Handmade Mexican Sugar Skull Mask Painting
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Explore the vibrant folk art traditions of Oaxaca through a hands-on mask-painting experience.
Join us at the Rivers of Steel Pump House on Thursday, September 10, for a one-of-a-kind international cultural encounter. Pittsburgh muralist and teaching artist Alison Zapata will lead a beginner-friendly, two-hour painting workshop featuring hand-sculpted masks created by Oaxacan artisan Jesús “Chucho” Lopez.
Lopez practices cartonería—Mexico’s traditional papier-mâché folk art—which transforms simple materials into vibrant sculptures, masks, and festival decorations that celebrate culture, history, and identity. Trained by master artisans in Oaxaca, his work is rooted in generations of artistic tradition.
As Lopez’s apprentice, Zapata will guide participants in painting traditional sugar skull (calavera) designs inspired by Día de los Muertos, sharing the symbolism and artistic techniques behind these iconic motifs. Participants will leave with a beautifully decorated mask of their own while exploring the connections between Pittsburgh’s Mexican American community and the living folk art traditions of Oaxaca—just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Join us at the Rivers of Steel Pump House on Thursday, September 10, for a one-of-a-kind international cultural encounter. Pittsburgh muralist and teaching artist Alison Zapata will lead a beginner-friendly, two-hour painting workshop featuring hand-sculpted masks created by Oaxacan artisan Jesús “Chucho” Lopez.
Lopez practices cartonería—Mexico’s traditional papier-mâché folk art—which transforms simple materials into vibrant sculptures, masks, and festival decorations that celebrate culture, history, and identity. Trained by master artisans in Oaxaca, his work is rooted in generations of artistic tradition.
As Lopez’s apprentice, Zapata will guide participants in painting traditional sugar skull (calavera) designs inspired by Día de los Muertos, sharing the symbolism and artistic techniques behind these iconic motifs. Participants will leave with a beautifully decorated mask of their own while exploring the connections between Pittsburgh’s Mexican American community and the living folk art traditions of Oaxaca—just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month.
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Where is it happening?
Rivers of Steel: The Pump House, 737 E Waterfront Dr, Homestead, PA 15120, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherRivers of Steel
