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Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy Class - Halloween Edition with Divya Anantharaman

October 29 @ 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

| $120

Date:Saturday, October 29th
Time:12-6pm
Admission: $120 (includes all materials for use in class, including Halloween themed props, a wood base for the finished mount, and complementary museum admission for the day. Students go home with their own finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future. If you do not see the head option that you want, please email us.)

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Tickets Here ! 
Limited class size of 15 people

In this class, students will learn all the skills required to make-and leave class with-their very own piece of one- or two-headed anthropomorphic taxidermy. This class is designed for beginners to learn high quality techniques from a professional taxidermist and an assistant.

Anthropomorphic taxidermy-a practice in which animals are posed as if engaged in human activities-was an art form made famous by Victorian taxidermist and museologist Walter Potter. In this class, as profiled by the New York Times, students will learn to create-from start to finish-anthropomorphic mice inspired by the charming and imaginative work of Mr. Potter. Your final project might take the form of a bespectacled, whiskey swilling, top hat tipping mouse; or perhaps a rodent mermaid queen of the burlesque world? With some props and some artful styling, your mouse can become whatever or whomever you want; this is the joy of anthropomorphic taxidermy.

After a short review of Potters work, this class will teach students everything involved in producing a finished mount, including initial preparation, hygiene and sanitary measures, fleshing, tail stripping, and dry preservation. Once properly preserved, a custom made form and armature will be built and the mice will be posed and outfitted as the student desires, with a selection of props and accessories provided. Students are also encouraged to bring their own accessories and bases if they desire something specific. All other supplies will be provided for use in class, and as always, all specimen are ethically sourced.

Each student will leave class with a fully finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future. It is advised that students bring a bag or small box to transport their finished pieces.

Divya Anantharaman is a Morbid Anatomy Museum Taxidermist in Residence and a Brooklyn based artist whose taxidermy practice was sparked by a lifelong fascination with the intersection of natural mythology and science. With a combination of self and professional training, she has found her calling working as a professional taxidermist creating both fantasy and traditional pieces, and teaching classes around the world. Winner of Best in Show trophies and Best in Category ribbons at state taxidermy shows and competitions, her work is on display in the Chamber of Wonders at the Walters Art Museum, and has been profiled in numerous publications as varied as National Geographic, The NY Times, The Cut, Vice, BBC Science Radio, and on hit Discovery/Science Channel TV show Oddities. She is also a board member of the New England Association of Taxidermists, member of the Garden State Taxidermists Association, and has coauthored the book Stuffed Animals being released by W.W. Norton this fall. You can find out more at www.friendsforevertaxidermy.com

Also, some technical notes:

We use NO harsh or dangerous chemicals.

Everyone will be provided with gloves and sanitary equipment.

All animals are disease free.

All animals are ethically sourced- nothing was killed for this class.

Animals used in this class are discards from the feeder/pet food industry, naturally deceased, or discards from the food service industry.

Please do not bring any raw dead animals with you to the class.

Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is canceled.

Details

Date:
October 29
Time:
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Cost:
$120
Event Category: