MASTERCLASS – BAT SKELETAL ARTICULATION WORKSHOP WITH WILDER DUNCAN

Use ancient methods of specimen preparation that link science with art!

In this class, students will learn how to create an osteological preparation of a bat in the fashion of 19th century zoological displays. Students will leave the class with a visually striking, fully articulated, “lifelike” bat skeleton posed in a 10″ tall glass dome. Materials will be provided, but students are welcome to bring items they wish to include in their composition.

Materials provided:

• Cleaned bat skeleton (Pipistrellus abramus)

• Glass dome
• Branches
• Glue
• Tools
• Dried flowers, moss, small stones, and other natural materials

Students are welcome to bring any other items (small feathers, dead insects, etc.) that they wish to include in their composition!

Wilder Duncan is a Brooklyn based artist whose work puts a modern-day spin on the genre of Vanitas still life. Although formally trained as a realist painter at Wesleyan University, he has had a lifelong passion for natural history. Self-taught rogue taxidermist and professional specimen preparator, Wilder worked for several years at The Evolution Store creating, repairing, and restoring objects of natural historical interest such as taxidermy, fossils, seashells, minerals, insects, tribal sculptures, and articulated skeletons both animal and human.  He also put these skills to use as a volunteer preparator in the Exhibitions department of the American Museum of Natural History. Wilder taught his bat skeleton articulation workshop for three years at the Morbid Anatomy Museum, and still teaches classes in NYC, San Francisco, and Toronto. Wilder continues to perform detailed work for private collectors, giving a new life to old mounts, and new smiles to toothless skulls.