Read the full New York Times art review by Ken Johnson here.
We have many wonderful upcoming events at the Morbid Anatomy Museum!
If you haven't yet seen our current exhibition, please take a moment to read the recent New York Times review of Opus Hypnagogia: Sacred Spaces of the Visionary and Vernacular. Curated by Stephen Romano, Opus Hypnagogia showcases contemporary and historical artworks that explore sleep paralysis, somnambulance, lucid dreaming, hallucinations and various other mental phenomenon occuring in the transitory space between wakefulness and sleep. The exhibit is on view at Morbid Anatomy from 12 to 6 pm daily (except Tuesdays) through October 18th, 2015. We'd also like to congratulate Stephen Romano on the opening of his new Bushwick gallery and its inagural exhibit, Lexicon Infernali.
We're thrilled to announce the new limited edition Morbid Anatomy Benefit Print Portfolio curated by artistic advisor Mark Dion. Each portfolio is an edition of 20, bound in a laser-etched folder, and contains eight signed and numbered art prints celebrating the Morbid Anatomy Museum’s mission to explore the intersections of death, beauty, and that which falls between the cracks. Proceeds support the museum's exhibitions and public and education programs. Learn more by clicking the link here.
We have a fantastic array of new events coming up including a screening of Sundance favorite Finders Keepers: The Mysterious History of John Wood's Amputated Leg which follows a man who finds himself at the center of a media frenzy upon learning his amputated leg is discovered in a grill sold at a North Carolina auction, with a Q and A with directors Bryan Carberry and J. Clay Tweel (Monday, September 21st). Dilettanti Society Happy Hour Show and Tel lwelcomes Cranioklepty author and Morbid Anatomy Anthology co-editor Colin Dickey sharing his collection of early 20th century pornography, birth control manuals, and other anachronistic smut (Thursday September 24th). Alchemist Brian Cotnoir lays out the Medieval theories for creating a homunculus, a miniature form of artificial human life with purportedly talismanic powers (Tuesday, October 6th). Join us for a special Halloween-themed Dilettanti Society Happy Hour Show and Tell featuring author Marc Hartzman with stereoscopic spirit images and complementary cocktails by Art in the Age (Thursday October 8th). Next, mortician and author Caitlin Doughty offers thoughts on how we became a culture so far removed from death and suggests ways we might move toward death acceptance with copies of Smoke Gets In Your Eyes available for purchase and signing (Friday, October 9th).
Spend an evening with members of the Horror Writers Association for bloodcurdling tales, chilling excerpts, horror trivia giveaways, book signings and author and A (Tuesday, October 20th). Learn about the Dilettanti, a group of 18th scholars, autodidacts, and collectors—and the inspiration behind our bi-monthly happy hours with collectors of interesting objects—with artist and editor Sara Clugage (Tuesday, October 27th).Find out what the idea that putrefaction led to resurrection meant for early modern England with bestselling author Deborah Harkness (Wednesday, October 28th). We investigate the curious history of ectoplasm from its early appearances in Victorian era seance rooms to the contemporary photographers that still chase it today with Morbid Anatomy programmer in residence Shannon Taggart (Thursday, October 29th). Author Justin Martin highlights America's original Bohemians including a young Walt Whitman, trailblazing stand-up comic Artemus Ward, psychedelic drug pioneer Fitz-Hugh Ludlow, and the brilliant and brazen Adah Menken, who became world famous for her "Naked Lady" routine (Thursday, November 5th). And award-winning author and sword swallower Ilise Carter examines how, where and why the commercial showing of women's bodies becomes a vessel for every era's fears, fascinations and fetishes (Tuesday November 10th, 8 pm).
Spend an evening with members of the Horror Writers Association for bloodcurdling tales, chilling excerpts, horror trivia giveaways, book signings and author and A (Tuesday, October 20th). Learn about the Dilettanti, a group of 18th scholars, autodidacts, and collectors—and the inspiration behind our bi-monthly happy hours with collectors of interesting objects—with artist and editor Sara Clugage (Tuesday, October 27th).Find out what the idea that putrefaction led to resurrection meant for early modern England with bestselling author Deborah Harkness (Wednesday, October 28th). We investigate the curious history of ectoplasm from its early appearances in Victorian era seance rooms to the contemporary photographers that still chase it today with Morbid Anatomy programmer in residence Shannon Taggart (Thursday, October 29th). Author Justin Martin highlights America's original Bohemians including a young Walt Whitman, trailblazing stand-up comic Artemus Ward, psychedelic drug pioneer Fitz-Hugh Ludlow, and the brilliant and brazen Adah Menken, who became world famous for her "Naked Lady" routine (Thursday, November 5th). And award-winning author and sword swallower Ilise Carter examines how, where and why the commercial showing of women's bodies becomes a vessel for every era's fears, fascinations and fetishes (Tuesday November 10th, 8 pm).
