Date: Saturday, October 4th
Time: 12pm to 6pm

Admission: $400 (includes all materials for use in class, students go home with their own finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future) ( Tickets Here )

EXPERIENCE LEVEL-Beginner to Intermediate
Limited class size of 4 people

In this exclusive workshop, students will be immersed in everything about the fancy chicken and classic bird taxidermy. These beautiful birds are some of Anantharaman’s absolute favorites to work on, and come from a variety of heritage breeds and crosses. As the number of breeds, nuances, and variations of chickens is vast, there will be a variety of colors and types to choose from. The birds used in this class are domestically raised show or pet birds that are naturally deceased.

This intimate, dedicated workshop will be extremely hands on, covering everything from proper skinning, fleshing, degreasing, washing and grooming feathers, to the dynamics of classically wrapped bird bodies, dealing with bird necks, cleaning and wiring wing bones, and injecting feet. We will also explore different carding techniques, and the variables in controlling the drying process. Due to the intimate nature of the class, students will be able to follow along as Anantharaman works and demonstrates the techniques on a bird of her own, seeing the techniques in action, with plenty of individual attention. Reference photos for finished standing and flying poses will be provided for use and inspiration in class. If time permits, there will also be a demonstration of how to properly eviscerate a chicken (please note the chickens used in this class have died of natural causes and are NOT suitable for human consumption).

Students will go home with their creations, and instructions for maintaining their pieces (keeping feathers clean, ideal drying set-ups, etc) This will be a truly one of a kind experience!
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 bag or box to transport their pieces.

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. She is also a member of the M.A.R.T. (Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists) 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 somewhat strong constitution and maturity are necessary. We will be seeing meat. In this manner, a good taxidermist prides themselves on working cleanly!

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.