Throughout this comprehensive course, you will develop a deep understanding of mammal anatomy and gain hands-on experience with traditional taxidermy techniques. This class welcomes beginners who have an interest in exploring taxidermy, and students of all experience levels are encouraged to participate and learn.
You will acquire all the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to create your own complete mouse taxidermy mount, progressing through every stage from proper specimen preparation including skinning, thorough degreasing and washing, to detailed sculpting work, precise mounting techniques, and professional finishing methods.
Your subject will be the domestic mouse. These small creatures, often seen darting across our parks, sidewalks, and occasionally our homes where they may cause concern, are actually loving and gentle companions cherished by countless people. Domestic mice represent excellent taxidermy subjects because many people have had direct encounters with them, and they offer remarkable flexibility in presentation. You can position them naturalistically to reflect their actual behavior, or craft them anthropomorphically to express creative and whimsical interpretations, entirely based on your personal artistic vision and preferences. All specimens used in this class have been legally obtained and sustainably sourced; no animals are harmed for the purpose of creating taxidermy pieces.
Upon completion of the workshop, you will return home with your custom crafted creation, detailed care instructions for maintaining your finished pieces, and a renewed or deepened appreciation and love for the taxidermy art form.
Please note the following important details:
- The class takes place within the instructor's professional working taxidermy studio located in Brooklyn, New York, near the intersection of 25th Street and 3rd Avenue. The specific address and building details will be provided via email following your ticket purchase. Please be respectful of the shared studio space and bring only the essential items you need for your day of instruction.
- The class is held in an active taxidermy studio situated in a 3-floor walkup building; please wear comfortable clothing and practical shoes suitable for climbing stairs and working in a creative environment.
- Sharp tools and implements are used throughout the class; therefore, please wear closed toe footwear to protect your feet from potential injury.
- Taxidermy involves detailed work in sculpting, sewing, painting, and other artistic methods; if you require glasses or other visual assistance devices to work comfortably with these fine detail tasks, please bring them with you.
- For your safety and the safety of others, absolutely no food, chewing gum, or candy is permitted in the class workspace. Students are welcome to take as many breaks as needed outside of the class area to consume food or gum. Beverages in containers with secure lids are acceptable.
- No smoking or vaping is permitted during class hours.
- To enter the building, please meet the instructor downstairs approximately 10 minutes before class is scheduled to begin, or contact your instructor via text message at 828-668-2566 to arrange entry.
- All animal specimens have been legally and sustainably sourced; no animals are harmed in the creation of taxidermy pieces used in this course.
- Please understand that all specimens presented in class have been professionally prepared by the instructor, including all skinning, cleaning, and tanning work, and only specimens in excellent condition are selected to ensure your ease and enjoyment throughout the learning process. However, because these specimens have passed from natural causes or unavoidable circumstances, there may be minor scars, small holes, bone damage, chipped feathers, or other subtle variations that are inherent characteristics of deceased animals, particularly those that are found after death. These are not animals killed at the peak of their physical condition, so absolute perfection is neither possible nor guaranteed. Each animal is a unique individual with its own distinct characteristics and qualities; sourcing specimens sustainably necessarily includes inherent inconsistency, so there are no guarantees regarding specimen coloration, biological sex, size, or other specific characteristics. The philosophy underlying this practice centers on honoring and appreciating each animal as a unique individual being, not as a trophy or prize.
- You are welcome to bring your own decorative props, ornamental adornments, or other personal items to incorporate into your finished mount if you wish. However, please do not bring raw or unprepared animal specimens to the class.
- Please bring a small sturdy box or container to safely transport your completed finished pieces home. Domed display pieces will have protective padding provided by the instructor, but if you prefer to use your own bag or custom box for transport, please bring one.
