Time: 12pm to 6pm
Admission: $200 (includes all materials for use in class, students go home with their own finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future)

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EXPERIENCE LEVEL-Beginner to Intermediate

Limited class size of 8 people

The class will be presented in conjunction with–and takes inspiration from–Laura Allen’s lecture on the history of birds in fashion. We will have a short review of plumage as adornment, from traditional cultures to Marie Antoinette’s poufs, Victorian and Edwardian millinery, and the modern-day use of ethically obtained animal products in art and fashion.

Perfect for beginners, experts, or anyone in between, this class will provide students with materials and instruction to create a totally unique piece of wearable taxidermy! The class will be presented in conjunction with-and takes inspiration from-Laura Allen’s lecture on the history of bird hats, and we will have a short review of wearable taxidermy, from prehistoric speculation, to shrunken heads, Victorian hummingbird jewelry, and the modern day use of ethically obtained animal products in art and fashion.

Using these sources of inspiration, combining historical and modern techniques, students will then design their piece-jewelry, fascinator, or other wearable item. The creations will come alive using the guidance, tips, tricks, and techniques advised by Divya, Morbid Anatomy taxidermist in residence whose wearable taxidermy designs have been featured in NY Mag’s “The Cut” and T Magazines “Top 10 of NY Fashion Week” list. Her past life as a commercial footwear and accessory designer lives on in her passion for wearable art!

In addition to a number of ethically obtained wings, feathers, and pelts, a selection of jewelry findings and hardware will be provided, along with beads, crystals, ribbons, and other decorative flourishes. Although most parts provided will be readily preserved and ready for use, students will have the option of cleaning, preparing, and preserving some parts if desired. Students are also welcome to bring their own special findings or fabrics for use in class. A great place to let your creativity truly run wild!

Each student will leave class with a fully finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future. It is recommended students bring a bag or box to transport their 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. After a journey through 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. A trophy winner in the 2013 Philadelphia Alt Taxidermy competition, she has been profiled in numerous publications as varied as Vice/Fringes, The NY Times, The Cut, 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) You can find out more at www.d-i-v-y-a.com

Also, some technical notes:

We use NO harsh or dangerous chemicals.

Everyone will be provided with gloves and sanitary equipment as needed.

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.