Portraits: A Course on Chasing & Repousse with Leah Mazza

4-Week Workshop

Date: Thursdays, March 19-April 9 2026

Time: 1pm-4pm

Description: In this four-week course, we will explore the anatomy of the human face through the techniques of chasing and repousse. Repoussage, also known as repoussé, means to push out metal from the reverse side. These techniques, often used in conjunction, create low- or high-relief patterns, forms, and textures in sheet metal. Students will start by sketching facial features to determine the proper perspective, depth, and curves. Next we will cover how to handle pitch, anneal metal using torches, draw with chasing tools, and create volume with repoussé. As we approach the depth and unique forms we've drawn out, we can begin to define specific features of the face, such as hair, eyes, and lips. It is helpful to have drawing skills, but it is not required. By the end of this course, you will have greater knowledge of how to sculpt facial features of the nose, lips, eyes, and ears with depth, precision, and perspective. Feel free to bring several photos and perspectives of a human portrait or use a premade design provided by the instructor! Images should at least show the front-facing perspective and a side-profile view.

Tuition: $210 + $50 materials fee

Materials: All materials will be provided

We really want you to join us in the studio! Full and partial tuition scholarships are available to offset some of the financial burden of attending a class. Please fill out the application here; you can expect to hear from someone on the CC staff within 2 weeks. If you have any questions, email Allison Jones, Director of Programs & Residencies, at ajones@contemporarycraft.org, or leave a voice message for her at 412-465-1633.

Location: Contemporary Craft - Raphael Building (5645 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201)

Cancellations and Refunds: Workshop cancellations are decided three business days before the start date. If workshops must be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class fee will be refunded through Eventbrite, or you may leave your workshop fee in your Contemporary Craft account for future workshops.

ANY WORKSHOP OR INDIVIDUAL SESSION CANCELLATIONS WILL BE COMMUNICATED VIA EMAIL.

Refund Policy: Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before a class begins. There will be a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given without three-business days notice. Processing of refunds takes approximately three weeks.

If you require accessibility accommodations, please let us know by calling 412.261.7003 and we are happy to assist you.

About the Artist

Leah Mazza, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, creates small-scale metal sculptures and drawings that explore otherworldly recollections, sacred objects, and urban decay. She earned her BFA from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and her MFA from the University of Georgia. From 2021 to the 2025, she has been an adjunct professor of fine metals and 3D design at the University of Georgia.