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.