Events & Exhibitions at Workhouse
Current and upcoming events, exhibitions, and more
Annual Student & Instructor Exhibition
Celebrate creativity and achievement at the Workhouse Arts Center! This inspiring exhibit showcases paintings, drawings, glass, and clay works from our talented students and esteemed instructors.
Prison Reimagined Exhibition
Step inside a thought-provoking journey through "Prison Reimagined," a powerful collection of visual and written works crafted by incarcerated individuals. These pieces critically examine the impact of U.S. presidents on criminal justice while shedding light on the personal, carceral human experience. As you explore this exhibition, housed in the Workhouse Arts Center—a former prison transformed into a space of creativity and possibility—you are invited to rethink justice and freedom in America through the eyes of those directly affected.
“Inner Wisdom” Sound Bath with Iris McCray
Discover the power of inner wisdom in this month’s Sound Bath session. Inspired by the ancient symbolism of elephants, this meditative journey uses Indian Elephant Bells, Conch, and Burmese Ganesha Spin Gong to help remove obstacles and access the vast memory of human consciousness. Experience healing vibrations and find insight into your path forward.
Clyde’s
In CLYDE’S, a truck stop sandwich shop offers its formerly incarcerated kitchen staff a shot at redemption.
Annual Workhouse Ball
An exciting evening celebrating the arts and the vibrant community that makes the Workhouse Arts Center a cultural gem
(un)Endangered Species; Re-imagined Places Exhibit
Step into a world of imagination and transformation with Andi Cullins’ exhibit, (un)Endangered Species; Re-imagined Places, at the Workhouse Arts Center. This captivating exhibition blends African and Aboriginal fabric patterns with reclaimed objects, creating a vibrant landscape of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Through her innovative fabric mosaics and surface designs, Cullins redefines familiar scenes and rescued creatures, inviting viewers to explore beauty, movement, and a reimagined reality. On view January 25 – March 23, 2025, with a reception on March 8, 2025, from 6-8pm.
Jesus Christ Superstar
A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.
Workhouse Classic: Fundraiser Golf Tournament
The Workhouse Golf Classic is a fundraiser supporting the Workhouse Arts Center, offering a day of golf and networking while benefiting a vibrant local arts community.
Bollywood Groove & Screen Magic - Dance!
Join us for a vibrant four-week journey into the world of Bollywood! This class emphasizes not only dance moves but the power of storytelling through posture, hand gestures, facial expressions, and footwork.
2nd Saturday Create & Sip
Looking for a fun, creative night out? Join artist David Vickers at the Workhouse Arts Center for a one-of-a-kind workshop where you’ll sip on wine and create your own masterpiece. No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm, and we’ll provide the rest!
2nd Saturday Winter Warm-Up
Join us on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA, for our 2nd Saturday Winter Warm-Up. Enjoy an evening filled with art, creativity, and family-friendly activities, including free and paid classes, studio open houses, a treasure hunt, and warm treats. Admission is free; some activities may have a fee.
“Birthing the Light” Sound Bath with Iris McCray
Join us for the December Sound Bath, a transformative journey of awakening the light within. By harmonizing the sacred feminine and masculine energies, this experience invites you to embrace wholeness and step into your innate purpose—to be the light for the benefit of all.
Second Saturday Art Walk
Come on out to this free event to view beautiful works of art including glass, ceramics, paintings, photography, textiles, jewelry and more. Most items in the studios are available for purchase. Our talented artists will be there to chat about their works and processes. Galleries, gift shop, and the Lucy Burns Museum will be open extended hours.
Orthodox Icon Acrylic Painting Workshop
Discover the beauty and tradition of Orthodox icon painting in this hands-on workshop. Guided by expert instruction, participants will learn to layer colors, add decorative details, and explore the rich symbolism behind these sacred artworks. Perfect for all skill levels!
Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be "Out There," observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools.
EqualiTEA Tasting
Take a break from the holiday hustle and immerse yourself in history and flavor at the Lucy Burns Museum’s EqualiTEA Tasting event. Enjoy seasonal teas like Rooibos Nutcracker, Cranberry Cream, and Gingerbread while learning about the role tea played in the women’s suffrage movement. Join us during the Workhouse Arts Center’s Small Business Saturday for this relaxing and meaningful experience—no pre-registration needed!
