
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.




Barn Owl Taxidermy Demonstration - Chicago
Witness the Art of Taxidermy LIVE!
Join me at The Insect Asylum in Chicago for a three-day live taxidermy event where you can marvel at the technical process of mounting a barn owl from start to finish! Watch as I bring this stunning specimen to life using museum-grade techniques.
🗓 Day 1: Anatomy, skinning, and degreasing
🗓 Day 2: Sculpting the body form & preserving the skin
🗓 Day 3: Assembly, mounting & final preening
Each day is a 6–8 hour deep dive, from 11:30 pm - 5:30 pm, and museum-goers can ask questions, snap photos, and even participate with gloves on! Don’t miss this rare chance to experience taxidermy in action!
Ticket Option:
$50 per person for a single-day entry
$120 for a 3-day pass (discounted for those attending all days and a small souvenir)
$150 VIP 3 Day pass (includes priority seating, a Q&A session, and a small souvenir)
$75 VIP single-day pass (includes priority seating, a Q&A session, and a small souvenir)
Bird Skeleton Articulation - Chicago
Ever wanted to piece together the delicate framework of a bird? Join me at The Insect Asylum in Chicago for a hands-on Bird Skeleton Articulation Class, where you'll learn to clean, assemble, and pose a real bird skeleton in you rvery own display dome, with expert guidance.
Tickets and more info at - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bird-skeleton-articulation-class-with-gotham-taxidermy-tickets-1265626917179?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
🔹 Step-by-step instruction from experienced professionals
🔹 All materials and ethically sourced specimens provided
🔹 A unique opportunity to explore avian anatomy and skeletal structure
Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this class blends science, art, and hands-on learning.
In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of birds, bone cleaning, and skeletal articulation. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in any kind of bone cleaning. No matter the experience level, all are welcome!
You will be learning proven, professional techniques I’ve developed and modified over the past 10 years, with close guidance and individual attention.
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 and skeletal preparation. No matter the experience level, all are welcome!
Students will learn everything they need to clean and articulate their very own bird skeleton, then create a display in a glass dome. Skeletons will be provided, and students will be able to modify, articulate, and position them to their liking, and mount them onto bases, topped with a glass dome. Students will then create a naturalistic or fantasy habitat customized to their bird, and go home with a piece of osteological art that is ready to display.
These bird skeletons have been cleaned using the oxidation process, which involves a series of chemical soaks, and manual cleaning, that leaves a delicate layer of ligaments intact. As this process requires a few days, students will be working with skeletons that have already been cleaned, but will be given a demonstration, instruction, and a detailed booklet on how to safely and effectively clean skeletons on their own.
Our subject will be the English sparrow. Sparrows were brought to America to "rescue the trees from the caterpillars”, but they became prolific enough to outdo native birds, causing substantial destruction to wildlife and crops. However, they enliven our cities. Their unwavering tenacity reflects a larger truth across species, making the best of a situation they’ve found themselves in. They are one of few birds that are not protected by the MBTA, and can be legally possessed by individuals as long as local laws are followed. These birds are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.
Students will go home with their custom made creations, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy and preservation.
Tickets and more info at - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bird-skeleton-articulation-class-with-gotham-taxidermy-tickets-1265626917179?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Jackalope or Rabbit Taxidermy - Chicago
Have you ever wanted to craft your own mythical creature? Join me for Jackalope or Rabbit Taxidermy Class at The Insect Asylum in Chicago where you'll bring this legendary hybrid to life through the art of taxidermy!
This immersive, hands-on class will guide you through the entire process—from preparation and form-building to sewing, mounting, and creative posing. You'll learn expert techniques while crafting your very own one-of-a-kind Jackalope to take home.
🔹 Step-by-step instruction from experienced taxidermists
🔹 All materials and ethically sourced specimens provided
🔹 A unique chance to blend art, science, and folklore
Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this class offers a fascinating look into the world of taxidermy.
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 mammal taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome!
You will be learning proven, professional techniques I’ve developed and modified over the past 10 years, with close guidance and individual attention.
All photos are student work from this class.
This class is designed for beginners to learn professional level techniques used in small mammal taxidermy. By focusing on the facial features, students will create a shoulder mount that can be affixed to a plaque or hung as is. Students will learn proper skinning and fleshing procedures, how to split, turn and position facial features, including the ears. Students will work with professionally cleaned and tanned skins, and learn the traditional methods of sculpting and carving a bust, to create a shoulder mount form.
Students also have the option to create a jackalope/hybrid creature using real antler pieces, or sculpting their own. Students are also welcome to bring their own props or accessories if desired.
(This class uses domestic rabbits and not wild rabbits, so the jackalope created will not be as large as a wild rabbit. Domestic rabbits are used because they are more forgiving for beginners to handle rather than thin skinned wild rabbits)
Each student will leave class with a finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future. Students will go home with their custom-made creations (a starling taxidermy mount on a reusable temporary base) instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy.
Starling Taxidermy - Chicago
Have you ever wanted to craft your own avian wonder? Join me for a European Starling Taxidermy Class at The Insect Asylum in Chicago where you'll bring this beautiful bird to life through the art of taxidermy!
This immersive, hands-on class will guide you through the entire process—from preparation and form-building to sewing, mounting, and creative posing. You'll learn expert techniques while crafting your very own one-of-a-kind starling to take home.
🔹 Step-by-step instruction from experienced taxidermists
🔹 All materials and ethically sourced specimens provided
🔹 A unique chance to blend art, science, and folklore
Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this class offers a fascinating look into the world of taxidermy.
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!
You will be learning proven, professional techniques I’ve developed and modified over the past 10 years, with close guidance and individual attention.
All photos are student work from this class.
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, fleshed, and tanned 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.
Our subject will be the European starling. Brought to Central Park by Shakespeare enthusiasts, they became prolific enough to outdo native birds, causing substantial destruction to wildlife and crops. However, their eye-catching plumage-glossy, spotted, and iridescent, brightens up our city. Their unwavering tenacity reflects a larger truth across species, making the best of a situation they’ve found themselves in. They are one of few birds that are not protected by the MBTA, and can be legally possessed by individuals as long as local laws are followed. These starlings are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.
Students will go home with their custom-made creations (a starling taxidermy mount on a reusable temporary base) instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy.



