Learn the art of entomology

UNCOVER the world of butterfly and moth preservation with Jason Penfold at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

The beginner-friendly entomology workshop is designed to teach participants how to preserve specimens to a museum standard.

“A part of my passion is sharing the natural world with others, so I get to do that via the workshops,” said Mr Penfold. “It’s important to have people really engaged and it’s a dynamic workshop.

“It’s a fine balance between education and creativity.”

Mr Penfold is an entomologist with a background in fine art and has worked with museums across Australia and the United States of America.

He was inspired to pursue entomology after finding a framed butterfly in an antique shop.

“My deep love has always been fine art,” he said.

“I stumbled on an old vintage frame of butterflies, and I guess that’s where it all started. I fell in love with the fragility of it.”

Attendees will take home four specimens with a shadow box and basic entomology tools to continue practicing at home.

Participants can choose from a collection of A1 butterflies and moths before learning how to rehydrate, pin, pose and display them

“It will be a start to finish process of how to work with specimens,” said Mr Penfold. “I always say during the workshop, if you’re happy, I’m happy.

“I think when people to get to make their own choices within an artwork or a creative space, the happier they are.”

The full day workshop will be held Saturday 20 July and tickets can be purchased on the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades website.