{IN PERSON} THE MAGIC OF SPIDERS

Spiders have long inspired fear or repulsion, most of which is the result of widespread misinformation and misunderstanding. In truth, spiders are a beautiful and integral part of our ecosystem. They also have a beautiful and complex mythological history. Learning more about their behavior, life cycles, and ecological impact can help us learn about our own place in this world and how to weave their energetic messages into our daily lives.

Join two passionate arachnid enthusiasts (Alessandra Dzuba of Oracle Natural Science, and Jess Ellis of Atropos Curios) for an evening of Spider Magic. This class will include a short lecture and a hands-on tutorial, all supplies will be provided.

We will discuss the biology and ecology of spiders, as well as their spiritual symbolism and what we can learn from them energetically. We will dispel many of the misguided “facts” about spiders and help to foster a more empathetic view of how they affect our lives. Prepare for a brief crash course in both arachnology and spider mythology which will have you relating to these beautiful creatures in an entirely new way.

You will be instructed on how to properly relax and position a beautiful and sustainably sourced tarantula spider. Once your specimen is positioned and ready for drying, you will be sent home with a shadow frame and natural materials to create a lovely display.

Some experience working with insect specimens is helpful, but not required. You will be guided along the process and will go home with new knowledge of how to honor the lives of these animals by preserving them in death.

Supplies Included:

-Sustainably sourced spider specimen
-Small shadow frame
-Pinning board and pins
-Natural materials (moss, etc.)
-Educational materials

Jess is a Denver-based artist who creates small sculptures and jewelry using elements of nature.
Jess creates imaginative miniature worlds honoring elements of nature and science. These sculptures contain magic in the form of preserved insects, bones, stones, moss, and plants. Inspired by the natural curiosity assemblages of the Victorian Naturalists and the Wildlife Halls of modern science museums, Jess hopes to inspire wonder, curiosity, and understanding for our natural world. Each piece she creates is a reminder of the beauty that lies in death and its importance in the cycle of life.
Jess teaches classes that stitch together magic, art, and science with an aim to inspire her students to to approach the world, and their practice, with endless curiosity. She can be found on Instagram at @atropos_curios and at www.atroposcurios.com

Alessandra Dzuba is the artist & taxidermist of Oracle Natural Science. Since 2015, she has been offering pet memorials and insect preservation for clients, winning 2019 Worlds Taxidermy Championships for skeletal articulations. Alessandra grew her fascination of insects and natural sciences as a child, walking down to the Insectarium and Olympic gardens of Montreal, Canada and day-dreaming spirits and monsters as a mad scientist. While she spends her days at Oracle, the rest of her time is split between working as an Artist Assistant at Staab Studios, Pet Memorialist, and as hobbyist arachnologists. Teaching workshops and classes are a dear passion of hers to not only share knowledge but specially to help raise up our community. You can see more of her work at on her website/instagram: oraclekc.com or alessandradzuba.com or tiktok @oraclealessandra