories and bases for a naturalistic or anthropomorphic mount.
Tickets at https://www.novismortemcollective.com/classes
European Starling Taxidermy Class in Colorado
Im traveling to Colorado to teach taxidermy! Tickets at https://www.novismortemcollective.com/classes
In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of birds and traditional bird taxidermy. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in bird taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome! Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, degreasing/washing, to sculpting, mounting, and finishing. Students will watch a skinning and fleshing demonstration, and proceed to work with professionally cleaned and fleshed skins. This will allow the students to focus on the finer details of creating a finished piece, and practice specific mounting techniques, like carving, fitting, and modifying a form, sewing, assembly, grooming, and feathering. We will discuss how to use reference and study anatomy practically for taxidermy.
Tickets at https://www.novismortemcollective.com/classes
Taxidermy Classes at ADKX Adirondacks NY
Spend a weekend with me at the beautiful Adirondack Experience museum on Blue Mountain Lake! I am teaching a mouse taxidermy class on Saturday July 22 and a rabbit/jackalope taxidermy class on Sunday July 23rd.
Tickets for mouse taxidermy - https://www.theadkx.org/event/mouse-taxidermy-23/
Tickers for rabbit/jackalope taxidermy - https://www.theadkx.org/event/jackalope-taxidermy-workshop/
CLASS POLICIES - Please note these are general class policies. Each class has specific policies based on venue, specimen, etc.
All attendees are asked to be respectful of each others boundaries, including wearing masks based on community spread and personal accommodation.
Please note, there is zero tolerance for discrimination, hate speech, or any other unwelcoming behavior.
Please note classes at my NYC studio are in a 3 floor walk up building. Please do not walk up to the studio without me. This is to minimize disruption to other folks working in the building. We will be meeting downstairs 10 minutes before class and walking up to my studio together. Please contact me at 828-668-2566 if you are running late.
Please check you email for address and informational emails.
For your safety and to accommodate class policy, absolutely NO gum, candy, or food of any kind in class. Drinks in a container with a lid are ok! Students can take as many breaks needed to step outside of class to eat.
All specimens legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.
NO smoking in class, including vapes, e-cigs, flavored air, or any other device. This is a safety hazard in an art studio with flammable compounds like paint, solvents, wood, and to accommodate students comfort. Please feel free to step outside to smoke as much as needed.
Please wear comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes, something you would wear for an art class or woodworking class. My studio has heat and cooling so the temperature should be comfortable, however, it is a 100+ year old building in NYC, so occurrences like drafts, the bathroom being cold, or the sound of the heater or AC turning on and off are to be expected.
By signing up for class, you recognize a taxidermy class involves working with sharp tools and practicing safe specimen handling. You agree to follow the instructors advice, and will not hold the instructor or venue liable for harm.
All students must be over 18 unless otherwise arranged for. Please email me to discuss accommodations for students under 18.
Please feel free to bring your own props, adornments, or items for your mount. Please DO NOT bring your own raw specimens to the class.
Please bring a small box or bag to transport your pieces.
Please note, there are NO refunds unless the instructor reschedules or cancels the class. Once you purchase your ticket, your specimens, forms, and other materials are ordered and prepared. Since class space is limited, there is a $50 rescheduling fee. This covers the administrative costs of rebooking, missing out on dates that other students could have booked, and the loss of income. Please contact the instructor to make arrangements if you are unable to attend class.
The only way to guarantee a spot in the class is to purchase a ticket. There are no holds, reservations, or other accommodations made without purchase/payment.
Purchasing this ticket means you have read and agree to all class policies.