
- Entomology 101 Friday, July 7
- 2-headed chick taxidermy, July 8
- Fascinators, Victorian hats & Wearable Taxidermy, July 9
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)!
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.
Katie Innamorato is a Taxidermist in Residence at the Morbid Anatomy Museum in Brooklyn NY. She is professionally trained in taxidermy; winning awards and ribbons every year at the Garden State Taxidermist Association competition and convention. She strives to teach proper, professional, traditional techniques to students all over the US and internationally. She is also a rogue taxidermist; being a member of the M.A.R.T. or Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists. As with all M.A.R.T. members she adheres to strict ethical guidelines when acquiring specimens. She uses roadkill, frozen feeders, scrap skins from other taxidermists and the garment industry, pet industry casualties, nuisance animals, and donated skins to create her artworks; almost every part of the animal is utilized.
Her work has been featured on the hit Science and Discovery Channel TV show, “Oddities,” and the spin off show, “Odd Folks Home.” She has exhibited work at La Luz de Jesus Gallery in Los Angeles, CA, among other galleries and museums. She was recently featured on VICE and in the book Taxidermy Art by Robert Marbury. She has also done lectures and demonstrations at the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire and at the Institute Library in Connecticut.
Divya Anantharaman is a taxidermist in residence at the Morbid Anatomy Museum in New York City. She is an artist whose taxidermy practice was sparked by a lifelong fascination with the intersection of natural mythology and science, and has always specialized in the arts related to leather, fur, and hide. With a combination of self and professional training, she has found her calling in creating sickly sweet and sparkly critters, specializing in small and unusual mammals and birds. Winner of a Best in Show trophy and Best in Category ribbon at the GSTA taxidermy show and competition, her work and classes have been profiled in numerous publications as varied as National Geographic, The NY Times, The Cut, Vice, BBC Science Radio, and on hit Discovery/Science Channel TV show Oddities. She has shown work in galleries across the U.S. and has traveled nationally and internationally to teach and lecture on both traditional and rogue taxidermy. She is also a member of the M.A.R.T. (Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists) and the G.S.T.A. (Garden State Taxidermists Association). You can find out more at www.friendsforevertaxidermy.com
The studio is excited to announce the return of Friends Forever Taxidermy, Divya Anantharaman the weekend of March 11th thru 13th 2016! Divya is bringing her friend and fellow taxidermist in residence at Morbid Anatomy Museum along for dual-taught workshops!
Friday evening, March 11th: Beginning Entomology; Beetles & Moths 6:30-9:30pm 10 person max. $80pp
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, 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.
As always, all specimen are ethically sourced. We will be reviewing the origins of the assorted insects 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 beetle & moth, a spreading board that can be used for future projects, 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. Mounting its, mounting pins and various insects are available at the studio for purchase.
Saturday, March 12th noon to 6pm Jackalope shoulder mounts
EXPERIENCE LEVEL-Beginner to Intermediate
Limited class size of 8 people, $340pp
This class will introduce students to basic small mammal taxidermy, focusing on the skinning, prepping, and sculpting techniques specific to the face. We will cover splitting lips, thinning noses, turning ears, and other techniques to successfully set a face. Each student is provided with their own specimen which they will skin, flesh, prep, mount, and groom. We will go through the process of carving busts for each mount, how to attach antlers, and will discuss taxidermy techniques that can be used for projects larger and smaller. Carcasses will be used for reference and available to students if they want them. Further preservation processes will be discussed as well; tanning, mummification, wet specimens, bone cleaning, etc. Everything is supplied and students do not need any prior experience for this class. Each student will leave with their own finished piece and the knowledge to create their own in the future.
Sunday, March 13th; noon to 7pm Squirrel mounts
EXPERIENCE LEVEL-Beginner to Intermediate
Limited class size of 8 people, $440pp
This class will cover both beginner and advanced techniques used in small mammal taxidermy from start to finish. Students will learn proper skinning and fleshing procedures, how to split, turn and position facial features, including the ears, proper dry preservation, and the traditional methods of building a form using wrapped body, carving the head, and the carcass as reference. Students can pose their squirrel in an anthropomorphic or naturalistic style, and are welcome to bring props if they choose. A small selection of props will be provided, and instruction on how to create your own props, such as top hats, monocles, and squirrel sized clothes, will also be provided, along with materials to make antlers, horns, or tentacles. Each student will leave class with a finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future.
Refunds are not available for these special guest instructors. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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. With a combination of 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. Winner of a Best in Show trophy and Best in Category ribbon at the GSTA taxidermy show and competition, her work and classes have been profiled in numerous publications as varied as National Geographic, The NY Times, The Cut, Vice, BBC Science Radio, 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) and the G.S.T.A. (Garden State Taxidermists Association) You can find out more at http://www.friendsforevertaxidermy.com
Katie Innamorato is a Morbid Anatomy Museum Taxidermist in Residence. She has a BFA in sculpture from SUNY New Paltz, has been featured on the hit TV show “Oddities,” and has had her work featured at La Luz de Jesus gallery in Los Angeles, California. She is self and professionally taught, and has won multiple first place ribbons and awards at the Garden State Taxidermy Association Competition. Her work is focussed on displaying the cyclical connection between life and death and growth and decomposition. Katie is a member of the Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists, and with all M.A.R.T. members she adheres to strict ethical guidelines when acquiring specimens and uses roadkill, scrap, and donated skins to create mounts.
