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Stacey Mrva
Intructor

Stacey Mrva

Stacey Mrva is a professional metal sculptor based in Springwater, NY, in the Finger Lakes region. With over 25 years of experience, she has built a diverse portfolio of custom sculptures for public and private spaces, blending artistry with functionality. Originally drawn to fashion design, Stacey’s creative journey led her to metalsmithing and jewelry design at Syracuse University, where she discovered her passion for welding in a sculpture class. The ability to transform rigid steel into fluid, organic forms sparked a lifelong pursuit, culminating in a degree in sculpture and the foundation of her studio, Ironwood Studios.

Stacey is deeply committed to sharing her craft and empowering others through welding. She offers workshops specifically for women, providing a supportive and inclusive environment where they can explore creativity, develop hands-on skills, and gain confidence. Her workshops welcome participants with no prior experience, helping them break down barriers and form lasting friendships. Many women have discovered newfound passions and even career opportunities through these sessions, making this aspect of her work especially fulfilling. Stacey’s public art installations celebrate history and community, bringing untold stories to life. One of her most meaningful projects is a sculpture honoring Blanche Calloway, the first African-American female bandleader of the 1930s, commissioned for a Rochester neighborhood. Anothernotable piece is the Susan B. Anthony bench, a functional and artistic tribute to the iconic suffragist. Her work is designed to engage and inspire, creating lasting connections between art and the people who experience it.

Through her sculptures, teaching, and advocacy for women in the trades, Stacey continues to push the boundaries of metalwork, demonstrating its power as both an artistic and transformative
force.

https://www.instagram.com/staceymrvametal

Upcoming Classes

Past Classes

Introduction to Metal Welding and Forming - Image 1

Introduction to Metal Welding and Forming

Instructor: Stacey Mrva
Single day course: August 8, 2025
Price: $200

In this hands-on workshop, students will create their own metal flower sculpture—either by following a provided example or bringing their own design to life. The class begins with an introduction to MIG welding and mild steel, followed by demonstrations in cold forming techniques using various shaping and cutting tools. Students will start by sketching their ideas, using an example for inspiration or developing a unique design. They’ll then cut, shape, and weld their pieces, learning essential metalworking skills throughout the process.


By the end of the session, each student will leave with a finished metal sculpture they can proudly display. This workshop is ideal for beginners as well as those with some metalworking experience, providing practical skills and a strong foundation in working with steel.


Students should bring:

  1. Leather boots or heavy sneakers/hiking shoes. No mesh or open toed shoes.
  2. Cotton pants and cotton long sleeve shirts. No shorts or short sleeves.
  3. Drinking bottle
  4. Notepad and pencil
  5. Leather work gloves
  6. Material to pack up your project


Class size limited to 6.


Stacey Mrva is a professional metal sculptor based in Springwater, NY, in the Finger Lakes region. With over 25 years of experience, she has built a diverse portfolio of custom sculptures for public and private spaces, blending artistry with functionality. Originally drawn to fashion design, Stacey’s creative journey led her to metalsmithing and jewelry design at Syracuse University, where she discovered her passion for welding in a sculpture class. The ability to transform rigid steel into fluid, organic forms sparked a lifelong pursuit, culminating in a degree in sculpture and the foundation of her studio, Ironwood Studios.

Stacey is deeply committed to sharing her craft and empowering others through welding. She offers workshops specifically for women, providing a supportive and inclusive environment where they can explore creativity, develop hands-on skills, and gain confidence. Her workshops welcome participants with no prior experience, helping them break down barriers and form lasting friendships. Many women have discovered newfound passions and even career opportunities through these sessions, making this aspect of her work especially fulfilling. Stacey’s public art installations celebrate history and community, bringing untold stories to life. One of her most meaningful projects is a sculpture honoring Blanche Calloway, the first African-American female bandleader of the 1930s, commissioned for a Rochester neighborhood. Anothernotable piece is the Susan B. Anthony bench, a functional and artistic tribute to the iconic suffragist. Her work is designed to engage and inspire, creating lasting connections between art and the people who experience it.

Through her sculptures, teaching, and advocacy for women in the trades, Stacey continues to push the boundaries of metalwork, demonstrating its power as both an artistic and transformative
force.

https://www.instagram.com/staceymrvametal