The Living Art of Dead Things: Mammal Taxidermy with Allis Markham - Atlas Obscura Experiences

The Living Art of Dead Things: Mammal Taxidermy with Allis Markham

3 sessions
$75 per device
See Dates
$75 per device
$75 per person
See Dates
What We’ll Do

In this three-part lecture series, join taxidermist Allis Markham for a deep dive into the techniques of mammal mounting.

Course Description

While this class is designed for all beginners, it can serve as an appropriate next step for those who took Allis’ previous course.

Step inside the studio of Allis Markham, an award-winning taxidermist and educator, to learn the art, science, and ethics of preserving animals. In this detailed lecture series, Allis will take students through the process of mounting mammals as taxidermy from start to finish using techniques you can use at home. Allis will use a small-to-medium-sized mammal that has been ethically sourced (found dead) and provided by a museum for taxidermy.

By the end of this course, you’ll not only have a deeper understanding of the taxidermy process, but you’ll also be equipped with printable PDFs detailing each step, links to resources that can help you practice mammal taxidermy at home, and tips for legally and ethically acquiring your own specimens. At the very least, you'll leave this course with a new appreciation for the anatomy of the creatures you encounter in your neighborhood or backyard.

Syllabus at a Glance

There are three total sessions included in this purchase, each lasting for 2 hours on three consecutive Saturdays beginning March 27.

Session 1 (Saturday, 3/27/2021, 3–5 PM ET): Beneath the skin

Session 2 (Saturday, 4/3/2021, 3–5 PM ET): Make the mammal

Session 3 (Saturday, 4/10/2021, 3–5 PM ET): It's alive!

Between Sessions

In between sessions, students can watch videos that will be permanently available at TheDeadStream.com for a more in-depth look at certain aspects of the taxidermy process. No homework is mandatory.

Atlas Obscura Online Courses

Our online courses offer opportunities for participants to emerge with new skills, knowledge, connections, and perspectives through multi-session classes designed and taught by expert instructors. Courses can take one of two forms: Seminars are intimate, interactive classes—capped at nine to 25 students—exploring topics and crafts through discussion, workshops, assignments, and in-class activities. We also offer lecture series that can be attended live, or viewed via a recording that will be shared within 72 hours after each session airs. Class recordings for lecture series will be available with a temporary password for up to two weeks following the final session of the course.

To learn more about our current course offerings, please visit www.atlasobscura.com/online-courses.

For answers to commonly asked questions, check out our FAQ page here.

Where We’ll Be

Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite that will provide access to the class meeting. Please save the confirmation email as you’ll use it to access your course via Zoom on each scheduled date and time.

About Your Instructor
Allis Markham
Allis Markham

Allis Markham is an award-winning taxidermist/nassologist based in Los Angeles, California. She was named Third in the World at the 2017 World Taxidermy Championships and was the 2018 California Champion, receiving Judges’ Choice Best of Show, People's Choice, and the Artisan Award from the United Taxidermist Association.


More recently, Allis has focused on museum work and public education, and taught the only taxidermy course in the country in recent years at Occidental College. She’s worked with institutions such as the Natural History Museum of Santa Barbara, Moore Lab of Zoology, The Huntington Library, The Frost Museum of Science, Colorado State University, and The Getty. Additionally, she’s created commissions for Gucci, The Nomad Hotel, EB Florals, and television shows such as Bates Motel. Allis has also been featured in numerous publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, the cover of LA Weekly, and more. You can also watch the critically acclaimed documentary STUFFED, which followed her for several years, or listen to her episode of Ologies.

What Else You Should Know

This lecture series is designed so students can participate live or watch a recording after each session airs. Sessions will take place live over Zoom, with dedicated Q&A segments for students to ask questions via video or chat. Within 72 hours after each session airs, we will email all enrolled students a recording of the session, which they can watch using a temporary password for up to two weeks after the course concludes.

In most cases, instructors will use Google Classroom to communicate with students outside of class. While students aren’t required to use Google Classroom, instructors will be using this platform to post resources, discussion questions, and assignments, when applicable.

Who Can Come

While this course is open to students of all ages, please be advised that your instructor will be handling biological specimens on-camera.

Dates and Availability

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