insects – Metal + Glass Studio Toronto

Carnival of Taxidermy! Special Guest Artist workshops in Toronto

June 21, 2017 nanotopianLeave a comment

Toronto’s Carnival of Taxidermy Book Signing event!

Divya will be in Toronto July 6th thru 9th sharing her skills through amazing workshops:

Join us Thursday evening July 6th for a wildy wondrous celebration replete with stop-motion films, taxidermy demonstrations, oddity vendors, and more…

Immerse yourself in an evening of wonder and revelry at this carnivalesque gala of oddity, art, and science celebrating the release of a fascinating new book on the art of taxidermy by Brooklyn taxidermists Divya Anantharaman and Katie Innamorato. Come discover the secrets and stories of this resurgent craft at this illuminating and enchanting celebration.

In their new book Stuffed Animals, Anantharaman and Innamorato demystify the practice of taxidermy, shatter the gross stereotypes, and make it accessible to anyone. Committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing.

The authors are part of the vanguard of young taxidermists who bring a sense of fun and experimentation to this old-school hobby.

Super excited to announce the artists that will be giving you a horror show during our Carnival of Taxidermy event!

House of the Sacred Heart

Sparrow Dreads

Nanotopia

Join us to celebrate the release of the book in Canada!

Pre-order your book and have it signed at the event! Link below.

Details:

Book Signing Carnival of Taxidermy Event, 906 Queen Street West @Crawford, July 6th 5pm – Midnight

Advance book purchase, pick-up during book signing

Science and Art workshops in Toronto #sciart

June 5, 2017 nanotopianLeave a comment

Flame working Glass Eyes for Taxidermy & Sculpture – Thursday evening July 6th 6:30-9:30pm $185pp 10 student max. 2 seats remain.

This is a special workshop teaching students basic murrini and cane construction methods, shaping glass at a bench-mounted, surface-mix oxygen/propane torch. Safety is discussed, tools, terminology of glass, and process. Each student will have access to a torch and will melt and form glass using a variety of hand tools.

This is the chance to experience working molten glass and make glass eyes! Various iris methods will be demonstrated: Dragon eyes, mammalian, avian, cephalopod, alien as well as pulling eye cane and adding nichrome wire. Working with hard glass and soft glass students will produce eye shapes and sizes they can use in their taxidermy specimen, sculptural work or jewellery. Class fee includes all materials
No experience necessary! Ages 12 on up are welcome!

ENTOMOLOGY 101: Morphos & Jewels {Beetles & Moths) Friday, July 7th 6:30-9pm Lecture/demo starts at 6:30pm $75 for full workshop 6:30-9pm

This workshop takes place at 906 Queen Street West (at Crawford)

In this class, students will learn everything about basic 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. An assortment of ethically sourced insects; Beetles, moths and butterflies, in various sizes, shapes, and colors will be provided. 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. We will also cover how to select museum quality materials for displays. Students receive 1 Riker mount for their specimen, 1 set of insect pins & 2 insects.

As always, all specimen are ethically sourced. We will be reviewing the origins of the insects used in class, how students can ethically and legally source specimen, and suggested, reputable suppliers.

Students go home with their own prepared insects, one Riker mount display, the pinning/spreading board made during class, resource list as well as 1 set of insect pins.and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future. It is recommended students bring a small bag or box or display case to transport their pieces. Wooden spreading boards, insect pins, archival habitat materials and various insects are available at the studio for purchase.

Spreading boards, insect pins, archival habitat materials and various insects are available at the studio for purchase. (participants can choose 2 insects to work on)! 299217

Lecture and demonstration can be attended for $25. Lecture/demo fee can be added towards the full workshops offered if you change your mind (if space is available)! Full workshop includes 2-3 insects (a variety to choose from!) one Riker mount display, the pinning/spreading board made during class, resource list as well as 1 set of insect pins.

Other unusual insects will be available for purchase before and after the workshops! Tea, coffee, water and snacks will be available during class.

Proud member

Young Multidisciplinary Artist Metal + Glass camps Toronto

February 17, 2017 nanotopianLeave a comment

Nanopod studio’s super special Multidisciplinary Metal + Glass art camps are back this July and August 2017.

