Taxidermy: The Unexpected Artform

By Colin Udall

Of all things students imagine learning in an extracurricular activity, taxidermy is not one of them. Yet, Mrs. Chatwin’s students gathered after school to do just that. Despite the activities perceived “fringe” nature, Mrs. Chatwin and her students would argue that taxidermy encourages both learning and community service. Using both the correct and clean tools, they set out to learn.

A student’s finished taxidermy project 

Shannon Chatwin, Environmental Science teacher, is the host of the activity. Chatwin feels strongly about the activity of taxidermy, referencing it as an “art” more so than an activity.

“It’s a skill, it could even be a career” Chatwin shared alongside an array of online listings for taxidermy animals. 

It is clear from the online presence of this artform that people out there do sell and make money in this field. Listed are hundreds of dollars worth of animals and oddities, each of which had to be crafted by someone with the correct skillset. This aside, Chatwin was also adamant about the educational value that could be pulled from such a project.

Chatwin asserts, “You have anatomy, physiology and zoology. It’s not something [students] often see.” 

Photo taken by Colin Udall of Mrs. Chatwin

Through a process such as taxidermy, students learn about the physical structure of the animal chosen. A hands-on experience of this variety provides more opportunity for discovery and interest. What’s even further noteworthy about the project is the reuse of what would otherwise be trash in the community. What would have been an eyesore on the road is transformed into a work of art that could be worth money to some.