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.

• Location: The Pump House is located at 880 East Waterfront Drive, Munhall, PA 15120 in the Waterfront, between the communities of Homestead and Munhall. It is a historic brick building right alongside the river next to a small water tower, with its own parking lot and exterior picnic tables. Feel free to arrive a bit early to explore our grounds and public art, such as Jim West’s Yellow Dog sculpture and the large Homestead Labyrinth created by Lorraine Vullo, as well as the nearby Greater Allegheny Passage (GAP) bike trail.

  Admission: Site access is limited to guided tours, workshops, and events. Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed.

  Safety & comfort: The Pump House is an indoor site sheltered from weather. However, it is not currently climate-controlled and tends to match the temperature outside, so please dress appropriately. For safety reasons, guests will only be permitted on the finished upper floor, though they are encouraged to use our observation decks to look into the industrial piping below. 

  Accessibility: Handicap parking is available and the workshop space is ADA compliant. Contact us for details or to discuss any other concerns. 

  Restrooms & concessions: The Pump House site has its own restrooms in the adjacent water tower, which will be unlocked and available during the workshop. Food amenities are not available, but feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks. 

  Photography: Photography is permitted and highly encouraged! By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to be photographed.