In this beginner’s class, students will create their very own natural history shadowbox using preserved wings, heads, insects, and plants. Great for kids and adults! Students will select from a variety of responsibly sourced specimens to make a display that expresses their personal style, from classic Victorian to modern witch.

We will discuss harvesting and preparation of specimen, and in class will practice handling techniques, spreading, mounting, the nuances of posing, display, and maintenance.

All specimen are sustainably sourced. We will be reviewing the origins of the assorted insects used in class, how students can ethically and legally source specimen, and suggested, reputable suppliers.
 

Divya Anantharaman is an award winning professional taxidermist based in New York City. Her taxidermy practice was sparked by a lifelong fascination with the intersection of natural mythology and science, and she specializes in birds, small mammals, and anatomic anomalies. With a combination of self and professional training, she creates both fantasy and traditional pieces, and teaches classes around the world. Her most recent honor is winning second place in the professional division at the World Taxidermy Championships of 2017, her work is on display in the Chamber of Wonders at the Walter’s Art Museum, and has been profiled in numerous publications as varied as National Geographic, The NY Times, The Cut, BBC Science Radio, and on hit Discovery/Science Channel TV show Oddities. She is also a board member of the New England Association of Taxidermists, and has coauthored the book “Stuffed Animals” being released by W.W. Norton this fall. You can find out more at www.gothamtaxidermy.com

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