Star Tribune

October 22, 2004

Item World

OH, STUFF IT

A squirrel noshing on a human finger. Two skinned, headless cats boxing. A snarling raccoon head perched in a cereal bowl -- no, it's not the private stash of a serial killer in training; it's an art show, staged by the Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists at Creative Electric Studios in northeast Minneapolis Saturdays through Nov. 15. "It's not about shocking or offending," said Robert Marbury, the "vegan" of the bunch since he uses fake toy animals in his work. "Because it's about life and death, any kind of taxidermy is both interesting and uncomfortable." Most of the niche group's, ahem, art supplies are donations or road kill, Marbury said. For the curious carnivore, MART is hosting an "Emeril-style" abbreviated master class in squirrel stuffing (BAM!), followed by a meal of -- what else? -- squirrel chili, on Nov. 6. (K.T.)

Kristin Tillotson