WELCOME TO THE ACADEMY OF ODDITIES
Always wanted to learn about the cool and curious but never knew where to start? In our academy we do it all from butterfly pinning to bone cleaning and mummification to whole body taxidermy. Check out our monthly class offerings.
If you can't find what you are looking for, get in touch. We love to turn strange ideas into workshops!
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Workshops
Learn taxidermy skills and meet some fellow weird-o’s at one of our upcoming group workshops.
Can’t find the topic you are desperate to know more about? E-mail us and we will make it happen.
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Private Classes & Bridal Parties
Celebrate your upcoming wedding, challenge your friends or spice up your team building event with one of our private class options (we also offer one on one classes and mentorship!)
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Events
Looking to add something unique to your upcoming festival, market or convention? Whether you’re looking for a speaker or unique activities for attendees we would be happy to participate!
WORKSHOPS
Taxidermy Workshops
We offer an array of taxidermy workshops. Focusing on small mammals, birds and other oddities.
Suitable for beginners and intermediate taxidermists. You will learn how to skin, preserve, stuff and pose your project that you will take home with you on the same day! All supplies and specimens are provided.
Butterfly and Bug Workshops
Suitable for beginners and intermediate pinners and preservers. You will learn how to rehydrate, pin and pose your project to take home on the same day. All supplies and specimens will be provided.
Our workshops are suitable for children and young adults. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Where it Takes Place
We host our workshops at a few locations throughout the lower mainland.
The location will be detailed on the event page where you purchase your tickets as well as listed below in our up-coming workshops. Please make sure to double check the location upon booking.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
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Kinky Rat Taxidermy - Vancouver
Let your imagination run wild as our expert taxidermist instructors guide you through the art of creating a unique and slightly naughty masterpiece – a kinky mouse scene! All supplies are included, so you can focus on bringing your cheeky creation to life. It's the perfect bonding experience for couples who love to spice things up.
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Butterfly Pinning - Vancouver
During this hands-on class, you'll learn how to properly pin and mount butterflies, ensuring they remain beautiful for years to come. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this class is suitable for all skill levels.
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Rat Taxidermy - Vancouver
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of preserving these adorable critters. Our expert taxidermists will guide you through the process, from preparing the rat to mounting it. No prior experience is required, just bring your curiosity and a love for all things unconventional!
PRIVATE PARTIES & BRIDAL
We are now offering a unique way to celebrate your upcoming nuptials: our Bridal Butterfly Pinning Parties.
Book us for your upcoming bridal party or bachelorette. We bring the butterflies, bubbly and baked goods, and you bring the bridal party. We can host in our studio or come to you. Create art and lasting memories in an unforgettable evening.
Minimum 1 month notice for private parties.
Starting at $500+
Want to take it to the next level and try taxidermy instead? We offer a wide range of options. Contact us to find out more.
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• 4+ guests
• Book the studio or we can come to you-champagne and non-alcoholic options available
• Instagramable finger foods and baked goods will be served
• Butterfly pinning and framing supplies will be provided
Private Classes
No better way to share some quality time with your friends than to get slicing and stuffing. Not feeling social? Looking to develop your skill set? We also offer 1:1 workshops and mentorship.
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We can accommodate up to 6 students in the studio or are happy to travel if you can provide the location.
Minimum of 6 students required for bookings in the lower mainland.
Looking to book us somewhere else? Minimum of 10 students and we would be happy to travel!
Inquire for pricing.
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This is a customizable experience. Email us with what you desire to learn to find out more.
Starting at $400+ for a 4-6 hour session.
TESTIMONIALS
“I was trying to think of something really unique for a friends bachelorette party, and I came across Pretty Dead Taxidermy. It was super easy to book a private rat taxidermy class with Jo. She came to us and brought everything we needed. It was definitely a fun and unique experience. Memories were made!”
— Megan O’Connor
"Jo Lepeska is a kind and patient teacher. When I signed up for her taxidermy classes I had zero experience doing anything like it before but Jonna took me under her wing and showed me the ropes. The lessons she taught me were thorough, informative and most importantly, fun! I looked forward to each of our lessons to learn another new and valuable skill. I highly recommend anyone who is even remotely interested to take her classes. You won't regret it!"
— Karly Zouppas
"Jo is very knowledgeable. As a vegan I was hesitant about the rat taxidermy class but Jo was super patient and it definitely wasn't as gory or as scary as I was expecting! It's fascinating to learn about the anatomy and the techniques of taxidermy."
— Laura Montrose