The art of taxidermy and why it should be considered an art« Let's say you are watching an old horror movie, about a crazy madman who lives in a scary house on a hill. The local children will become curious and decide to enter the house. Most of the time, the Scary Man will have two things: paintings with cut-out eyes and a nice collection of mounted animals to give a sense of fear to intruders. Then all of a sudden, lightning and a growling black bear lights up, sending the children screaming into the front yard” (Bryant). It turns out that the terrifying black bear is actually a valuable work of art. Taxidermy has been an underappreciated art form throughout its history and it doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Although there is much debate in the art world as to its merits as an art, taxidermy is an art. The very definition of art remains a persistent mystery since its beginnings. According to William Rubin, director of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, “there is no single definition of art” (Art History). The word art comes from the Latin word “ars” which means skill or craft (visual art-cork). Researchers and artists have attempted to derive the original meaning of the words, but without success. Many people may have their own opinions on this topic, but there is no universally accepted definition (visual art-cork) yet. “Art is commonly used to describe something beautiful or a skill that produces an aesthetic result, but there is no clear boundary between a unique handmade sculpture and an attractive mass-produced object” (art visual-cork). Another thing to remember is the fact that art reflects and belongs to the period and culture from which it was born...... middle of paper ......es. Np, and Web. November 19, 2013. “Definition of art. » cork-visual-arts. Encyclopedia of art. and Web. November 19, 2013. Keech, Chris. “The authentic animal: in the strange and obsessive world of taxidermy.” Booklist June 1, 2011: 12. Student edition. Internet. November 19, 2013. Moyer, John. Practical taxidermy. 2nd ed. Canada: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1979. Print.Roberts, Nadine. The Complete Taxidermy Manual. Blue Ridge Summit, PA: Tab Books Inc., 1980. Print. Smith, Seth. Personal interview. November 19, 2013. “Still life”. The New Yorker May 3, 2010: 77. Student edition. Web.November 19, 2013.Tetley, Arthur. Bird taxidermy. Blue Ridge Summit, PA: Tab Books Inc., 1982. Print. Thompson, Paul. “Preparation for the taxidermy competition.” Thompson Whitetail Taxidermy. Np, and Web. November 19 2013 .