Spider Dome Taxidermy Class with Morbid Anatomy
In this beginners class, students will learn everything about basic arachnid and insect preparation. We will discuss harvesting and drying specimen, rehydrating dried specimen, and will practice handling techniques, spreading, mounting, the nuances of posing, display, and maintenance. Students will also learn how to construct and maintain their own rehydration chamber, things to watch for during all stages of the process to ensure a clean and successful end product, and tips for gentle handling. We will also cover how to select archival quality materials to maintain specimen integrity.
For the sake of consistency and ease, all students will be provided the same species to work with in class (Orb weaver) but will be have the opportunity to custom design their own habitat display dome, and can select a take home specimen from an assortment of beetles and insects for independent practice.
Students will make a glass dome display using a selection of rocks, branches, moss, foliage, and other naturalistic organic matter, and will pose and pin their orb weaver spider in this habitat. After a few days of drying at home, students will have a beautiful spider display of their own making. We will also discuss methods for preserving plants, and the appropriate adhesives and methods for mounting.
As always, all specimens are legally and sustainably sourced. We will be reviewing the origins of the specimens used in this class, how students can safely source their own specimens, and suggested, reputable suppliers.
Students will leave class with the following:
A glass dome display of their own design with an Orb Weaver spider
A insect specimen to practice on at home
The knowledge to create their own pieces in the future!

Mouse Taxidermy Class with Morbid Anatomy in NYC
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE - https://www.morbidanatomy.org/classes/p/mouse-taxidermy-february
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.
Our subject will be the domestic mouse. Their beady eyes and furry feet dart across our parks, sidewalks, and sometimes our homes causing alarm, but domestic mice are loving companions doted on by many. These adorable mammals are lovely subjects for taxidermy, as many people have encountered them, and they can be posed naturalistically or anthropomorphically, depending on your preference. These mice are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.
Students will go home with their custom made creations, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy.
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE - https://www.morbidanatomy.org/classes/p/mouse-taxidermy-february


Mouse Taxidermy Class with Morbid Anatomy in NYC
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.
Our subject will be the domestic mouse. Their beady eyes and furry feet dart across our parks, sidewalks, and sometimes our homes causing alarm, but domestic mice are loving companions doted on by many. These adorable mammals are lovely subjects for taxidermy, as many people have encountered them, and they can be posed naturalistically or anthropomorphically, depending on your preference. These mice are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.
Students will go home with their custom made creations, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy.








Bird Skeleton Articulation - 2 Day Intensive
This course is for people who would like to learn the delicate art of cleaning small bird skeletons. This class, held in partnership with INHA, offers students the rare opportunity to clean and articulate a skeleton from start to finish!
This course guides students through every step of the oxidation method of skeletal preparation, over 2 sessions. In this process, delicate skeletons are held intact by a fine layer of ligaments, providing many possibilities in creating osteological displays for artistic and educational use. Students will create and keep their pieces. It is suggested to prepare a few reference photos with ideas for poses.
By the conclusion of this course, students will have prepared their very own European Starling skeleton in the pose of their choice, have a clear understanding of the oxidation method of skeletal preparation, and a new appreciation for anatomy at a small scale.
This class is suitable for both beginners as well as those with an artistic or scientific background looking to learn new skills. All levels of experience are welcome, with the understanding that practice and patience will make the ongoing study of preservation arts even more fulfilling.
THIS COURSE TAKES PLACE OVER 2 SESSIONS
Session 1:
Covers the skinning and defleshing process, where students will then proceed to deflesh their own raw specimens, under close supervision from the instructor. These specimens will then go into the first of a series of chemical baths in the skeletal cleaning process, and how to monitor each bath.
Session 2:
In this session, students will be working with specimens that have been prepared for tissue removal, and will position their skeletons to dry on a temporary base. Students will keep their skeletons, and go home with the knowledge to make and maintain their own skeletons in the future.
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.