For practically two centuries, some extent of Chicago’s civic delight has been its connection to the pure world. Considered one of our mottos, “Urbs in Horto,” extols ours as a metropolis in a backyard.
But not everybody within the metropolis feels a spark or kinship with nature. Nina Salem, who grew up within the woods of Maine and Massachusetts, hopes to vary that. “In case you don’t join with one thing or don’t know a lot about it, then how are you imagined to care about it?” she requested.
In 2022, Salem opened a working museum and taxidermy studio in Logan Sq. referred to as The Insect Asylum (2870 N. Milwaukee Ave.). It incorporates greater than 5,000 bugs and different specimens on show — plus some stay creatures and close to every day lessons on subjects akin to beetle-pinning and preserving moth wings in resin.
She acknowledges the distinctive nature of her enterprise. “I completely perceive why some individuals may really feel uncertain about it at first,” Salem mentioned. “However for me, it’s all about establishing connection and fostering a deep appreciation for the pure world.”
Working with preserved specimens, be it taxidermy or entomology, she mentioned, offers individuals an opportunity to have interaction with nature in a hands-on method that they could by no means expertise in any other case. “There’s one thing actually particular about studying tips on how to breathe new life into these unimaginable creatures.”
Salem’s empathy for all types of life has outlined her since she was small. Round age 3, she began tying flies for fly fishing together with her uncle. If she noticed animal stays within the wild, she discovered herself eager to honor the animal, which finally led her to show herself taxidermy.
“My mother mentioned, ‘Do no matter you need. Simply don’t harm your self,’ ” she recalled.
This calling doesn’t include a simple profession path, however Salem has discovered her life resulting in it nonetheless. “I used to be an government pastry chef for years,” she mentioned. “So, once I was adorning truffles and stuff, a number of these abilities come into play [with taxidermy].”
At the moment, you’re simply as more likely to discover Salem having fun with the corporate of the museum’s two resident possums, Opal and Hazel, or bringing a timeworn prize catch again to life. She relishes that selection, in addition to the craftsmanship of her ardour. “Each single factor we restore is a brand-new puzzle,” she mentioned. “There’s sculpting, there’s portray, there’s stitching, there’s all types of stuff.”
The Insect Asylum is stuffed with outsider and vernacular artwork. It’s additionally a spot for guests to study with their fingers. You don’t need to be a goth or a naturalist; the bar to entry isn’t excessive both — Salem is proud to welcome learners. (Discover extra choices for entry-level hobbying in WBEZ’s full newbie’s information to crafting in Chicago.)
“One of many best issues for individuals to do is a butterfly-pinning or a beetle-pinning class,” she mentioned. “It’s a extremely nice introduction [to taxidermy] that doesn’t require an enormous monetary funding.” These lessons run frequently on the third Saturday of every month.
Different choices embrace an owl pellet dissection class — extracting delicate bones from compact balls, which you will keep in mind from center college science — and moist specimen lessons, which might put together you for mounting fish. Newcomers may find out about encapsulation, the apply of preserving objects below resin, which will be changed into jewellery and different adornments. Costs vary from $15 to $75.
As for the place The Insect Asylum acquires its provides, relaxation assured: Each animal is ethically sourced, which means it died of pure causes, often on a farm; the studio additionally won’t work with trophy-hunted animals. Sustainably sourcing supplies decreases demand for poaching, thus aiding conservation efforts, which is one purpose why The Insect Asylum companions with Chicago-based moral provider The Butterfly Firm.
Lessons at The Insect Asylum are likely to promote out rapidly, so Salem advises registering earlier somewhat than later. Nevertheless, if a category is bought out and also you don’t see one other on the books, non-public lessons are additionally obtainable.
Since taxidermy will be an costly passion, the studio gives instruments for learners. Lecturers may also assist college students accommodate any disabilities, akin to hand tremors or sensory overwhelm. Salem herself has epilepsy and self-describes as neurodivergent. Earlier than all else, although, she is raring to assist everybody see the wonder and curiosity on this artwork — and the character that produces it proper in Chicago’s backyards.
“I like to show those that they’ll use issues inside their environment to carry out the artwork, and it doesn’t need to price them some huge cash,” she mentioned. “With taxidermy, a number of takeaway from my college students is, ‘Wow, I perceive why that is so costly now.’ It makes individuals acknowledge simply how a lot care, love and dedication actually goes into that artwork.”
One to be careful for: On Friday, The Insect Asylum is internet hosting its first violin beetle pinning class ($65). “The violin beetle is such a cool species! Its lengthy, flat physique and loopy form make it a grasp of camouflage — it blends proper into bark and leaf litter,” Salem mentioned. “We’ve by no means supplied a category on them earlier than, largely as a result of they could be a little difficult to pin. Their legs are tremendous delicate, and their physique form makes for a extremely elegant remaining show. Positively a enjoyable problem!”
If utilizing natural and located supplies for artwork sounds cool, you must also try:
To seek out extra concepts for hands-on crafts programs in Chicago, click on right here for our newbie’s information to studying a brand new craft in 2025.
Esther Bergdahl is a digital producer at WBEZ.