Her website – http://www.afterlifeanatomy.com
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.
**Current discounts do not apply to guest instructor workshops.
“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” – Albert Einstein
“Art is the elimination of the unnecessary.” – Pablo Picasso
OCCAM’S RAZOR: Art, Science and Aesthetics
At Propeller Centre for the Visual Arts
984 Queen st. West. Toronto ON M6J 1H1
April 2 – 20, 2014
At the !dea Gallery at the Ontario Science Centre
770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
May 3 to June 1, 2014
Opening Reception: Thursday April 3, 7-10pm Propeller Centre for Visual arts.
These entwined ideas – which underlie Occam’s Razor – form a thread that links the realms of science and art. Scientists rely on Occam’s Razor, which holds that simpler explanations, all things being equal, are better than more complex ones, to refine their theories and experiments. With reference to Occam’s Razor, the interdisciplinary discourse presented in this exhibition by Propeller Centre for the Visual Arts and the !dea Gallery at the Ontario Science Centre, seeks to narrow the cultural divide between Art and Science.
Participating artists:
Sylvia Adamcik, Rahni Allan, Cecilia Basic, Kelly Bell, Karina Bergmans, Penny Leong Browne, Julia Buntaine, Linda Chen, Morgan Chivers, Nicole Clouston, Stephen Crosby, Kevin Dejewski, Andrew Drown, Gina Duque, Jayanne English and Willy LeMaitre , Andrew Godsalve, David Griffin, Leeann Janiessen, Gillian King, Julia Krolik, Ania Machudera, Harry Mackay, Jason McKay, Zsuzsa Monostory, Laurel Rath, Amy Rea and Chelsea Greenwell, Paul Roorda, Perin Rutonsha, Vjosana Shkurti, Morgan Skinner, Tosca Teran, Diane Tucker, Elaine Whittaker, Ron Wild, Ross Winter
Lecture at Propeller: Sunday April 13, 2:00pm (time TBC)
Title: Cosmos vs Canvas: Using Art to Reveal Science in Astronomy Public Outreach Images
Speaker: Dr. Jayanne English (Associate Professor, University of Manitoba, Dept of Physics and Astronomy)
For more information visit: http://propellerctr.com/upcoming-exhibitions/occams-razor-art-science-and-aesthetics-april-2-20-2014
Occam’s Razor on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1454670058100414/
“Art is the elimination of the unnecessary.” – Pablo Picasso
“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” – Albert Einstein
OCCAM’S RAZOR: Art, Science and Aesthetics
At Propeller Centre for the Visual Arts
984 Queen st. West. Toronto ON M6J 1H1
April 2 – 20, 2014
At the !dea Gallery at the Ontario Science Centre
770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
May 3 to June 1, 2014
Opening Reception: Thursday April 3, 7-10pm Propeller Centre for Visual arts.
These entwined ideas – which underlie Occam’s Razor – form a thread that links the realms of science and art. Scientists rely on Occam’s Razor, which holds that simpler explanations, all things being equal, are better than more complex ones, to refine their theories and experiments. With reference to Occam’s Razor, the interdisciplinary discourse presented in this exhibition by Propeller Centre for the Visual Arts and the !dea Gallery at the Ontario Science Centre, seeks to narrow the cultural divide between Art and Science.
Participating artists:
Sylvia Adamcik, Rahni Allan, Cecilia Basic, Kelly Bell, Karina Bergmans, Penny Leong Browne, Julia Buntaine, Linda Chen, Morgan Chivers, Nicole Clouston, Stephen Crosby, Kevin Dejewski, Andrew Drown, Gina Duque, Jayanne English and Willy LeMaitre , Andrew Godsalve, David Griffin, Leeann Janiessen, Gillian King, Julia Krolik, Ania Machudera, Harry Mackay, Jason McKay, Zsuzsa Monostory, Laurel Rath, Amy Rea and Chelsea Greenwell, Paul Roorda, Perin Rutonsha, Vjosana Shkurti, Morgan Skinner, Tosca Teran, Diane Tucker, Elaine Whittaker, Ron Wild, Ross Winter
Lecture at Propeller: Sunday April 13, 2:00pm (time TBC)
Title: Cosmos vs Canvas: Using Art to Reveal Science in Astronomy Public Outreach Images
Speaker: Dr. Jayanne English (Associate Professor, University of Manitoba, Dept of Physics and Astronomy)
For more information visit: http://propellerctr.com/upcoming-exhibitions/occams-razor-art-science-and-aesthetics-april-2-20-2014
Occam’s Razor on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1454670058100414/