Please note this class takes place in BROOKLYN NY at my private studio near 25th St and 3rd Ave (near Greenwood Cemetery)! March 17 2024
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!
Click image to see more examples of student work.
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.
NEW—CLASS PAYMENT PLANS! Select Afterpay when you check out.
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.
Our subject will be the English sparrow. These 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, the rich browns and grays are uniquely patterned, and their sharp personalities 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 sparrows are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.
Students will go home with their custom-made creations (a sparrow taxidermy mount on a reusable temporary base) instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy.
About the instructor-
A unique combination of science and style, Divya Anantharaman is an award winning licensed professional preserving animals with honor and compassion for clients ranging from museums, designers, collectors, and everyday naturalists. Her specialties are birds, small mammals, and anatomic anomalies, with a select number of commissions open for pets. Her work seeks to combine the demonstrative aspect of scientific presentation with the symbolic, introspective nature of art, using taxidermy to engage diverse audiences with conservation. She is passionately curious about the untapped potential of this scientific art, and sharing it with others. Her classes seek to demystify the taxidermy process, and make the field more accessible and engaging. She has recently starred in the Emmy winning documentary short, "Rearranging Skin". In her commitment to conservation, she regularly volunteers with various ornithological organizations (such as NYC Plover Project and NYC Audubon). You can learn more at https://www.gothamtaxidermy.com/
CLASS POLICIES - PLEASE READ
All attendees are asked to be respectful of each others boundaries, including wearing masks based on community spread and personal accommodation.
Please note this is 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. You can 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 the risks associated with a taxidermy class-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 the instructor to discuss.
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.
Purchasing this ticket means you have read and agree to all class policies.