Metal + Glass Camps are about enjoying and nurturing young artists and crafters, making all kinds of art and building skills together. Kids will be in the studio and Bickford Park this summer creating and exploring new art techniques and mediums through individual and group multi-media projects. Every Artist will take home amazing artwork and create a personal sketchbook for recording, planning and drawing throughout the week.

Each Metal + Glass camp week is different with unique projects and experiences. Guest teachers will be visiting Nanopod studio and sharing their special talents and knowledge. Kids will explore different materials and methods throughout each week. Working with paper, clay, metal, glass and upcycling materials!

We’ll have a great time and learn a lot!

Every Friday we celebrate our week’s end with a healthy pizza lunch*.

Every day will include fun creative time, outdoor time, games and a walk.

Multidisciplinary Metal + Glass art camps

Ages 7 – 12, Monday – Friday 10 AM – 3PM $290.00 + HST per child / 5 days

JULY 10 – 14

•Making Sketchbooks, Colour Theory, Class Mosaic (different theme each week)

•Story tiles: Draw a picture/transfer it into glass

•Learn how to work with copper adding textures, stamping designs- make a butterfly or bee pendant

•Butterflies & Bees! Paint a butterfly & Bee mural on glass!

JULY 17 – 21

•Making Sketchbooks, Colour Theory, Class Mosaic (different theme each week)

•Making seed bombs of love. Tracing leaves and printing on glass

•Dragonflies! Make a copper dragonfly pendant or charm

•Dragonfly themed glass panels: fusing glass

AUGUST 7 – 11

•Making Sketchbooks, Colour Theory, Class Mosaic (different theme each week)

•Selfies in glass: Fuse glass tiles with a portrait of yourself!

•Make a glass terrarium and painting on stones

•Cicadas! Make a Cicada out of copper

AUGUST 14 – 18

•Making our Sketchbooks, Colour Theory, Class Mosaic (different theme each week)

•Make insect charms out of wire

•Fireflies! Make a firefly themed paper lantern

•Leaf Prints on glass

•Glow in the dark glass! Make a window charm that will glow at night!

All materials included! No experience necessary!

Please bring a packed lunch & snack along with a water bottle each day except Friday. Fridays include a healthy pizza lunch (pizza will be gf, veggie with vegan option). Parents will receive Consent & Safety forms to read over with their child, sign and bring with them the first day of camp!

The Buy Ticket Button will take you to our SquareUp payment page where you can choose which camp to enroll in, sign up for all 4 and receive 25% off!*

Questions? Please email us at: nanotopia@me.com

April Entomology workshop at nanopod studio Toronto

February 7, 2017 nanotopianLeave a comment

ENTOMOLOGY 101: Morphos & Jewels {Beetles & Moths) Friday, April 7th 6:30-9pm Lecture/demo starts at 6:30pm $75 for full workshop 6:30-9pm

Spreading boards, insect pins, archival habitat materials and various insects are available at the studio for purchase. (participants can choose 2 insects to work on)! 299217

Lecture and demonstration can be attended for $25. Lecture/demo fee can be added towards the full workshops offered if you change your mind (if space is available)! Full workshop includes 2 insects (a variety to choose from!) one Riker mount display, the pinning/spreading board made during class, resource list as well as 1 set of insect pins.

Other unusual insects will be available for purchase before and after the workshops! Tea, coffee, water and snacks will be available during class.

Proud member

Morphos & Jewels Workshop

August 15, 2016 nanotopianLeave a comment

ENTOMOLOGY 101: Morphos & Jewels {Beetles & Moths) Friday, August 26th 5-8pm. Lecture/demo 5-6pm $75 for full workshop 5-8pm $20 for 1/hr lecture/demo

Workshop is being held at: 239 College St, Toronto • Toronto Public Library – Lillian H. Smith Library. Closest major intersection College Street and Spadina Ave.

Spreading boards, insect pins, archival habitat materials and various insects are available at the studio for purchase. ** Insects for this workshop might include Leaf insects, Stick insects, Mantis, Horned beetles, Hawk Moths, etc., rest assured there will be an amazing selection to choose from (participants can choose 2 insects to work on)! 299217

Pre-workshop lecture and demonstration can be attended for $20 per ADULT, $5 per child (10-18). Lecture/demo fee can be added towards either of the full workshops offered! Full workshop includes 2 insects (a variety to choose from!) one Riker mount display, the pinning/spreading board made during class, resource list as well as 1 set of insect pins.

