Events & Exhibitions at Workhouse
Current and Upcoming Events, Exhibitions, and More
Exhibit: 15TH ANNUAL WORKHOUSE CLAY INTERNATIONAL
The Annual Workhouse Clay International exhibition represents the depth and breadth of contemporary functional and sculptural ceramic artworks being created throughout the country. Ceramic artist and painter, Hillary Kane juried over 220 images to select 50 artworks that incorporate a contemporary spirit as well as technical skill in the material. The exhibition is an exciting opportunity to see a variety of styles and techniques that encompass the field of contemporary ceramic arts making their art across 21 states and the District of Columbia.
Exhibit: Celebration
An energetic exhibit from 15 artists celebrating 17 years at Workhouse with color, creativity, and community joy.
Exhibit: Collective Reason by Bill Firestone
Large-scale abstract works created over three years come to life in this bold solo exhibit by Bill Firestone.
Historic Campus Walking Tour
Walking tour of the historic former prison site that is the Workhouse Art Center campus.
Historic Campus Walking Tour
Explore the fascinating history and artistic transformation of the former Lorton prison during a Campus Walking Tour at Workhouse Arts Center. This guided tour offers a closer look at the site's historic architecture, its evolution into a thriving arts hub, and the artists who call it home.
Historic Campus Walking Tour
Walking tour of the historic former prison site that is the Workhouse Art Center campus.
Learning at Lunch: Lorton and (De)Segregation
Each month, the Lorton Prison Museum invites an expert to tackle a topic related to our complicated past. All attendees are invited to visit the museum following the program. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch; snacks and beverages available for purchase in the W16 Visitor Center.
Higher Purpose - Sound Bath with Iris McCray
Experience a rare and powerful sound bath at Higher Purpose on September 21 at Workhouse Arts Center. Featuring the vintage Golden Nipple Gong and a sacred soundscape, this immersive journey will help you align with your unique path and purpose.
Historic Campus Walking Tour
Walking tour of the historic former prison site that is the Workhouse Art Center campus.
Freedom Fest
Freedom Fest returns on October 11, 2025, at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA! Celebrate with live music, food, games, and family-friendly fun while supporting our military, veterans, and first responders. All proceeds benefit mental health and service dog nonprofits.
Historic Campus Walking Tour
Explore the fascinating history and artistic transformation of the former Lorton prison during a Campus Walking Tour at Workhouse Arts Center. This guided tour offers a closer look at the site's historic architecture, its evolution into a thriving arts hub, and the artists who call it home.
Historic Campus Walking Tour
Walking tour of the historic former prison site that is the Workhouse Art Center campus.
Celebrate Women's Equality Day
Join us at the Lorton Prison Museum to honor the courageous suffragists, including Lucy Burns and the National Woman's Party, who fought for the right to vote. Explore their powerful story, engage with author Alice Reagan, and enjoy free suffrage crafts for all ages!
Stand Up Comedy Nights with Rahmein Mostafavi
Join us for an evening of side-splitting comedy on June 21! Hosted by Rahmein Mostafavi, this special show features top-tier comedians from across the region. Held in the Muse Gallery at Workhouse Arts Center, seating is limited—don’t miss it!
Learning at Lunch: The Smithsonian and Lorton
The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum (ACM) has a long history of engagement with the Lorton Correctional Complex. Archivist Jennifer Morris shares information and examples from ACM’s collection.
Historic Campus Walking Tour
Walking tour of the historic former prison site that is the Workhouse Art Center campus.
Born to Live - Sound Bath with Iris McCray
Step into a transformative journey at Born to Live: A Sound Healing Experience. Through masterfully played instruments—including a surprise healing element—you’ll be guided to release limitations and rediscover the joy of living fully.
The Wrink
Get ready to roll at The Wrink—a one-night-only roller-skating pop-up at Workhouse Arts Center! On August 9, bring your own skates and enjoy music, lights, and good vibes as part of our Second Saturday Open House & Art Walk
Historic Campus Walking Tour
Explore the fascinating history and artistic transformation of the former Lorton prison during a Campus Walking Tour at Workhouse Arts Center. This guided tour offers a closer look at the site's historic architecture, its evolution into a thriving arts hub, and the artists who call it home.
SOUQ Social Markets
Join us on Saturday, August 9, from 4–9 PM for SOUQ at the Workhouse Arts Center — a lively evening market featuring halal cuisine, curated vendors, and rich cultural experiences. Explore the vibrant Muslim market, support Workhouse artists, and connect with community in one dynamic gathering space.
Historic Campus Walking Tour
Walking tour of the historic former prison site that is the Workhouse Art Center campus.
Exhibit: Marine Life by Sarah Wicks
Miniature glass sculptures and oceanic jewelry bring the sea to life in this solo exhibit by Sarah Wicks.
Masterpiece Mini Golf
Don’t miss Masterpiece Mini Golf at the Workhouse, July 24–27! This interactive 18-hole course transforms famous artworks into a playful, hands-on experience for all ages—part gallery, part game, and totally unforgettable.
