Frame Your Insect: Intro to Insect Mounting & Framing

We are working hard to bring Chicago its first Insect and Taxidermy Museum! Our focus is connecting to the beauty of nature in a non-traditional sense. During these events we will engage all of our senses to foster both  excitement and growth. At The Insect Asylum we encourage you to explore, as we do! Every time you walk through our doors we are hoping you  engage with the exhibits and develop a true sense of belonging with nature. Our mission is to allow people to get excited, to learn and to grow. We understand that inspiration takes flight in many forms. Come and get inspired, create, and connect with a beautiful community! Also, please keep in mind The Insect Asylum is a self-funded endeavor. This labor of love is ever growing, any and all funds we raise help us bring more to the community! We want to make our project affordable to everyone, so if you can afford to sponsor entrance for someone else please reach out. If you need to be sponsored to participate, please reach out or visit our website. We want to be able to include everyone. Donations of any kind are always welcome!Hope to see you there,Nina Salem Founder/Artist

Nina Salem

Learn how to fashion your already-pinned insects into a shadow box

The Insect Asylum

Insect Pinning Classes at The Insect Asylum

Discover the art of insect pinning at The Insect Asylum! Learn the art of rehydrating, pinning, preserving and and display insects with expert guidance. Take home a sustainably sourced pinned specimen!

Intro to Bug Mounting and Framing

Learn how to mount you bug into a creative piece!

The Insect Asylum's Events and Adventures

Explore Chicago's unique taxidermy nature museum, The Insect Asylum! Ethically sourced insects and animals, captivating taxidermy, and immersive exhibits await. Join us for diverse events, all ages welcome, and discover Earth's wonders!

Have a pinned insect from one of our workshops but aren’t sure how to display it? Join us at The Insect Asylum for an enthralling hands-on class where you'll learn the art of insect framing and mounting! We have plenty of bugs for folks who do not have dried specimens as well!Our expert instructors will guide you through positioning and preserving your pinned specimens in beautifully crafted shadow box displays. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, this class is perfect for honing your skills and creating a unique, one-of-a-kind framed piece.Don’t miss this chance to turn your pinned insect into a work of art in a fun and welcoming space.Your ticket comes with:<ul><li>General admission to the museum</li><li>Shadow box (you choose between a 5x5 or an 8x8)</li><li>background materials like organic elements, decorative paper, and fabric.</li><li>1 insect with additional add-ons available</li></ul>You also have the option of bringing your own shadow box if you'd like.Accessiblity note: please be aware that our classroom spaces are not wheelchair access at this time. We are happy to accomodate with an accessible classroom space for insect pinning on a case by case basis. Please email us with accessiblity needs before the class at theinsectasylum@gmail.comAdditional Note: Families are welcome! Children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult. If you or your child would like to simply watch the class without participating, we’d love to have you. You can easily grab guardian/observer tickets at the front desk or online through our ticket portal.