In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of birds, bone cleaning, and skeletal articulation. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in any kind of bone cleaning. No matter the experience level, all are welcome!
You will be learning proven, professional techniques I’ve developed and modified over the past 10 years, with close guidance and individual attention.
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 and skeletal preparation. No matter the experience level, all are welcome!
Students will learn everything they need to clean and articulate their very own bird skeleton, then create a display in a glass dome. Skeletons will be provided, and students will be able to modify, articulate, and position them to their liking, and mount them onto bases, topped with a glass dome. Students will then create a naturalistic or fantasy habitat customized to their bird, and go home with a piece of osteological art that is ready to display.
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, students will be working with skeletons that have already been cleaned, but will be given a demonstration, instruction, and a detailed booklet on how to safely and effectively clean skeletons on their own.
Our subject will be the English sparrow. Sparrows were brought to America to "rescue the trees from the caterpillars”, but they became prolific enough to outdo native birds, causing substantial destruction to wildlife and crops. However, they enliven our cities. Their unwavering tenacity reflects a larger truth across species, making the best of a 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 birds 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.
PLEASE NOTE: You can take this class with the display dome and habitat ($365), or without the display and just the articulated skeleton ($250).
