Fancy Pigeon Taxidermy Class with Divya Anantharaman

Date: Sunday, December 6th
Time: 12pm - 7pm
Admission: $285 (includes all materials for use in class, 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.)

EXPERIENCE LEVEL-Beginner to Intermediate

Limited class size of 6 people

Tickets Here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2061951

In this exclusive workshop, we will learn about the wonderful diversity of pigeons and classic bird taxidermy. These are NOT New York City pigeons, but fancy heritage breeds, including Fantails and Homers. These fascinating birds were used by Charles Darwin as one of the examples in his first chapter of “On the Origins of Species”, and a variety of colors will be available for students to select in class. The birds used in this class are naturally deceased show birds from one of America’s leading pigeon enthusiasts-making for a very unique opportunity! This intensive class will be extremely hands on, covering everything from proper skinning, fleshing, degreasing/washing, and grooming feathers, to the dynamics of classically wrapped bird bodies, dealing with bird necks, cleaning and wiring wing bones, and preserving or re-attaching feet. We will pay special attention to fitting forms, hidden stitches, and how to arrange feather patterns. We will discuss and use various carding techniques and drying set ups tailored to the individual poses of each bird.
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The intimate nature of the class will allow students to follow along as I work, seeing the techniques in action, with plenty of individual attention. Due to the delicate nature of bird skin, it is recommended that students have had previous taxidermy experience, and/or patience. Reference photos for finished standing, sitting, and flying poses will be provided for use and inspiration in class. Students will go home with their creations, and instructions for maintaining their pieces (keeping feathers clean, ideal drying set-ups, etc). It is recommended students bring a small box or bag to transport their finished pieces. This will be a truly one of a kind experience!

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, and an inspiring class (Sue Jeiven’s popular Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy Class at Observatory!), she has found her calling in creating sickly sweet and sparkly critters. Winner of a Best in Show trophy and Best in Category ribbon at the GSTA taxidermy show and competition, her work and classes have 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 member of the M.A.R.T. (Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists) and the G.S.T.A. (Garden State Taxidermists Association) 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.