Academy of Realistic Taxidermy, Montana

[Trina]

Hey everyone!
Just thought I'd let everybody know that I just finished the 8 week fall course at Academy of Realistic Taxidermy in Havre, Montana. It was a learning experience I will never forget... I'd done a ton of homework on taxidermy courses and schools, and decided that if I was going to do it, I was gonna do it right, and so I went to A.R.T. for their full 8 week course, as opposed to a shorter length course somewhere else.
The owners, Steve and Kim Faechner made the entire course enjoyable, a perfect example of home away from home. I didn't want to leave. Seriously.
My classmates were awesome! I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to live with for 2 months . And to think, I was worried. Haha. We all got along great, and had an absolute blast through the entire class! An awesome group of people I will never forget!
The instructors were incredible, cramming our heads with as many different techniques and tricks imaginable. I'm still coming down from it all. We were taught by Steve Faechner, Joe Kaiser, Clay Wagner, and Danny Owens. Four super talented people in the taxidermy business. I'm still remembering little tid-bits of information I didn't write down. And now I'm  back here in California, ordering a ton of equipment, and getting my business started.
By the way, the fishing in Montana is great! (Thanks Steve & Joe!)

So...In closing, if anyone is looking to go to a taxidermy school where you learn more then you ever thought possible, I highly recommend A.R.T. I promise you, it will be an experience you'll be glad you participated in!

[cathunt]

I'd done a ton of homework on taxidermy courses and schools

What did you find in your homework that put them on top of your list??

[Skywalker]

Good to hear your positive comments,Trina.Now the trick is to start as many projects as possible so you don`t forget things!It`s also good to hear things are going well for Steve and Kim.Congrats

[Trina]

I liked the variety of instructors, the length of the course, the location the school, and of course the subjects being covered. 

[Rich H.]

Steve Does runs a top notch school. I'm glad you enjoyed it trina

[cathunt]

Sorry, what set them apart from other schools ? And did the whole class mount the same animals or did you get to pick what you mounted?

[Trina]

To answer your questions, cathunt:
A variety of things.  The instructors (!), subjects covered, location of the school, my talk with Steve, and the fact that student housing was provided.  I read, prior to making my decision, that the whole class would be mounting the same animals, and I was leaning towards that. I didn't want to get done mounting a lifesize muskrat and have someone else still thinning a bear, I felt that I would have learned more if the whole class attempted the same mounts, so that everyone moved at the same pace. Now that I'm back, I feel comfortable enough to mount whatever I want.

[Kenny]

Trina, I am seriously considering A.R.T. but am still undecided of which I will attend.  Could you tell me which other schools you considered and why you might have not chosen them.  Thanks, Kenny @ ElkRidgeTaxidermy@cox.net

[Trina]

It also helps that there were no hidden costs, and the specimens were included in the tuition. Not to mention the shop was open 24-7, and an instructor was always available. Nice for those who wanted to spend extra time on mounts, and for those who wanted to ask one on one questions with the course instructor.

[cathunt]

 I hope you do great.  and good luck

[Trina]

Thanx!

[wb]

do they have a web site?

[Trina]

Academy of Realistic Taxidermy
http://www.taxidermyart.net/

[Deerman]

That's great Trina

[john zarate]

I too am a graduate of A.R.T. and back up every thing that trina says. it is a great school with awsome master taxidermist showing you all the aspects of the craft as well as the bussiness. Steve runs a incredible school and haveing the housing right there and the classrooms open 24/7 was great , I worked on pices at 2 a.m. because i just wanted to. You will spend a little more mony there but to have the finest master taxidermists (most are national champions ) it is worth it , not to mention the contacts you make with them. I'm in contact with all of them and they are more than willing to help me with any quetions that i might have. I looked around at other schools but felt this ofered me with every thing I was looking for plus there were no hidden fees. I graduated in the summer of '04 and when i got home i hit the ground running and haven't looked back.    A.R.T is a fine school  and would do it all over again if i had to. Well worth the 1300 mile car trip getting there.
                                                                   full rut taxidermy
                                                                      John Zarate