Congress of Curious Peoples Workshop: Gotham Taxidermy Beetles Class with Divya Anantharaman

In this beginners class, students will learn everything about basic insect/ arachnid preparation. You will be learning proven, professional techniques I’ve developed and modified over the past 10 years, with close guidance and individual attention. All photos are student work from this class. 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 also 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 similar sized Hercules Beetle specimens to work with in class.

*A simple shadowbox will be provided for all students. As always, all specimens are legally and sustainably sourced. We will be reviewing the origins of the arachnids used in this class, how students can safely source their own specimens, and suggested, reputable suppliers. Students go home with their own prepared beetle, a display case for their finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future.

Bio: 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. She has recently starred in the Emmy winning documentary short, "Rearranging Skin". In her commitment to conservation, she regularly volunteers with various ornithological organizations (such as NYC Plover Project and NYC Bird Alliance). You can learn more at https://www.gothamtaxidermy.com/

Class Policies

All attendees are asked to be respectful of each others boundaries, including wearing masks if requested. If you would prefer masks be worn in class, please contact me directly at least 5 days before the class so I can notify students. I am happy to uphold this policy and provide KN95 masks for students who may not have them.

For your safety and to accommodate class policy, absolutely NO gum, candy, or food of any kind in class. Drinks in a container with a lid are ok! Students can take as many breaks needed to step outside of class to eat. 

NO smoking in class, including vapes, e-cigs, flavored air, or any other device. Please step outside to smoke as much as needed.

Please wear comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes, something you would wear for an art class or woodworking class. If you wear glasses, please bring them.

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 instructor's advice, and will not hold the instructor or venue liable for harm. 

All students must be over 18 unless accompanied by an adult chaperone. There is no fee for the chaperone, but you must contact us in order to hold a place for you.

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.

Please note that all specimens in class have been professionally prepared by me-from skinning, cleaning, to tanning, and only the best condition specimens are selected for students ease and enjoyability. However, as specimens have passed from natural or unavoidable causes, there may be scars, small holes, damaged bones, chipped feathers, or other slight variations that are inherent with deceased animals, especially as many animals are found dead. These are not animals killed in prime plumage, and so “perfection” is not guaranteed. Animals are unique individuals, sourcing sustainably has inherent inconsistency, so there is no guarantee of specimen color, sex, size, or other elements. My practice is based on appreciating the animal as a unique individual, and not as a trophy.

Please bring a small box or bag to transport your pieces.

Please note, there are NO refunds unless the instructor reschedules or cancels the class. Once you purchase your ticket, your specimens and other materials are ordered and prepared, the nature of the labor and materials involved are non-returnable.

Purchasing this ticket means you have read and agree to all class policies.