Events
Orb Weaver Spider Preservation with Divya Anantharaman - $355
We will discuss harvesting and drying specimen, rehydrating dried specimen, and in class we will practice handling techniques, spreading, mounting, the nuances of posing, display, and maintenance. Students will also learn how to put together and maintain their own rehydration chamber, things to check for during all stages of the process to ensure a clean and successful end product, and tips for gentle handling. Students will also build their very own spreading boards for use in class and beyond. We will also cover how to select archival quality materials to maintain specimen integrity.
For the sake of consistency and ease, all students will be provided the same specimen to work with in class. Orb weavers are large spiders, usually around 4-6 Inches In diameter!
A 7 inch glass display dome and habitat materials will also be provided, giving students the opportunity to customize a naturalistic or fantasy habitat for their spider.
As always, all specimens are legally and sustainably sourced. We will be reviewing the origins of the arachnids used in this class, how students can safely source their own specimens, and suggested, reputable suppliers.
Students go home with their own prepared arachnid, a display case for their finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future.
Sparrow Skeleton Class with Divya Anantharaman - $355
In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of birds and the oxidation process of skeleton cleaning. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in bird preservation and skeletal preparation. No matter the experience level, all are welcome!
Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird skeleton display in a glass dome. Skeletons will be provided, and students will be able to modify, articulate, and position them to their liking, and mount them onto bases, topped with a glass dome. Students will then create a naturalistic or fantasy habitat customized to their bird, and go home with a piece of osteological art that is ready to display.
These bird skeletons have been cleaned using the oxidation process, which involves a series of chemical soaks, and manual cleaning, that leaves a delicate layer of ligaments intact. As this process requires a few days, and appropriate ventilation, the students will be working with skeletons that have already been cleaned, but will be given information on how to safely and effectively clean small bird skeletons on their own.
Our subject will be the English sparrow. Sparrows were brought to America to "rescue the trees from the caterpillars”, but they became prolific enough to outdo native birds, causing substantial destruction to wildlife and crops. However, they 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 birds that are not protected by the MBTA, and 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 custom made creations, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy and preservation. For more information or to sign up, click the link below.
About the instructor-
A unique combination of science and style, 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, and make the field more accessible and engaging. She has recently starred in the Emmy winning documentary short, "Rearranging Skin". In her commitment to conservation, she regularly volunteers with various ornithological organizations (such as NYC Plover Project and NYC Audubon). You can learn more at https://www.gothamtaxidermy.com/