Date: Sunday, November 20
Time: 12 pm - 3:00 pm
Admission: $300
Class size: 4 students
Location: Location: TBA, address will be sent to students before class session is held

PLEASE NOTE: This class is an IN-PERSON class. Students will have to be masked and vaccinated to attend.

In this beginners class, students will learn everything about basic moth/butterfly/winged insect preparation. 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 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 species to work with in class (Sunset Moth) but will be have the opportunity to select a take home specimen from an assortment of butteries or moths for independent practice.

After pinning their own specimen, students will make a glass dome display using a pre-prepared Sunset Moth, and a selection of rocks, branches, moss, foliage, and other naturalistic organic matter. We will discuss methods for preserving plants, and the appropriate adhesives and methods for mounting.

As always, all specimens are legally and sustainably sourced. We will be reviewing the origins of the assorted insects used in this class, how students can safely source their own specimens, and suggested, reputable suppliers.

Students go home with the following:

• A glass dome display of their own design with a Sunset Moth

• Their own prepared Sunset Moth on a spreading board, both can be used for future projects

• A dried specimen to practice on at home

• The knowledge to create their own pieces in the future!

CLASS POLICIES
Please note, this class takes place in the instructors 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 needed outside of class for food and drink. To enter building, please meet downstairs at 11:50am or contact instructor via text message to enter 828-668-2566.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.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 https://www.gothamtaxidermy.com/