Parrot or Cockatiel Taxidermy Instensive - NYC June 27-28

Please note this is a 2 day class that takes place at my studio in Brooklyn NYC near 25th street and 3rd Ave. The class dates are June 27 and June 28, 11AM-6PM

Check your email for your purchase confirmation, and a reminder email a 2 days before the event.

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!

Click image to see more examples of student work.

You will be learning proven, professional techniques I’ve developed and modified over the past 10 years, with close guidance and individual attention.

All photos are student work from this class.

NEW—CLASS PAYMENT PLANS! Select Afterpay when you check out. 

Select local pickup at checkout-there is no shipping needed.

In this 2 day intensive class, students will learn about the fascinating anatomy of birds and traditional bird taxidermy. Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, degreasing/washing, to sculpting, mounting, and finishing.

DAY 1-Students will spend this day skinning, fleshing, cleaning, and preparing their birds. We will prepare an overnight degreasing bath for the birds. The students will then carve bodies and prepare wires for their birds.

Day 2- Students will work with their degreased and clean skins, using preservative paste and dry preserve. They will mount their birds practicing techniques like wiring, fitting and modifying a form, sewing, assembly, grooming, and feathering. We will discuss how to use reference and study anatomy practically for taxidermy.

Our subject will be domestic parrots, either ringneck parrots or cockatiels. Specimen selection is random, and colors will be assorted.

This class welcomes all skill levels, including beginners!

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/

CLASS POLICIES - PLEASE READ

All attendees are asked to be respectful of each others boundaries, including wearing masks if requested. If you would prefer masks be worn in class, please contact me directly at least 5 days before the class so I can notify students. I am happy to uphold this policy and provide KN95 masks for students who may not have them.

For your safety and to accommodate class policy, absolutely NO gum, candy, or food of any kind in class. Drinks in a container with a lid are ok! Students can take as many breaks needed to step outside of class to eat. 

NO smoking in class, including vapes, e-cigs, flavored air, or any other device. This is a safety hazard in an art studio with flammable compounds like paint, solvents, wood, and to accommodate students comfort. You can step outside to smoke as much as needed.

Please wear comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes, something you would wear for an art class or woodworking class. If you wear glasses, please bring them.

All specimens legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy. 

By signing up for class, you recognize the risks associated with a taxidermy class-working with sharp tools and practicing safe specimen handling. You agree to follow the instructors advice, and will not hold the instructor or venue liable for harm. 

All students must be over 18 unless accompanied by an adult chaperone. Please email the instructor to discuss.

Please feel free to bring your own props, adornments, or items for your mount. Please do not bring your own raw specimens to the class.

Please note that all specimens in class have been professionally prepared by me-from skinning, cleaning, to tanning, and only the best condition specimens are selected for students ease and enjoyability. However, as specimens have passed from natural or unavoidable causes, there may be scars, small holes, damaged bones, chipped feathers, or other slight variations that are inherent with deceased animals, especially as many animals are found dead. These are not animals killed in prime plumage, and so “perfection” is not guaranteed. Animals are unique individuals, sourcing sustainably has inherent inconsistency, so there is no guarantee of specimen color, sex, size, or other elements. My practice is based on appreciating the animal as a unique individual, and not as a trophy.

Please bring a small box or bag to transport your pieces.

Please note, there are NO refunds unless the instructor reschedules or cancels the class. Once you purchase your ticket, your specimens and other materials are ordered and prepared, the nature of the labor and materials involved are non-returnable.

Since class space is limited, there is a $50 rescheduling fee. This covers the administrative costs of rebooking, missing out on dates that other students could have booked, and the loss of income. Please contact the instructor to make arrangements if you are unable to attend class.

Purchasing this ticket means you have read and agree to all class policies.