We have many exciting events and classes these next few months! Starting off this September, we have our Paw Articulation Class and and a Bug Club Beetle Pinning class, not to mention Moth & Candle will be hosting our Fall Equinox weekend celebrations with a custom candle dressings - A great opportunity to pick up a little magic and beauty for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.! Then in October, make sure to sign up for returning teachers, Moth & candle teaching a class on Candle Superstition and Dani of Weaves, Shoots, and Leaves teaching her Art of Weaving Magic.
And then the most exciting, especially to our dear aspiring taxidermists; This December we have Divya Anantharaman (Gotham Taxidermy NYC and author of Stuffed) teaching three different taxidermy and articulation workshops at Oracle! Divya is 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!
Make 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!
English House Sparrow 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!
Conjoined 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.
European Starling 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!
In the meantime… We’ve restocked our Articulation Kits with Badger and Raccoon paws. You can also get a head start for December classes by reading Divya’s beautiful book, Stuffed Animals. Completely filled with full color stunning photographs of Divya’s work and process. And for a little inspiration… Alessandra’s “Society Finch” artwork of combining taxidermy and skeletal articulation. A delicate work on one of the smallest of creatures… it will keep you mesmerized for hours and you’ll notice different aspects every time you look at it. (Melissa and I are super proud of our crew leader and we will have to tell you more about their trip up to Iowa for the Taxidermy World Championships…)
Don’t forget to check out our NEW ADDITIONS page on the website shop! We’ve all been working hard in the studio so there are plenty of new offerings there:
Our ribbons from World Taxidermy Championships!