Rat Skeleton Articulation Workshop with Gotham Taxidermy

In this class, we will learn about the fascinating anatomy of mammals and the oxidation process of skeleton cleaning. This class is designed for beginners with an interest in small mammal preservation and skeletal preparation. No matter the experience level, all are welcome!

Students will learn everything they need to clean and articulate their very own rat skeleton, have the option to create a display on a simple wood base, or in a glass dome for an additional charge ($75). Skeletons will be provided, and students will be able to modify, articulate, and position them to their liking, and mount them onto bases of their choice. Students will also create a naturalistic or fantasy habitat customized to their rat, and go home with a piece of osteological art that is ready to display.

These rat skeletons have been cleaned using the oxidation process, which involves a series of chemical soaks, and manual cleaning, that leaves a delicate layer of ligaments intact. As this process requires a few days, students will be working with skeletons that have already been cleaned, but will be given a demonstration, instruction, and a detailed e-booklet on how to safely and effectively clean skeletons on their own.

Our subject will be the domestic rat. Rats are iconic city dwellers! Though they may be reviled by most people, they play an important role in our ecology. They are very intelligent animals who have also been bred to be loving companions. These rats are domestic rats that have legally and sustainably sourced, no animals are harmed for the sake of taxidermy.

Students will go home with their custom made creations, instructions for maintaining their pieces, and newfound or nourished love of taxidermy and preservation.

To avoid the eventbrite fees you can purchase your ticket at the front desk of the museum. There are no refunds for this event.

Accessiblity note: please be aware that our classroom spaces are not wheelchair access at this time. We are happy to accomodate with an accessible classroom space for insect pinning on a case by case basis. Please email us with accessiblity needs before the class at [email protected]

Additional Note: Families are welcome! Children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult. If you or your child would like to simply watch the class without participating, we’d love to have you. You can easily grab guardian/observer tickets at the front desk or online through our ticket portal.

As a queer woman of color, Divya is passionate about making taxidermy more inclusive! We're working on scholarships for Queer, Trans+, Black, & Indigenous individuals. Want a chance at a free or discounted taxidermy or bone articulation class? Fill out this form —recipients will be chosen at random.

About the Artist

Divya Anantharaman blends science and art to preserve animals with honor and compassion. An award-winning professional, she works with museums, designers, collectors, and gallerists, specializing in birds, small mammals, and anatomical anomalies. Her work combines the scientific precision of taxidermy with the symbolic depth of art, engaging diverse audiences in conservation and the wonder of nature.

Leaving the corporate fashion industry, Divya pursued her passion for natural history as the resident taxidermist at the Morbid Anatomy Museum. She has since built a dedicated following, creating taxidermy, skeletal displays, jewelry, and wearable art. A board member of multiple taxidermy associations, she has won top awards at national and world taxidermy championships. Her work has been featured in the documentary Rearranging Skin, and she co-authored Stuffed Animals: A Modern Guide to Taxidermy. Passionate about education and conservation, she collaborates with organizations like the Audubon Society and teaches workshops in an inclusive, welcoming environment.

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