In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of birds and traditional bird taxidermy. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in bird taxidermy. No matter the experience level, all are welcome!

Note: No animals were harmed for the purposes of this class

Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird taxidermy mount in a standing pose, from proper skinning, degreasing/washing, to sculpting, mounting, sewing, and finishing. Students will spend day 1 of the workshop skinning, fleshing, and degreasing their birds, preparing them for preservation. Day 2 will be spent mounting the prepared and preserved skins onto anatomically accurate forms, then posing, grooming, and setting the birds to dry. This will allow the students to focus on all the fine details of creating a finished piece, and practice taxidermy techniques with as much time and space needed. We will also discuss how to use reference and study anatomy practically for taxidermy.

Our subject will be the European starling. Starlings were brought to Central Park by Shakespeare enthusiasts, and became prolific enough to make a present substantial impact and challenges on existing wildlife. However, their eye-catching plumage-glossy, spotted, and iridescent starlings, or the rich browns and grays of sparrows, enliven our cities. Their unwavering tenacity reflects a larger truth across species, making the best of a situation they’ve found themselves in. They are one of few wild birds that can be legally possessed by individuals as long as local laws are followed. These birds are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.

Students will go home with their own birds, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy.

Instructor Bio:

A unique combination of science and style, Divya Anantharaman is New York City's premiere taxidermist. An award winning licensed professional preserving animals with love and compassion for clients ranging from museums, designers, and collectors. 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. Divya was recently featured in the award winning documentary "Rearranging Skin", is the co-author of "Stuffed Animals: A Modern Guide to Taxidermy", and produces the annual Wunderkammer showcase in Brooklyn, exhibiting a diverse range of artists who work on the cutting edge of taxidermy, art, and performance, spotlighting folks the traditional taxidermy field tends to overlook.. She is passionate about the human-animal relationship, engaging diverse perspectives, and demystifying taxidermy for beginners through workshops and lectures in a safe, inclusive environment. In her commitment to conservation, she volunteers time and services with various conservation organizations, and helps run a rescue. All animal parts are legally, respectfully, and sustainably obtained.

See more about Divya and her work here: https://www.gothamtaxidermy.com/about

Assistants & hosts: Pinar & So Sinopoulos-Lloyd of Queer Nature

Site Logistics: This workshop will be at a retreat center on 100+ acres which includes indoor lodging for participants, so bringing camping gear is NOT necessary unless you want to camp.

The actual course time is all day Saturday and All day Sunday. (assume 9-6 ish each day plus a lunch break). However, Queer Nature has booked the Skalitude retreat center from Friday through Monday, so participants are encouraged to arrive FRIDAY EARLY EVENING so they can settle in, relax, and be rested and ready for the next morning. Participants are also more than welcome to stay Sunday night in order to facilitate a safe departure Monday morning.

Food & Water: This event is not catered, so participants will want to bring their own food for the duration of their stay. There is an indoor kitchen and fridge available, and there will also be a covered outdoor kitchen setup as well for participants to use for their personal food needs.

There is potable water at the site.

Please do not bring companion animals (Service dogs exempt) or firearms to this class.

Bird Taxidermy with Divya Anantharaman (for 2SLGBTQ+)