I did a full Charlie’s Beat story on Dave Tuttle about a year ago, but that was focused on his musical contributions to our vibrant little Music City. He’s a multi-instrumentalist, but he gets tapped a lot to play pedal steel guitar with Robert Reynolds, Rusty Bladen and others. But this article will highlight one of his other well-established skills and an event coming to Madison this weekend.
The Association of Indiana Taxidermists is bringing their annual convention to Clifty Falls State Park this week. They will be meeting and showing their creations for judging, and the general public is invited to come out and see the displays for a limited time on Saturday, from noon til 4pm. (There’s a $5 donation if you go.)
“There will be the full spectrum of taxidermy work on display,” explains Dave. “Lots of deer, of course, all kinds of game animals, birds, fish. There might be some big game like a mountain lion or a bear. You never know what people are going to show up with. I’m working on a piece myself for the show, but I’m not allowed to say what. The judging has to be anonymous.”
Dave has been involved in taxidermy for over 40 years. “I was living in Pennsylvania when I was younger, I was an avid hunter, and I was interested in art. I was just 19 years old, doing odd construction jobs, and a friend of mine had a taxidermy studio and offered me an apprenticeship. That was the beginning of a long career in the field.
“I’ve done just about any animal, fish or bird you can imagine over the years. North American stuff, naturally, like Grizzly bears, leopards and all the rest. But also African big game, antelope, zebra, lions … I did a Cape Buffalo one time. I had my own full service shop at one point, and we did it all.
“I used to compete a lot when I was really involved back then. I won Best Kentucky Taxidermist for 3 years when I was living there. I’ve been a judge at numerous competitions. It was a big part of my life for many years. Now that I’m living in Madison I’m a lot more involved in music, but I still keep my hand in. And I’m very pleased the Indiana association is having their annual meeting here. In fact, there’s another one coming in July, the International Guild of Taxidermy.
“I encourage everyone to come out Saturday afternoon, from noon til 4pm and check it out. You’ll see some amazing stuff. And not just the animals. There is a lot of attention given to the habitat display that often surrounds the animal. There’s actually a separate award just for habitat design. These folks are true artists and craftspeople. It takes a lot of skill and creativity to make these displays.
“There will be a special Mayor’s Award, and also a People’s Choice Award, so you can come out, view the entries, and cast your vote for your favorite. There should be over 100 displays in all, so it will be a very interesting and diverse show. We hope to see you out there.”
HOT TIP OF THE WEEK
As Madison locals are well aware, there was a huge fire at the historic church right next to the Broadway Fountain. As of this writing, we’re not sure how this will affect events that take place at that location, specifically Live Lunch on Friday and the Farmers Market on Saturday. Both will go on, for sure, but you’ll have to keep an eye out for possible alternate venues. As for the music in town this weekend, well, WHEW!, we’ve got plenty. Seems like as the weather warms up, so does the live music scene. I’m seeing 18 calendar entries just on Friday and Saturday, with lots more on the weeknights. If you’ve been thinking about a weekend getaway in Madison, it’s gonna be warm and nice and full of music, so this might be the perfect time. Make your plans now.
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