Specialties

Until recently, taxidermy was the art of turning a captured dead fish into a memorable wall mount. The process involved skinning the fish, mounting, drying and painting it. Without the proper climate, this dated process can result in the deterioration of the mount. Still being marketed as "taxidermy," New Wave mounts are fiberglass reproductions that are durable and more realistic in appearance. Today's technology and advanced products allow us to show infinite detail and create a superior mount. By using reference photos of the live fish, we recreate your catch according to the measurements and/or weight you request. The finished piece looks real and alive versus dead and mounted. It is a new look at an old art. New Wave mounts have realistic eyes, amazing scale detail and natural poses. The brilliant coloration is achieved by airbrushing intricate details that give each fish its unique character.

History

Established in 1960.

The secret to New Wave Taxidermy's success is superior mold building and the true life coloring. Because of the love of fishing and the love of art, Michael can capture the iridescent lit up excitement of a fighting fish or boat side photo. Michael and our staff take great pride in recreating a detailed fish mount that captures its attitude. Our molds are created for clients that care about detail; thin fins that are clear or opaque according to the species, natural poses, natural looking eyes, gills and mouth interior details. The fantastic thing about fiberglass reproductions is that they will last a lifetime and keep their beauty. It is a piece of three-dimensional art. You may want to hang your mount where all will admire it and see all of the brilliant details. Mounts give you an opportunity to tell your fishing story. It is also fabulous to light your mount, as lighting will enhance the brilliance and beauty of your mount.

Meet the Business Owner: Michael K.

Michael Kirkhart is a State, National and World Champion fish reproduction artist. Michael began to develop his life long fascination and skills as a taxidermist at the age of eight years old. With tremendous support from his family and friends then and now, he appreciates the accolades now as the blessings and gifts they are to his career. Some of his career successes to his efforts are: working with the late Ian Pike and Steve Mathews of Australia on giant Marlin and The Great Barrier Reef Tropical fish; Building a 30,000 square foot museum for Governor Tom Bolack in Farmington, New Mexico; Working with New York contemporary artist Donald Lipski on the Miami International Airport display in concourse D; Sculpting and producing the Turtles on Parade for Stuart's Arts Council benefit program; Sculpting oversized species and world records for private collectors and individuals worldwide; Most recently working with the Creative Imagery Department producing fish for Bass Pro Shops.