Saturday, August 19
12 – 3 pm ET
This class takes place in a private studio in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, off the R train at 25th Street. Address will be sent to students before class.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an in-person class. Students will have to be masked to attend.

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. 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 pose them to their liking, and mount them onto bases. 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. Students will also create a naturalistic or fantasy habitat customized to their bird, and go home with a piece of osteological art that is ready to display. 

Our subject will be the English sparrow. Originally brought to America to "rescue the trees from the caterpillars", they became prolific enough to outdo native birds, causing substantial destruction to wildlife and crops. However, they enliven our urban landscape, making the best of the 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 English sparrows 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. 

Class policies
Please note, this class takes place in the instructor’s studio, which is a working taxidermy studio. Please be mindful of the space and bring only what you need for your day in class. The studio is in a walk-up building with 3 flights of stairs-please keep this in mind and wear comfortable shoes and clothes. For your safety, no food, drink, or gum in class. Students are allowed to take as many breaks as needed outside of class for food and drink.

To enter the building, please meet downstairs at 11:50 am or contact instructor via text message to enter 828-668-2566. All specimens are legally and sustainably sourced, and 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 instructor’s advice and will not hold the instructor or venue liable for harm.

All students must be over 18. 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.

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. In her commitment to conservation, she regularly volunteers with various ornithological organizations (such as the Audubon Society). You can learn more at www.gothamtaxidermy.com.