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Event
Rat Taxidermy Class "Love Witch" Edition
In this class, students will learn all the skills required to make--and leave class with--their very own piece of traditional or anthropomorphic taxidermy. Since love is in the air in February, this class will have a special theme based around the cult classic "The Love Witch".
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 anthropomorphic animals inspired by the charming and imaginative work of Mr. Potter, but with a modern twist. Your final project might take the form of a bespectacled, whiskey swilling, top hat tipping rat; or perhaps a rodent mermaid queen of the burlesque world? With some props and some artful styling, your creature can become whatever or whomever you want; this is the joy of anthropomorphic taxidermy. For students who would prefer to create a naturalistic mount, anatomy, reference, and all other necessary nuances will be covered.
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, the students will build custom body forms and the critters will be assembled, 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 legally and sustainably sourced.
Each student will leave class with a finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future.
A unique combination of science and style, Divya Anantharaman is New York City's premiere taxidermist. An award winning licensed professional preserving animals with honor and compassion, she was awarded 2019 Best of Category Professional Division for both Birds and Mammals at the New England Taxidermy Championships, took second place in the Professional division at the 2017 World Taxidermy Championships, and is the coauthor of the book "Stuffed Animals: A Modern Guide to Taxidermy." Her expertise is with 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. In addition to running her own business, she also works at the esteemed studio of Wildlife Preservations, which specializes in museum taxidermy. Here, her passion for nature grows through helping preserve animals for future generations. She is also a board member of the New England Association of Taxidermists and Garden State Taxidermy Association. Her clients include museums, art galleries, celebrities, and private collectors, though she genuinely enjoys demystifying taxidermy for newbies through workshops and lectures. In her commitment to conservation, she regularly works with various organizations like the Audubon Society, and runs her own rescue nonprofit. All animal parts are legally and sustainably obtained.
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LocationBazaar - Oddities & Curiosities (View)
3534 Chestnut Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21211
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
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Contact
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