4-Day Intensive Mammals with Allis Markham

Allis will provide each student with a prime condition, pre-prepared skin of their chosen specimen from our available inventory. These specimens are from abatement or depredation, and their deaths are not related to the art.

Students will receive photos of the specimen ahead of time and have a Zoom call with Allis to discuss goals, pose, and base ideas. The sky is the limit! We will work together before class to make sure you have all the materials to complete your design. Prey will provide most base and habitat materials, but students may bring in additional materials.

Curriculum (varies based on your bird/goals):

Day 1: Students will start with a hands-on skinning and tanning lesson so that they know how their skin was prepared. Skinning and tanning instructions and formulas will be provided to take home so that they can process their own skins in the future. 

Test-fitting of skin on form, modification of form for custom posing, size, and anatomy. 

Day 2: Continued for modification and creation of any additional elements such as jawsets, tongues, earliners, special base, and habitat options. This day will also focus on reading reference, anatomy, and habitat creation, such as dyeing dried habitat and waxed botanical creation. 

Day 3: Mounting the skin on the form and working to create realistic expression, proper skin taxi, correct paw sculpting, eye setting, and more. At the end of this day we hope to have our specimens mounted. 

Day 4: Move specimens onto permanent base, include habitat / other materials and refining details.  Hands-on demonstration of finishing work and continued habitat work. Pin the animals and crate for getting them home. 

Prey Taxidermy will provide all supplies, tools & specimens for your classes. Some advanced base options and habitat material will be provided. Students may also consult with Allis on the Zoom call about the best options should they want to provide their own base or other materials. 

Students may purchase in full or leave a 50% deposit on this class. Simply enter the code '50MAMMAL' at checkout. We will contact you to pay your balance on or before January 7th, 2026 via check, Zelle, or credit card.