Date: Saturday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st
Time: 1 – 5 PM
Offsite*** Morbid Anatomy Museum ( New Location ) : 424A 3rd Ave
Corner of 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
$110 (for the one day workshop, on 5/31 from 12-5pm)
$195 (for a 2 day workshop. Day 2 will be on 6/1, from 1-4pm
*** Purchase tickets by clicking here.
This class is part of The Morbid Anatomy Art Academy
Anthropomorphic taxidermy–in which taxidermied animals are posed into human attitudes and poses–was an artform made famous by Victorian taxidermist and museologist Walter Potter. In this class, students will learn to create–from start to finish–anthropomorphic mice inspired by the charming and imaginative work of Mr. Potter and his ilk. With the creative use of props and some artful styling, you will find that your mouse can take nearly whatever form you desire, from a bespectacled, whiskey swilling, top hat tipping mouse to a rodent mermaid queen of the burlesque world. In this special edition class, built around the many Potter themed celebrations going on at the Museum, extra special Potter themed props will be provided, along with materials to make antlers, horns, or tentacles.
In this class, students will learn everything involved in the production of a fully finished mouse, including initial preparation, hygiene and sanitary measures, fleshing, tail stripping, and dry preservation. Once properly preserved, the mice will be posed and outfitted as the student desires. Although a broad selection of props and accessories will be provided by the instructor, students are also welcome to bring their own accessories and bases; all other materials will supplied. Each student will leave class with a fully finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future. It is recommended students bring a small bag or box to transport their pieces.
Students also have the option of signing up for the two day workshop. On day two, we will focus on building a diorama or scene around the student creations, and fabricating customized small props and clothes. Bases, shadow boxes, sculpting materials, fabrics, paints, and other items will be provided for this portion of the class, and students will be able to focus on the finer details of their mounts to make a truly captivating scene. If students have items they would like to bring in, they are welcome to do so.
Divya will be there to provide instruction and advise on various tricks and techniques to successfully work on a small scale.
Divya Anantharaman is a Morbid Anatomy Museum Taxidermist in Residence and a Brooklyn based artist whose taxidermy practice was sparked by a lifelong fascination with the intersection of natural mythology and science. After a journey through self and professional training, and an inspiring class (Sue Jeiven’s popular Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy Class at Observatory!), she has found her calling in creating sickly sweet and sparkly critters. A trophy winner in the 2013 Philadelphia Alt Taxidermy competition, she has been profiled in numerous publications as varied as Vice/Fringes, The NY Times, The Cut, and on hit Discovery/Science Channel TV show Oddities. You can find out more at www.d-i-v-y-a.com.
Also, some technical notes:
- We use NO harsh or dangerous chemicals.
- Everyone will be provided with gloves and sanitary equipment.
- All animals are disease free.
- Although there will not be a lot of blood or gore, a strong constitution and maturity are necessary. We will be seeing meat. In consideration of other students, please do not dissect carcasses in class. (You are welcome to take the carcass and dissect on your own, instruction can be provided)
- All animals are ethically sourced- nothing was killed for this class. Animals used in this class are discards from the feeder/pet food industry, naturally deceased, or discards from the food service industry.
- Please do not bring any raw dead animals with you to the class.