Birthday EqualiTEA
In celebration of what have been Lucy Burn’s 146 birthday, the Lorton Prison Museum featuring the Lucy Burns Gallery is hosting an afternoon EqualiTEA to honor both Lucy Burns and all the women important to the suffrage movement.
Learning at Lunch: Troublemakers of the NWP
Join Susan Philpott from the National Park Service for an engaging discussion of the confrontational campaigns developed by Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, and the National Woman's Party in the fight for women's right to vote.
Masterpiece Mini Golf
Don’t miss Masterpiece Mini Golf at the Workhouse, July 31–August 3! This interactive 18-hole course transforms famous artworks into a playful, hands-on experience for all ages—part gallery, part game, and totally unforgettable.
'In The Flow' Sound Bath with Iris McCray
Relax into harmony during In the Flow, a guided sound healing experience using Dolphin Singing Bowls, Crystal Tones, and meditative instruments. Let the sounds guide you to balance and inner peace.
Stand Up Comedy Nights with Rahmein Mostafavi
Join us for an evening of side-splitting comedy on June 21! Hosted by Rahmein Mostafavi, this special show features top-tier comedians from across the region. Held in the Muse Gallery at Workhouse Arts Center, seating is limited—don’t miss it!
Historic Campus Walking Tour
Walking tour of the historic former prison site that is the Workhouse Art Center campus.
2nd Saturday Open House & Art Walk
Celebrate summer creativity at the 2nd Saturday Open House & Art Walk on July 12 at the Workhouse Arts Center! Enjoy live Go-Go music by Chuck Brown, shop the vibrant Souq Social Market, explore 70+ open artist studios, view new gallery exhibitions, and take part in interactive art activities—all for free!
SOUQ Social Markets
Celebrate community at SOUQ on Friday, July 11, from 6–11 PM at the Workhouse Arts Center. Enjoy a dynamic evening of halal food, shopping, and culture—plus kick things off with a scenic community run at 6:30 PM with @yallarunclubdmv. Discover local artists, support Muslim-owned businesses, and connect in a space full of energy and flavor.
Historic Campus Walking Tour
Explore the fascinating history and artistic transformation of the former Lorton prison during a Campus Walking Tour at Workhouse Arts Center. This guided tour offers a closer look at the site's historic architecture, its evolution into a thriving arts hub, and the artists who call it home.
Apartment Swap
What happens when a novelist swaps apartments—and questions everything? Apartment Swap, a new feminist comedy by Alli Hartley-Kong, blends romantic fantasy with real-life reflections on love, freedom, and modern womanhood. Live July 11–13 at Workhouse Arts Center. Tickets on sale now.
Historic Campus Walking Tour
Walking tour of the historic former prison site that is the Workhouse Art Center campus.
Exhibit: Earth to Table
Earth to Table is an invitational exhibit of functional ceramics that connect us to the rituals of gathering, eating and sharing. On view at W-8 Gallery from July 2 to August 31, 2025, this summer showcase features the work of thirteen innovative ceramic artists.
Exhibit: Animal Spirits by Candi Durusu
In Animal Spirits, artist Candi Durusu uses glass as a symbolic and fluid medium to explore the ancient power of masks and their connection to spirit and transformation.
Fireworks & Summer Bash
Celebrate summer at the Workhouse Fireworks & Summer Bash on Saturday, June 28, 2025! This free community event features live bands, DJs, art-inspired mini-golf, games, food trucks, and a stunning fireworks finale. Secure your parking and VIP experience today!
Learning at Lunch: Pride in Prison
In the 91 years of operation, the experience of LGBTQ+ inmates would change dramatically through the years. Museum Coordinator Jay Loy discusses the complicated history of incarceration for LGBTQ+ people inside of the Lorton Prison to close out Pride Month at the Workhouse.
Exhibit: Beyond the Clouds by Mike Pacheco
Don’t miss Beyond the Clouds, a surreal and symbolic art exhibition by Mike Pacheco. On view now at Workhouse Arts Center, this series explores fantasy, nature, and the unseen.
Twelve Angry Jurors
Experience the intensity of Twelve Angry Jurors, June 19–21 at Workhouse Arts Center. Presented by JR Productions, this powerful drama—based on the Emmy-winning work by Reginald Rose—delves into justice and human nature. Performed by a cast of talented high school creatives in a limited engagement. Tickets now available.
Historic Campus Walking Tour
Walking tour of the historic former prison site that is the Workhouse Art Center campus.
'Balance' Sound Bath with Iris McCray
Discover the hidden beauty that surrounds us in every moment with Seeking & Seeing Beauty, a sound bath experience at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA. Through soothing frequencies from Crystal Singing Bowls, Harp, and Shofar, this session will guide you toward deep relaxation and spiritual harmony, allowing you to reconnect with the unseen beauty in your life.