Small Business Saturday
Shop small and save big on Small Business Saturday at the Workhouse. Save 20% on one-of-a kind artwork and retail merchandise in the Workhouse Arts Center gift shops, galleries, artist studios and Lucy Burns Museum.
Art of Movement Classes
Fitness, dance, and mind-body classes: rowing, Pilates, yoga, tai chi, sound baths, and more!
Art Classes
Painting, drawing, ceramics, glass and more! The Workhouse Arts Center provides art instruction that helps develop basic art skills, advance existing skills, encourage visual awareness, and promote intellectual growth and creative self-expression.
Workhouse Campus Tour
Join our museum coordinator for a campus walking tour and explore the history of the prison site.
Annual Toy Drive
Join us in spreading holiday cheer through the Workhouse Arts Center's Annual Toy Drive, supporting local families impacted by the criminal justice system. In partnership with OAR NOVA, we’re collecting new, unwrapped toys to brighten the season for children in need.
Learning at Lunch - The Workhouse and the World Wars
Lucy Burns Museum docents Neal McBride and Joe Ammann dive into how the prison’s history overlaps with the First and Second World Wars for this iteration of our lunchtime series.
Create and Sip: Geese Over the Workhouse
Join us for a fun and relaxing evening as you learn to make the new background Japanese technique of Bohek (pronounced Bo-quet).
Glassblowing Demonstration
Join us for a live glassblowing demonstration on November 9! Watch a master artisan create stunning works of art right before your eyes.
Second Saturday: Gratitude and Veteran Appreciation
November’s Second Saturday is all about giving thanks. Join us on this special Saturday to celebrate our blessings and show our gratitude and appreciation for our veteran community.
Saturday, Workhouse Campus Tour
Join our museum coordinator for a campus walking tour and explore the history of the prison site.
Pieces of Us
This thought-provoking collection of works explores the essential elements of growth and life that influence our existence.
Workhouse Campus Tour
Join our museum coordinator for a campus walking tour and explore the history of the prison site.
10th Annual Glass International
Workhouse Arts Center is proud to present the 10th Annual Glass International, an exhibition highlighting the depth and breadth of contemporary functional and sculptural glass art.
Visiting Artist Rebecca Hutchinson Exhibition and Workshop
Visiting Artist Rebecca Hutchinson will showcase her work in our W8 Ceramics studio gallery space as part of her upcoming workshop Radical Ceramics and Experimental Processes.
Autumnal EqualiTEA
Election Day is swiftly approaching! In honor of the suffragists who fought valiantly for women’s enfranchisement, the Lucy Burns Museum is hosting an Autumnal EqualiTEA.
Haunt Shop Sale!
Get up to 30% off seasonal items and gifts at the Workhouse Haunt Shop! Shop for handcrafted jewelry, decorations, crafts, games and other Halloween and autumn inspired items.
Workhouse Food Drive
Help support our local community during this season of giving. The Workhouse Arts Center is partnering with the Lorton Community Action Center to collect canned goods and non-perishable food items for Fairfax County residents in need.
Workshop: Unexpectedly Funny Improv
Discover the joy of spontaneous creativity as we explore the fundamentals of improvisation in a fun and supportive environment.
17th Annual Artist Teacher Exhibition: Materiality
Workhouse Arts Center and Fairfax County Public Schools are proud to present the 17th Annual Artist Teacher Exhibition: Materiality. This exhibition explores how artists use materials to push boundaries, challenge perceptions, and create meaning.
Learning at Lunch - Incarcerated Labor, Lorton & Beyond
Inmate labor transformed dramatically throughout the lifespan of the Workhouse, from dairy farms and bakeries in the early days to work release and office jobs.
Create and Sip: Autumn Leaves in Watercolor
Join us for a fun and relaxing evening as we embrace the spontaneity of watercolors to create portraits of the vibrant, soon-to-be-gone autumn leaves.
Second Saturday: Fall Festival
This month’s Second Saturday celebrates the fall season. Join us for a festive Create and Sip Autumn Art class; craft your own pumpkin necklace; attend an exhibition reception, and more.