In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of mammals and traditional mammal taxidermy. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in mammal taxidermy. 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.

All photos are student work from this class.

This class is designed for beginners to learn professional level techniques used in small mammal taxidermy. By focusing on the facial features, students will create a shoulder mount that can be affixed to a plaque or hung as is. Students will learn proper skinning and fleshing procedures, how to split, turn and position facial features, including the ears. Students will work with professionally cleaned and tanned skins, and learn the traditional methods of sculpting and carving a bust, to create a shoulder mount form.

Students also have the option to create a jackalope/hybrid creature using real antler pieces, or sculpting their own. Students are also welcome to bring their own props or accessories if desired.

(This class uses domestic rabbits and not wild rabbits, so the jackalope created will not be as large as a wild rabbit. Domestic rabbits are used because they are more forgiving for beginners to handle rather than thin skinned wild rabbits)

Each student will leave class with a finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future. Students will go home with their custom-made creations (a starling taxidermy mount on a reusable temporary base) instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy.

About the instructor-

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 - PLEASE READ

All attendees are asked to be respectful of each others boundaries, including wearing masks if requested. Please note, masks are mandatory at this venue.

For your safety and to accommodate class policy, absolutely NO gum 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. This is a safety hazard in an art studio with flammable compounds like paint, solvents, wood, and to accommodate students comfort. You can 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 instructors advice, and will not hold the instructor or venue liable for harm. 

All students must be over 18 unless otherwise arranged for. Please email the instructor to discuss.

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, forms, and other materials are ordered and prepared. This class is part of a teaching tour, so in addition to materials, your class purchase helps cover my costs for travel and venue, which are not flexible.

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

In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of birds and traditional bird taxidermy. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in bird taxidermy. 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.

All photos are student work from this class.

Students will learn everything they need to create their very own bird taxidermy mount, from proper skinning, degreasing/washing, to sculpting, mounting, and finishing. Students will watch a skinning and fleshing demonstration, and proceed to work with professionally cleaned, fleshed, and tanned skins. This will allow the students to focus on the finer details of creating a finished piece, and practice specific mounting techniques, like carving, fitting, and modifying a form, sewing, assembly, grooming, and feathering. We will discuss how to use reference and study anatomy practically for taxidermy.

Our subject will be the European starling. Brought to Central Park by Shakespeare enthusiasts, they became prolific enough to outdo native birds, causing substantial destruction to wildlife and crops. However, their eye-catching plumage-glossy, spotted, and iridescent, brightens up our city. 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 starlings are legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.

Students will go home with their custom-made creations (a starling taxidermy mount on a reusable temporary base) instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy.

About the instructor-

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 - PLEASE READ

All attendees are asked to be respectful of each others boundaries, including wearing masks if requested. Please note, masks are mandatory at this venue.

For your safety and to accommodate class policy, absolutely NO gum 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. This is a safety hazard in an art studio with flammable compounds like paint, solvents, wood, and to accommodate students comfort. You can 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 instructors advice, and will not hold the instructor or venue liable for harm. 

All students must be over 18 unless otherwise arranged for. Please email the instructor to discuss.

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, forms, and other materials are ordered and prepared. This class is part of a teaching tour, so in addition to materials, your class purchase helps cover my costs for travel and venue, which are not flexible.

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

In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of insects. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in insect preservation. 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.

All photos are student work from this class.

Simple shadow boxes for finished pieces will be provided.

As always, all specimens are legally and sustainably sourced. We will be reviewing the origins of the assorted insects used in this class, how students can safely source their own specimens, and suggested, reputable suppliers. 

Students go home with-

-their own prepared Sunset Moth

-an extra butterfly or moth insect specimen to work on at home

-a spreading board that can be used for future projects

-simple shadowbox for the finished piece

- the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future. 

About the instructor-

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 - PLEASE READ

All attendees are asked to be respectful of each others boundaries, including wearing masks if requested. Please note, masks are mandatory at this venue.

For your safety and to accommodate class policy, absolutely NO gum 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. This is a safety hazard in an art studio with flammable compounds like paint, solvents, wood, and to accommodate students comfort. You can 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 instructors advice, and will not hold the instructor or venue liable for harm. 

All students must be over 18 unless otherwise arranged for. Please email the instructor to discuss.

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, forms, and other materials are ordered and prepared. This class is part of a teaching tour, so in addition to materials, your class purchase helps cover my costs for travel and venue, which are not flexible.