We hope to see you this week for a look at how medicine and mediumship can sometimes intersect with Dr. Ian Rubenstein (Tuesday, September 8th, 8 pm); a special Victrola listening party and talk on death and disaster with WFMU's Antique Phonograph host Michael "MAC" Cumella (Wednesday, September 9th, 8 pm);Karen Bachmann's Dilettanti Society Happy Hour Show and Tell with stunning Victorian era hair art pieces from her personal collection (Thursday September 10th, 6 pm to 8 pm); and author Doug Skinner on anomalous phenomena reacher Charles Fort and the Fortean movements he inspired (Thursday, September 10th, 8 pm).
To avoid sold out events please consider becoming a Morbid Anatomy Museum Member! Besides early entry and advance notice of events, members also enjoy discounted admissions and unlimited free museum entry, and help us keep a roof over our heads! Find out more here.
There is also still time to enter our special fundraising raffle, where you have a chance to win a trip for two with hotel and airfare included from your home city to the Morbid Anatomy Museum this October for Day of the Dead! Must enter by September 20th, and winner will be announced on September 21st. Details can be found here.
Lastly, we're thrilled to announce our new Morbid Anatomy Anthology Deluxe Handmade Slipcased Limited Edition shipping mid to late November, just in time for Christmas! This special collector's edition includes a handmade letterpress booklet containing a toast written and signed by artistic advisor Mark Dion; a DVD of filmmaker in residence Ronni Thomas' film "Walter Potter: The Man who Married Kittens" along with other Morbid Anatomy Presents shorts; a signed and numbered archival 5 X 7 photo print of the Palermo Catacombs by creative director Joanna Ebenstein, AND a one year membership to the Morbid Anatomy Museum. All for $150. Learn more and order your copy here.
List of events follows. Hope to see you at one or more!
IMMEDIATELY UPCOMING EVENTS
• Medicine, Mediumship and; Messages: An Illustrated Presentation with Dr. Ian RubensteinTuesday, September 8th, 8 pm, $5. Tickets and more info here.• Death and Disaster on the (Gramophone) Record: An Illustrated Lecture by Michael "MAC" CumellaWednesday, September 9th, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.• The Dilettanti Society Happy Hour - Cocktails and Show and Tell in the Morbid Anatomy LibraryThursday September 10th, 6 pm to 8 pm $20 ( $12 for Members ) LIMITED TO 20 PEOPLE. Tickets and more info here.• Charles Fort and the Forteans that Followed: An Illustrated Lecture with Doug SkinnerThursday, September 10th, 8 pm, $8, Tickets (and more info) here.
NEWLY ANNOUNCED EVENTS
• Finders Keepers: The Mysterious History of John Wood's Amputated Leg, screening and add with Bryan Carberry and J. Clay TweelMonday, September 21st, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.• The Dilettanti Society Happy Hour - Cocktails and Show and Tell in the Morbid Anatomy Library: "Anachronistic Smut" with Colin DickeyThursday September 24th, 6 to 8 pm, $20 ($12 for members) Limited to 20 people. Tickets and more info here.• The Homunculus the Alchemy of Blood and Artificial Life (or the Making, Care, and Education of a Homunculus)Tuesday, October 6th, 8 pm, $10. Tickets and more info here.• Morbid Anatomy and Art in the Age present The Dilettanti Society Happy Hour Cocktails and Show and Tell in the Morbid Anatomy Library with Marc HartzmanThursday October 8th, 6 to 8 pm, $20 ($12 for members) Limited to 20 people. Tickets and more info here.• Smoke Gets in Your Eyes An Illustrated Lecture and Book Signing with Caitlin DoughtyFriday, October 9th, 8 pm, $5. Tickets and more info here.• Thrills and Chills, An Evening of reading with the Horror Writers AssociationTuesday, October 20th, 7 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.• Dilettantes: A Somewhat Professional History, An Illustrated Lecture with Sara ClugageTuesday, October 27th, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.• Living with the Dead in Early Modern England, an Illustrated Lecture with Deborah HarknessWednesday, October 28th, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.• A History of Ectoplasm: An Illustrated Presentation by Shannon TaggartThursday, October 29th, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.• Rebel Souls: Walt Whitman and America's First Bohemians, an Illustrated • Lecture with Justin MartinThursday, November 5th, 8 pm, $5. Tickets and more info here.• Female Freaks: Sex, Science and Sideshow, An Illustrated Lecture with Ilise CarterTuesday November 10th, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.
