“Stuffed” film viewing and Q&A

Explore the captivating world of taxidermy with Prey Taxidermy at the Whatcom Museum in Bellingham! Join us for two extraordinary days of events featuring renowned taxidermist Allis Markham and avian biologist Paloma Strong.

On Friday, May 31, the Whatcom Museum is hosting a viewing of the film , which premiered to acclaim at SXSW in Austin. It features Prey Taxidermy's Allis Markham and documents the often-surprising and always-unique world of taxidermy through the eyes of the newest generation of artists and naturalists. The film allows the audience to dip into and explore a diverse subculture, where sculptors must also be scientists. It is a genre of art formed by a collection of people with a fanaticism for nature, matched only by their desire to protect it. They love animals and see life, whereas others only see death. In an unexpected twist, "Stuffed" reveals the importance of preserving nature, using taxidermy as its unlikely vehicle and the taxidermist as its wild driver.

Allis will join us for the viewing, answer questions, and show us a sampling of taxidermy specimens.

Considered one of the world's leading bird taxidermists, Prey Taxidermy owner and educator Allis Markham got her start apprenticing at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles under Tim Bovard, one of the last remaining dedicated museum taxidermists in the country before opening her studio in 2011. Clients include multiple Natural History Museums around the country, The Smithsonian, The Getty Research Institute, and even brands such as Gucci. With Allis will be an avian biologist and award-winning taxidermist, Paloma Strong, who has studied at Prey Taxidermy under Allis' guidance for nearly a decade.

Today, Allis and Paloma continue to focus on museum preservation while teaching the craft to students in the US and abroad. Classes at the Prey Taxidermy studio sell out quickly and require travel to Los Angeles, but for one weekend, Allis and Paloma will bring their expertise, humor, and stories (so many stories!) to Bellingham.

Then, on Saturday, June 1, seize the opportunity to participate in Taxidermy Lab 101, a demonstration course led by Allis and Paloma. Witness firsthand the meticulous process of museum taxidermy, from skinning and mounting to grooming and posing, all while gaining insights into the preservation of natural history.

Come to both events and make it a weekend getaway in Bellingham! Very special thanks to our partners Hotel Leo and Heliotrope Hotel for offering Prey Taxidermy guests a 25% discount on rooms May 31 – June 2. You won’t find a better deal anywhere online. Please make hotel reservation as soon as possible. Rooms are not being held at this reduced rate (once they’re booked, they’re gone), and the discount is only valid on reservations made before April 30, 2024. On May 1, museum guest pricing returns to standard rates. Simply click on the links above to make a reservation at the reduced rate.

Refunds are eligible for the ticket price (less Eventbrite fees) if requested at least 24 hours in advance in order to give the Whatcom Museum a chance to fill the spot from the waitlist.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

121 Prospect St, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham, United States