Intermediate Workshop - Indian Myna

The Art & Science of Avian Taxidermy:
Intermediate Workshop
Indian Myna

Dates: October: 18, 19, 20
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location:The ALVA studio UWA School of Design

Presented in partnership with the University of Western Australia’s School of Design.
This workshop is part of an exciting new collaboration between Preserving for the Future and UWA, supporting hands-on education in natural history and scientific artistry. A limited number of discounted places are reserved for UWA students—please contact Teori Shannon directly to request a promo code.

Overview

Building on our acclaimed workshops featuring Australian Ravens and Barn Owls, Preserving for the Future is proud to present an exclusive three-day full mount avian taxidermy workshop focused on the Indian Myna—a smaller, more challenging specimen.
This course has been designed to elevate your expertise as you explore the refined demands of working with a compact avian model.
The intricacies of the Indian Myna’s delicate structure require even greater precision in feather work and anatomical reconstruction, making it the perfect progression for those ready to transition from larger species to mastering the finesse needed for smaller specimens.

What You Will Learn

Under the expert guidance of Teori Shannon, a renowned specialist in avian preservation, you will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard techniques:

• Skinning & Defleshing: Learn the meticulous process of removing tendons, brain, tissue, and muscle while maintaining the refined details of the specimen’s skin.

• Skin Preservation: Discover advanced methods to treat and preserve delicate feathers and skin, ensuring lasting natural texture and integrity.

• Binding & Form-Making: Develop the art of crafting an artificial anatomical form, perfectly tailored to the unique dimensions of the Indian Myna.

• Natural Positioning: Enhance your ability to pose specimens in lifelike, dynamic positions that combine anatomical precision with artistic characterization.

Workshop Details

This intensive workshop is designed for both seasoned taxidermists looking to fine-tune their existing skills and curious beginners eager to embrace new challenges. By working with high-quality, ethically sourced materials, you will transform a familiar urban bird into an exceptional display piece. Drawing on the methodologies from our previous sessions with larger avian species, this course emphasizes precision, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving, ensuring participants develop a comprehensive understanding of fine-scale avian taxidermy.

What to Bring

• A pencil/pen and a notepad for detailed sketches and annotations.

• Optionally, participants may bring their own ethically sourced small avian specimen. Please notify us one month in advance if you intend to do so.

Materials & Chemicals

All materials are ethically sourced wherever possible. The workshop will utilize essential chemicals—including borax, acetone, and formalin—to guarantee both exceptional preservation quality and strict adherence to safety standards.

Presenter

Teori Shannon Founder, Preserving for the Future Specialist in Taxidermy and Historical Preservation Techniques

Ticket Transactions

All ticket transactions are processed securely through PayPal Business in accordance with their privacy policies. For further details or to update your communication preferences, please contact Teori Shannon at preservingforthefuture@gmail.com.

Elevate Your Craft

Transform your taxidermy skills by mastering the delicate art of preserving the Indian Myna. Join us on this journey from the commanding scale of ravens and owls to the intricate finesse required for smaller species. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to merge historical techniques with modern artistry, creating display pieces that are both scientifically precise and visually captivating.