ALL UPCOMING EVENTS
• Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy Class, One or Two Headed with Divya AnantharamanSaturday, September 12th, 10 pm - 6 pm, $120. SOLD OUT• English Sparrow Taxidermy Class with Divya AnantharamanSunday, September 13th, 12 pm - 7 pm, $195. Tickets and more info here.• Anatomical Self Portrait Class With Karen Bachmann for Ages 8-12Monday, September 14th, 4 pm to 6 pm, $50. Tickets and more into here.• Cults and Secret Societies: A to Z, An Illustrated Lecture with Julie TibbottWednesday, September 16th, 8 pm, $8 or $13 for a two lecture pass. Tickets and more info here.• "It is Here the Romance of My Life Began": The Construction of Frontier Masculinity in Late-Nineteenth- and Early-Twentieth-Century America, An Illustrated Lecture with Michael McMenaminThursday, September 17th, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.• Skinning and Tanning Workshop with Katie InnamoratoThursday, September 17th, 1 pm to 4 pm, $100. Tickets and more info here.• Starling Taxidermy Class with Katie InnamoratoSaturday, September 19th, 12 to 7 pm, $275. Tickets and more info here.• Fancy Chicken Taxidermy Class with Divya Anantharaman and Katie InnamoratoSunday, September 20th, 12 pm to 7:30 pm, $400. Tickets and more info here.• Finders Keepers: The Mysterious History of John Wood's Amputated Leg, screening and Q&A with Bryan Carberry and J. Clay TweelMonday, September 21st, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.
• Morbidity of Mathematics #2: Mathematical Murder, An illustrated lecture with Michael CarlisleTuesday, September 22nd, 8 pm, $8, Tickets (and more info) here.• Secret New York Exposed, An Illustrated Lecture with Julie TibbottSeptember, 23rd, 8 pm, $8 or $13 for a two lecture pass. Tickets and more info here.
• The Dilettanti Society Happy Hour - Cocktails and Show and Tell in the Morbid Anatomy Library: "Anachronistic Smut" with Colin DickeyThursday September 24th, 6 to 8 pm, $20 ($12 for members) Limited to 20 people. Tickets and more info here.• Mesmerism and Hypnosis: An Illustrated Lecture with Andrew ScullFriday, September 25th, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.• Terrifying Beauty: Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz, Author of "Dr Mütter's Marvels" in Conversation with Actress and Writer Amber TamblynMonday, September 28th, 8 pm, $5. Tickets and more info here.• The Luxor Mummy: The Fantasy and Reality of Egyptian Mummy Magic, an Illustrated Lecture with Ava Forte VitaliTuesday, September 29th, 8 pm, $8, Tickets (and more info) here.• Down the Hatch: The History and Anatomy of Sword Swallowing: An Illustrated Lecture with Ilise S. Carter aka The Lady AyeWednesday, September 30th, 8 pm, $8, Tickets (and more info) here• You Can't Kill Me, I'm Already Dead: Notes from a Gothic Life: An Illustrated Lecture with Evan Michelson.Friday, October 2nd, 8pm, $15 ( Oct. 2nd. Lecture + Oct 3rd Party Pass is $25 for Morbid Anatomy Members ) Tickets and more info here.• Anthropomorphic Rabbit Taxidermy Class with Divya AnantharamanSaturday, October 3rd (DAY), 10 am - 7 pm, $300. Tickets and more info here.• Propaganda Magazine Party with Fred Berger.Saturday, October 3rd (EVE), 8 pm, $25 ( Oct. 2nd. Lecture + Oct 3rd Party Pass is $25 for Morbid Anatomy Members ) Tickets and more info here.• Archaeopteryx, Microraptors and Hopeful Monsters - Rogue Taxidermy Bird Dinosaur class with Divya AnnantharamanSunday, October 4th, 12 pm - 6:30 pm, $180. Tickets and more info here.• Fantasia of Color in Early Cinema: Book Reception Party and Illustrated Lecture by co-author/designer Jonathon RosenMonday, October 5th, 8 pm, $5. Tickets and more info here.• The Homunculus the Alchemy of Blood and Artificial Life (or the Making, Care, and Education of a Homunculus)Tuesday, October 6th, 8 pm, $10. Tickets and more info here.
