Curious Kids Workshop

by Mickey Alice Kwapis Taxidermy & Craft

Finally, a class specifically geared towards younger students! This class is for students aged 13 and under. This workshop will help them start their own natural history collection with absolutely no experience necessary — they will learn about entomology (insects), botany (plants), and osteology (bones) as well as exploring a small collection of teaching specimens. These classes are limited to only four students and their adult caretakers. Read more below!

The next Curious Kids workshops are taking place on these dates. Each date is a separate, all-inclusive class.

•Saturday, September 21st from 11 am to 1 pm

•Sunday, October 13th from 11 am to 1 pm

What will students learn?

•Entomology: Students will learn to prepare a deceased butterfly specimen to keep, and will also have an opportunity to spend time with living insects.

•Botany: Students will learn to assemble a flower press and preserve a variety of plant specimens.

•Osteology: Learn how to dissect an owl pellet and identify the types of bones inside. You will receive instructions on how to clean the bones as well as information about other bone-cleaning methods.

•Taxidermy: Students will get to touch and ask questions about real taxidermied and embalmed specimens.

About the class:

All specimens are sustainably sourced. Workshops are taught by award-winning licensed taxidermist Mickey Alice Kwapis.

What do students leave with?

Each student will leave with one finished pinned insect ready for drying, a finished flower press with plants inside, and a jar of small animal bones. Students get to keep all tools and equipment.

What is the cost?

Tuition is $75, which includes instruction, supplies, and specimens to keep as well as aftercare instructions. Students will sit at the instruction table. Adult caretakers will be asked to remain in the living room area if they are interfering with the child’s experience in any way.

What do I need to bring?

Please prepare for the class by wearing closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. If you have ANY animal allergies please prepare by taking allergy medication, as you may be allergic to your specimen. Short fingernails are recommended. Keep in mind that if you choose to have long nails, it is more likely that you will ruin your specimen(s). Bring a bag or box to carry your supplies and finished specimens home in. Please do not bring food or drink unless it is required for a medical condition, which must be consumed outside of the class area due to safety hazards.

Other information:

This class will be taking place at my private home in the Logan Square neighborhood Chicago, accessible by the Fullerton bus. Ample street parking is available free of charge. The week prior to the class date, the address and any other pertinent information will be emailed to the address you provide.

All ages are welcome to participate in these classes. Students under twelve must be accompanied by a calm adult that can assist where needed. Students with special needs are also welcome. Please let me know beforehand if you are signing a minor up for the class and/or if special accommodations are required, and I will do my best to meet them!

Click here for complete details and registration.