It is officially 11 years in business with you all and what an amazing journey. We have changed through the years, through fine curiosities and to now taxidermy studio. Every step like a time capsule and helped us grow to where we are today, just keep growing! From our ever growing beetle colony, our pet memorials, to traveling to new cities and spaces to teach and spread our knowledge… my heart is grateful for the hard times and the good. Cherishing today as a new years eve and cant wait to see what another 11 year brings us.
We had our first ever tattoo popup with Josh Martin, some new ribbons at World Championships, to our first ever Oddities Flea Market with Ryan Matthew Cohen (younger-Alessandra was bursting at the seams), all the great memories traveling with our awesome team and friends to teach classes, our first big Museum Install with Staab Studios and Linda Hall Library, perfecting some new skills, every dear pet memorial, and all the day to day that I wouldn’t exchnage for anything; Our community, our clients, we love you so much. Want to take this moment to thank every darn single person who has supported us and brought us to where we are today, I am utterly grateful for you. x0, Alessandra
This month we have a few exciting things happening to keep your eyes peeled for: We will be closed for Thanksgiving the 28th-29th but then having our annual Small Business Saturday party with artist Miranda who will be doing sweet little pet portraits and the launch of our Holiday Gift Guide. Then we will be preparing to welcome the talented Gotham Taxidermy to Kansas City!
Aspiring taxidermists! … December Divya Anantharaman (Gotham Taxidermy NYC and author of Stuffed), an award winning licensed professional taxidermist preserving animals for clients ranging from museums, designers, gallerists, and collectors. Her specialties are birds, small mammals, and anatomic anomalies. Her mission statement is: To spark wonder and curiosity to inspire conservation, which we love to live by! Be sure to read Divya’s class policies before signing up. She also offers class payment plans, so don’t be too intimidated to take on these incredible hands-on classes taught by a master in the field!
Skeleton Class:
Friday, Dec 6th 5 - 8:30pm
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 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. Students will go home with their custom made creations, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy and preservation!
Chick Taxidermy Class:
Saturday, Dec 7th 9am - 1pm
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, 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 arranging feather patterns. We will discuss and use various carding techniques and drying set ups tailored to the individual poses of each bird.
SOLD OUT Taxidermy Class:
Sunday, Dec 8th 11am - 5pm
Brought to Central Park by Shakespeare enthusiasts… European Starlings overtook native birds, causing substantial destruction to wildlife and crops. However, their eye-catching plumage-glossy, spotted, and iridescent, brightens up our city. 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 a strengthened love of taxidermy!