The Living Dead: Taxidermy as a tool for Conservation Education

Thurs., October 22nd** – 7:30 PM – SMALL THEATER**

Illustrated Lecture by master taxidermist Allis Markham:

The Living Dead: Taxidermy as a Tool for Conservation Education

Join master taxidermist Allis Markham and learn about the art and science of taxidermy. Discover why this “dead art” is very much alive today as a tool for conservation and public education. Allis will talk in-depth about the specifics of taxidermy, show photos of her process, and bring examples of her work for you to view in-person. You will leave with a new understanding of this secretive art and hopefully a new appreciation for its use in museums across the world.

Bio:

Allis Markham is an award-winning taxidermist / Nassologist trained at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. She was named 'Third in the World' at the 2017 World Taxidermy Championships for her African Jacana. Allis is also the 2018 California Champion receiving Judges Choice Best of Show, People's Choice and the Artisan Award from the United Taxidermist Association. She was a seminar instructor on '3D technology in Taxidermy' at the 2019 World Taxidermy Competition.

More recently, Allis has focused on museum work and public education. She is proud to have been an adjunct professor during the 2019 semester at Occidental College teaching taxidermy on behalf of the Biology Department. It is the only taxidermy college course in the country in recent years. Her clients include 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 has created commissions for Gucci, The Nomad Hotel, EB Floralsand 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 Ologies podcast. You can find Allis hunched over a bird, listening to a true crime podcast at Prey Taxidermy, located in Los Angeles, CA. Take one of her classes for yourself at Preytaxidermy.com. Follow her work on Instagram at @allis.

Ticket Price: $15 advance / $20 at the door

The 418 Project, 155 South River Street, downtown Santa Cruz at the Dragons Gate.