It’s October! And we’ve got so many fun Autumn events coming up! We start October off with a full weekend: Friday the 4th is the last “official” Crossroads First Friday Art-Walk for the year and we’ll be open until 7pm. Then on Saturday the 5th we have Arbor Wild popping-up with their handmade natural incense, runes, and more — get stocked up on all your ritual supplies! And capping out the weekend, Sunday evening the 6th, Moth & Candle will be teaching a class on Candle Superstition and Divination - a perfect weekend to really settle into the October atmosphere!
But that was just the first weekend! The rest of the month has plenty to offer as well… Make sure to sign up for Dani of Weaves, Shoots, and Leaves wreath-making class Art of Weaving Magic Saturday morning on the 19th — learn about her practice of wreath-making as ritual, nature-journal, and art! And are you itching for a good Halloween party like we are…? Saturday the 26th we’re hosting Josh Martin Tattoo in our studio for a First-come First-Served Oracle-themed Flash Tattoo Event! 12pm to 8pm during the Birdies Halloween Block Party… Josh has created an exclusive line of Oracle-themed Flash - get your favorite Oracle icon with a Josh Martin spin! One day only… see you there?
And calling all aspiring taxidermists! … Make sure to sign up for the taxidermy and articulation workkshops in December by 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!
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!
And while we’re on fun October topics… BATS! This time of year especially we get a lot of people asking for bat taxidermy — which gives us a perfect opportunity to explain why we don’t carry any bat remains anymore! Unfortunately there is no ethical or sustainable way to obtain bats (you can read an explanation in this article and this recent news story.) And as bats are not only adorable mysterious little creatures… they are ESSENTIAL to the ecosystem and face continued threats due to fear, habitat destruction, and poaching. So show your love for bats with art, sculptures, books… and help protect the flying mammals!
Keep checking our NEW ADDITIONS page on the website shop! We’ve all been creating beautiful items in the studio that we will be adding so there is plenty of Oracle magic to be had!
