Janet Messineo

I graduated from the Pennsylvania Institute of Taxidermy n 1987. I specialize in saltwater skin mounts and mount trophies for local fisherman and visitors from around the world. Along the journey to perfect my art, I have had the pleasure of doing work for Jim Belushi, Spike Lee, William Weld, Charles Ogletree, Bill Clinton and many other prominent people. Fish that I have mounted are hanging on the walls in 36 states across the nation and in China, Canada and England.

I am married and we are raising a son. In my "spare time" I am a member of the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, Former President of the M.V. Surfcasters Association and support the RFA and MSBA. I have written articles about taxidermy and sports fishing for many magazines including New England Out-of-Doors, On the water and Vineyard Style. I've had two stories published in New England Stripers, a fishing anthology in 2005.

Since 1976, I have fished from the beaches of the Vineyard stalking the illusive Striped Bass. My 30 years of fishing have been chronicled in "Reading the Water, written by Robert Post, 1988 and On the Run, by David BiBenedetto, 2003. I am also a shore fishing guide and the name of that business is Vineyard Surfcaster.

I have an unending love and immense respect for the Striped Bass. I hope this feeling shows in my artwork. Every fish that I begin with is unique in it's own way resulting in each piece being one of a kind.

The word "Taxidermy" has its origin in the Greek words taxis (to move) and derma (skin). The ancient Egyptians embalmed fish as well as humans, and sometimes placed embalmed fish in the burial vaults along with the remains of important deceased people. Attempts to preserve creatures are noted as far back as recorded history. Today, the challenge for the taxidermist is to preserve these miracles of nature in as near a lifelike form as possible. there is a special joy in working with Mother Nature's original and perfect art.