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

Join us for a special evening lecture with the one and only Professor Morte from Silver Scream FX Lab about the history of Spook Shows! A spook show was also known as a midnight ghost show that originated in the United States during the Great Depression. Spook shows were influenced by stage magic traditions and often included: Illusions, Simulated séances, Interaction between the audience and the performers or host. Come see what Professor Morte has up his sleeve for an event you’ll never forget!

Tickets are $15.00 which includes general admission into The Oddities Museum & Lecture

Free to see Santa with General Admission to the museum, kids 6 and under free

Any donations, go to support our non-profit museum

A fun photo op in the weirdest part of Santa’s workshop

Buy Tickets

Join us for a special family friendly matinee lecture with the one and only Professor Morte from Silver Scream FX Lab about the history of Spook Shows! A spook show was also known as a midnight ghost show that originated in the United States during the Great Depression. Spook shows were influenced by stage magic traditions and often included: Illusions, Simulated séances, Interaction between the audience and the performers or host. Come see what Professor Morte has up his sleeve for an event you’ll never forget!

Tickets are $15.00 which includes general admission into The Oddities Museum & Lecture

Join us from 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Come build spooky gingerbread houses, Gingerbread kits and spooky accessories will be available, but we won’t discourage you from bringing your own house decor to win over the judges.

Professor Morte and Santa Chuck will decide the winner at 5:00pm

• Adult prize: one year membership and a free t-shirt. 

• Kid prize: a cyclops or jackalope plushie and a gift bag of goodies.

Buy Tickets

Brought to you by the folks at The Oddities Museum and Odd Paws Rescue and hosted by Professor Morte and The Silver Scream Spook Show

This is going to be chilling down to the bones and a cheerfully frightful spooky X-Mas Event!

Join us Sat Dec 7th  for a full day of fun for all ages. 

GET TICKETS NOW

Event Schedule:

ALL DAY

• A frightful collection of monster themed art from some very talented artists of Atlanta.  Buy a X-Mas gift for that Art lover in your life. Free to shop and mingle.

• Come meet the people who find homes for special cats. ODD PAWS RESCUE. They are bringing cute kitties for adoption, Nothing more to say! 

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Haunted Gingerbread House Building and Contest.

• Show up when you wish. Come early and then see Santa, or go see Santa and then build your house.

• Just be sure to give yourself time to do your best! We provide everything you need.

• Santa and Professor Morte will judge at 5:00pm

• Adult prize: one year membership and a free t-shirt. 

• Kid prize: a cyclops or jackalope plushie and a gift bag of goodies.

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Santa

• Santa will be on his beautiful red throne, ready to meet good girls and boys (Rotten kids can come too)

• Free visit and photo op with the price of admission.   .

2:00 pm & 7:00 pm | History of Spook show: An Interactive Lecture with Professor Morte

In the belly of The Oddities Museum, we present to you an intimate encounter with Atlanta's beloved horror host. The goulish of all souls, Professor Morte will graciously give a rare presentation of Spook Show History.  Do not miss this memorable merry, monster moment! Limited online tickets for two showings

Purchase your tickets! These special event tickets for $15 gets you All-Day Museum access and the Morte Presentation

As the evening falls upon us the adults come out to play. We will extend the museum hours with spirits and music.

6:00 pm- 10:00 pm | Monster Themed Art Show & Party

• Designer Monster toys brought to you by Coffin Creeps. The package alone is beautiful and a true collector items

• Throughout the evening be extremely entertained and amazed while Casey Williams plays with fire in the museum parking lot. He breaths fire! He eats fire! He is a Pyro extraordinary! Let Casey light up your holiday spirit! 

• Take a break and find yourself in the darkest Corner of The Oddities Museum. Jen with Tarot readings. She will help you find guidance, clarity,  and spiritual support.  

• Free drinks & snacks and more surprises

Event Ticket Options:

Standard Museum Entry: $10.00

Spook Show Lecture Tickets, Museum entry included: $15.00

Gingerbread contest (all materials included): $15.00

Throughout the month of November we are hosting an artist market to benefit the communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Proceeds go to Manna Food Bank, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and local WNC artists

We will be collecting any art supplies and un-used pet supplies as well

If you are not local or would like to make a direct donation please let us know at info@theodditiesmuseum.org

Please join us for opening night, we will have free drinks and lots of fun!