Sunday December 6, 2015
They'll definitely hold still for you - so slow sketching is no problem.
Anyone who grew up in NYC and took school trips to the Museum of Natural History has the views of the museum's incredible world class dioramas imprinted on their childhood memories.
We will start our sketching in the Akeley Hall of African Mammals which showcases large mammals of Africa. At the center is a freestanding group of eight elephants, poised as if to charge, surrounded by 28 habitat dioramas.
As in all of the Museum’s habitat dioramas, each scene is a re-creation based on the meticulous observations of scientists in the field in the early 20th century and the on-site sketches and photographs of the artists who accompanied them. They feature animals set in a specific location, cast in the light of a particular time of day.
Found this must-see video about the Akeley's. I have to say, if you love living animals there is something very disturbing about taxidermy. This video get's into some of the details about the history of the original expedition and information about how they taxidermy an elephant. Although Carl is honored on the museum's plaque but what I loved best about this video is how it gets into the very interesting story of his wife Delia.
DETAILS:
Where: The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street. Meet in the Main Lobby at the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda
When: SUNDAY 12/6/15 - at 10 AM
How: Take the C subway to 81st Street. You can enter the museum directly. Two blocks west of the Museum, the 1 train stops at Broadway and West 79th Street.
Lunch: Noon, before the crowds, at the Museum Food Court on the lower level.
Afternoon: 1:15 - Wallace Wing of Mammals and their Extinct Relatives on the 4th floor. (Think Wooly Mammoths, but no dinosaurs.
Show and Tell: 3:15 off to Dive 75 at 101 W 75th St ((212) 362-7518) to share drawings, good stories and a beer or wine if you're so inclined.
NOTES:
1) The Museum is a pay what you wish museum with some very steep suggested prices. Be as generous as your conscience and pocketbook will allow - but don't be shy about paying a more modest amount.
2) There is a coat check.
3) Bring a folding stool or chair if you like.
If you can’t find us
call or text Mark at 973-809-9128
There are no fees or attendance taken. All drawing skill levels are welcome.