Other unusual insects will be available for purchase before and after the workshops! Tea, coffee and water will be available during class. Lecture/Demo and workshops are taking place off-site at 1101 Bloor Street West at the Toronto Public Library Bloor/Gladstone branch.
Adult tickets (lecture only):

Child tickets (lecture only):

Proud member

Entomology Lecture/Demo

July 12, 2016 nanotopianLeave a comment

Join nanopod: Hybrid Studio Friday evening August 26th for Entomology 101: Beetles & Moths and Saturday, August 27th for Continued Entomology: Rarities & Aberrations

Pre-workshop lecture and demonstration can be attended for $20 per person, $5 per child (under 18). Lecture/demo fee can be added towards either of the full workshops offered!

Full workshop includes 2 insects (a variety to choose from!) one Riker mount display, the pinning/spreading board made during class, resource list as well as 1 set of insect pins.

Other unusual insects will be available for purchase before and after the workshops!

Tea, coffee and water will be available during class. Wheel chair accessible.

Both Lectures/Demos and workshops are taking place off-site at 1101 Bloor Street West at the Toronto Public Library Bloor/Gladstone branch. Bup321-Cyphogastra-javanica
Lecture/Demo: Adult tickets
Lecture/Demo: Child tickets (under 18)
Tickets to the Entomology workshops can be bought here: https://nanopod.tv/entomology/

Amazing classes – register this weekend!

October 17, 2015October 21, 2015 nanotopianLeave a comment

October classes that need you to sign-up, confirm your seat & supplies by Tuesday, Oct 20th.

Beginning Insect Mounting workshop- Friday, October 23rd 6:30-9:30pm. This is a one of a kind workshop taking place in Toronto. $70pp register below or click the Taxidermy link above in the menu- sign-up button can be found there as well. Confirmation needs to happen by Tuesday, Oct 20th for enough insects, display cases, spreading boards, pins, and other special supplies to be available for everyone.

Metal Chain chain chains & other techniques. Running Tuesday evenings, starting Oct 27th. Interested in having this class run? Confirm your seat and supplies by registering no later than Oct 20th. Sign-Up button can be found below (or through Courses button in menu) along with further information.

BUGS {beginning Entomology} EVENING CLASS $70pp
6:30pm-10pm, October 23rd – Class is FULL

In this class, students will learn everything about basic butterfly 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. An assortment of ethically sourced butterflies in various sizes, shapes, and colors will be provided. 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 museum quality materials for displays. Display cases for finished butterflies will be provided

As always, all specimen are ethically sourced. We will be reviewing the origins of the assorted butterflies used in class, how students can ethically and legally source specimen, and suggested, reputable suppliers. If there are any excess specimen left, they will be available for students to take home for practice and future use.

Students go home with their own prepared butterfly, a spreading board that can be used for future projects, an extra butterfly for practice, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future. It is recommended students bring a small bag or box to transport their pieces.

Metal- Chain chain chainssss, hinges, gold fused onto silver (keum-bo), settings, working with bronze & silver clay. 1 evening per week, starts up Tuesday, October 27th 6:30-9:30pm 9 weeks – 3 student minimum, 6 student max. $380pp (4 spots remaining!)

Screenshot 2015-09-05 11.50.34 Step it up! Make your own handmade chains, construct a hinged locket/box. Fuse gold to silver. Learn basic, hand built prong settings, tab settings, and setting free-form cabs/drusy with Sterling hand-cut bezels. Demonstrations of how to construct rolo, cable chain, woven, and weaving over armatures. Participants will also learn how to construct their own closures, and locking mechanisms. Applying gold to fine silver/sterling silver: participants will add texture to silver via hammers and fuse 24k gold foil onto their designs through Keum-bo. Basic prong settings for faceted stones and cabs and working with bronze clay and silver clay.
Materials included:
•Bronze & Silver clay
•Sterling plate 3″x3″ 16 gauge(1.3mm)
•Copper wire (for woven chain practice and armatures)
•Sterling wire (15′ of 19gauge, 6′ half-round 12gauge)
•Choice of 5-8mm faceted stone for prong setting
•Copper & Brass tubing for hinges
•23.5k gold foil for Keum-bo process

No experience necessary! Register by Oct 20th to reserve your bench space and supplies.