• Morbid Anatomy and Art in the Age present The Dilettanti Society Happy Hour Cocktails and Show and Tell in the Morbid Anatomy Library with Marc HartzmanThursday October 8th, 6 to 8 pm, $20 ($12 for members) Limited to 20 people. Tickets and more info here.• Hannibal Lecter, Book Collector, An Illustrated Lecture with Elisabeth Brander, Rare Book Librarian at Washington UniversityThursday, October 8th, 8 pm, Tickets (and more info) here.• Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: An Illustrated Lecture and Book Signing with Caitlin DoughtyFriday, October 9th, 8 pm, $5. Tickets and more info here.
• H.P. Lovecraft Brooklyn Guided Tour with Jane RoseSaturday, October 10th, 3:30 pm, $20. Tickets and more info here.***Offsite: Meet at Parkside and Ocean Avenue, right outside the Prospect Park Entrance.• The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari on 16mm with Live Music by M.V. CarbonWednesday, October 14th, 8 pm, $12. Tickets and more into here.• Resurrecting Kinsey: Gender and Sexual Fluidity in the age of Tinder, an Illustrated Lecture with with Marcus C. Tye, Ph.DThursday, October 15th, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.• The Witch of Lime Street: Séance, Seduction, and Houdini in the Spirit World, an Illustrated lecture with David Jaher.Friday, October 16th, 8 pm, $5, Tickets (and more info) here.• H.P Lovecraft Brooklyn Guided Tour with Jane RoseSaturday, October 17th, 3:30 pm, $20. Tickets and more info here.***Offsite: Meet at Parkside and Ocean Avenue, right outside the Prospect Park Entrance.• Jackalope Head Mount Taxidermy Class with Katie InnamoratoSunday, October 18th, 12 pm to 6 pm, $250 Tickets and more info here.• Thrills and Chills, An Evening of reading with the Horror Writers AssociationTuesday, October 20th, 7 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.• "Witchcraft Through the Ages" (Häxan) - Polka music! Butter Churns!! 16mm silent film screening with Victrola!!!Monday, October 26th, 8 pm, $12, SOLD OUT (and more info) here.
• Dilettantes: A Somewhat Professional History, An Illustrated Lecture with Sara ClugageTuesday, October 27th, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.
• Living with the Dead in Early Modern England, an Illustrated Lecture with Deborah HarknessWednesday, October 28th, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.
• A History of Ectoplasm: An Illustrated Presentation by Shannon TaggartThursday, October 29th, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.
• Morbid Anatomy Children’s Halloween PartySaturday, October 31st, 12 pm to 4 pm, FREE. More info here.• Rebel Souls: Walt Whitman and America's First Bohemians, an Illustrated Lecture with Justin MartinThursday, November 5th, 8 pm, $5. Tickets and more info here.
• Victorian Hair Art Workshop with Master Jeweler Karen BachmannSaturday, November 14th, 11 am to 6 pm (with one hour lunch break), $150. Tickets and more info here.• "Spirit of the Magpie: Hidden Keys to the Scavenger's Scrapbook" An Audiovisual Trance Journey with Stopmotion Animation and Improvised SoundWednesday, November 18th, 8 pm, $12, Tickets (and more info) here• Dial P for Pagan: Madeline Schwartzman's Campus of Curiosities Shown on 16mm Film!
Wednesday, December 2nd, 8 pm, $10. Tickets and more info here.• "Mummy Cat," a Picture Book Presentation and Signing with Illustrator Lisa BrownSaturday, December 5th, 3 pm, Free, More here• Squirrel Taxidermy Class with Divya AnantharamanSaturday, December 5th, 12 pm - 7:30 pm, $285. Tickets and more info here.• Fancy Pigeon Taxidermy Class with Divya AnantharamanSunday, December 6th, 12 pm - 7 pm, $285. Tickets and more info here.• Victorian Hair Art Workshop with Master Jeweler Karen BachmannSunday, December 20th, 11 am to 6 pm (with one hour lunch break), $150. Tickets and more info here.• Ermine Taxidermy Class with Divya AnantharamanSaturday, January 9th, 12 pm - 7:30 pm, $200. Tickets and more info here.• Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy Class, One or Two Headed with Divya AnantharamanSunday, January 10th, 12 pm - 6 pm, $120. Tickets and more info here.• The Executioner, Unhooded: An Illustrated Lecture with Alison KinneySaturday, January 30th, 8 pm, $8. Tickets and more info here.• Fancy Rat Taxidermy Class with Divya AnantharamanSaturday, February 27th, 12 pm - 6 pm, $200. Tickets and more info here
• European Starling Taxidermy Class with Divya AnantharamanSunday, February 28th, 12 pm - 7 pm, $275. Tickets and more info here.