Conjoined Chick Taxidermy Class

We are beyond THRILLED to welcome our dear friend Divya Anantharaman back to teach taxidermy classes at the shop! Divya Anantharaman is an award winning licensed professional preserving animals with honor and compassion for clients
ranging from museums, designers, collectors, and everyday naturalists. Her specialties are birds, small mammals, and anatomic anomalies, with a select number of commissions open for pets. Her work seeks to combine the demonstrative aspect of scientific presentation with the symbolic, introspective nature of art, using taxidermy to engage diverse audiences with conservation. She is passionately curious about the untapped potential of this scientific art, and sharing it with others. Her classes seek to demystify the taxidermy process, to make the field more accessible, and to engage folks with wonder and connection to the natural world. In her commitment to conservation, she regularly volunteers with various ornithological organizations (such as the Audubon Society and NYC Plover Project). Click here to view her website

Conjoined Chick Taxidermy Class $355

In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of birds and traditional bird taxidermy. Though chicks are vey delicate specimens, with the right guidance, they can offer a very rewarding introduction to small bird taxidermy.

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. Profession- ally made forms will help bring the bird to life, with special attention to fitting, hid- den 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.

You will be embarking on a historic tradition popularized by Victorian curiosity cabinets and Coney Island sideshows, but originating as early as ancient preservation practices. We will go over the details that make a gaff truly convincing-or fantastic! Students are encouraged to get creative. Having been commissioned to work on naturally born polycephalic and dicephalic chicks, and taking a deep dive into ear gaff making in a collaboration with the Making and Knowing Project at Columbia University, the instructor will draw upon these experiences to help students explore their own creativity.

Chicks can be posed and outfitted as the student desires, students are welcome to bring their own accessories and bases. Each student will leave class with a fully finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future. See examples of student work above.

Click HERE to purchase tickets

NEW—CLASS PAYMENT PLANS! Select Afterpay when you check out. 

CLASS POLICIES – PLEASE READ

All attendees are asked to be respectful of each others boundaries, including wearing masks if requested.

For your safety and to accommodate class policy, absolutely NO gum or food of any kind in class. Drinks in a container with a lid are ok! Students can take as many breaks needed to step outside of class to eat.

NO smoking in class, including vapes, e-cigs, flavored air, or any other device. This is a safety hazard in an art studio with flammable compounds like paint, solvents, wood, and to accommodate students comfort. You can step outside to smoke as much as needed.

Please wear comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes, something you would wear for an art class or woodworking class. If you wear glasses, please bring them.

All specimens legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.

By signing up for class, you recognize the risks associated with a taxidermy class-working with sharp tools and practicing safe specimen handling. You agree to follow the instructors advice, and will not hold the instructor or venue liable for harm.

All students must be over 18 unless otherwise arranged for. Please email the instructor to discuss.

Please feel free to bring your own props, adornments, or items for your mount. Please do not bring your own raw specimens to the class.

Please bring a small box or bag to transport your pieces.

Please note that all specimens in class have been professionally prepared by me-from skinning, cleaning, to tanning, and only the best condition specimens are selected for students ease and enjoyability. However, as specimens have passed from natural or unavoidable causes, there may be scars, small holes, damaged bones, chipped feathers, or other slight variations that are inherent with deceased animals, especially as many animals are found dead. These are not animals killed in prime plumage, and so “perfection” is not guaranteed. Animals are unique individuals, sourcing sustainably has inherent inconsistency, so there is no guarantee of specimen color, sex, size, or other elements. My practice is based on appreciating the animal as a unique individual, and not as a trophy.

Please note, there are NO refunds unless the instructor reschedules or cancels the class. Once you purchase your ticket, your specimens, forms, and other materials are ordered and prepared. This class is part of a teaching tour, so in addition to materials, your class purchase helps cover venue and travel costs, which are also non-refundable.

Purchasing this ticket means you have read and agree to all class policies.