Surry Community College Launches Taxidermy and Upholstery Courses

Surry Community College is introducing taxidermy and upholstery courses this fall at The Elkin Center, located at 1461 North Bridge St. in Elkin. These courses aim to provide practical skills and knowledge for individuals interested in preserving wildlife and refurbishing furniture.

The taxidermy course will cover foundational techniques essential for preserving and displaying wildlife. Students will engage in hands-on instruction that includes anatomy, skinning, form preparation, and finishing touches. Throughout the course, participants will focus on practical skills, attention to detail, and ethical sourcing, with safety and legal considerations integrated into the curriculum.

Classes will run from August 20 to October 22, 2023, with sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays from 18:00 to 22:00. Additionally, a weekend class will be available every other Saturday from September 6 to December 20, 2023, from 08:00 to 15:00. Two taxidermy classes will specifically concentrate on small game and fish. The tuition for these classes is set at $198 each. There will also be a specialized taxidermy class focusing on turkey mounts, taking place only on Saturdays from August 9 to August 23, with a tuition of $86.

Looking ahead, spring taxidermy classes will focus on deer heads and waterfowl, allowing students to expand their skills further.

Upholstery Course Offers Practical Furniture Skills

In addition to taxidermy, the upholstery course provides participants with the knowledge to transform old or worn furniture into refreshed, functional pieces. This hands-on course guides students through the process of stripping, re-padding, and re-covering a basic chair or small project while utilizing professional tools and techniques.

Participants will learn key skills such as fabric selection, webbing, spring tying, sewing, and finishing details. The upholstery classes will be held on Mondays and Tuesdays from August 20 to December 3, 2023, from 12:00 to 16:00, and on Wednesdays from August 25 to December 2, 2023, from 17:30 to 22:30. Tuition for the upholstery course is $208.

For more details about either course or to register, individuals can contact Jill Harding, Director of Occupational Programs, at 336-386-3331 or via email at [email protected]. Additional information is also available on the college’s website at workforce.surry.edu.