Events & Exhibitions at Workhouse

Current and Upcoming Events, Exhibitions, and More

Exhibit: 15TH ANNUAL WORKHOUSE CLAY INTERNATIONAL
Jun
28
to Sep 21

Exhibit: 15TH ANNUAL WORKHOUSE CLAY INTERNATIONAL

  • workhouse arts center I Vulcan Gallery W-16 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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. 

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Exhibit: Earth to Table
Jul
2
to Aug 31

Exhibit: Earth to Table

  • Workhouse Arts Center Studio W-8 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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.

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Birthday EqualiTEA
Jul
27

Birthday EqualiTEA

  • Muse Gallery, 1st Floor, W16, Workhouse Arts Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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.

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SOUQ Social Markets
Aug
1

SOUQ Social Markets

Join us on Friday, August 1, from 6–11 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.

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Historic Campus Walking Tour
Aug
9

Historic Campus Walking Tour

  • Workhouse Arts Center I Lorton Prison Museum, Building W2 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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.

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Stand Up Comedy Nights with Rahmein Mostafavi
Aug
23

Stand Up Comedy Nights with Rahmein Mostafavi

  • Workhouse Arts Center I W-16 Mc Guire Woods Gallery (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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!

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SOUQ Social Markets
Sep
5

SOUQ Social Markets

Join us on Friday, September 5, from 6–11 PM at the Workhouse Arts Center for SOUQ — the DMV’s vibrant Muslim market filled with halal food, local art, and dynamic cultural experiences. Shop unique vendors, discover the work of talented Workhouse artists, and celebrate community in an unforgettable evening of connection and culture.

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SOUQ Social Markets
Oct
3

SOUQ Social Markets

Join us on Friday, October 3, from 6–11 PM at the Workhouse Arts Center for SOUQ — an evening market where community, culture, and commerce come alive. Savor halal food, shop a curated selection of vendors, and support Workhouse artists as we celebrate the richness of the Muslim business community this fall.

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Stand Up Comedy Nights with Rahmein Mostafavi
Jul
19

Stand Up Comedy Nights with Rahmein Mostafavi

  • Workhouse Arts Center I W-16 Mc Guire Woods Gallery (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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!

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2nd Saturday Open House & Art Walk
Jul
12

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!

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SOUQ Social Markets
Jul
12

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.

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Historic Campus Walking Tour
Jul
12

Historic Campus Walking Tour

  • Workhouse Arts Center I Lorton Prison Museum, Building W2 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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.

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Apartment Swap
Jul
11
to Jul 13

Apartment Swap

  • Workhouse Arts Center I W-3 Theater (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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.

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Fireworks & Summer Bash
Jun
28

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!

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Learning at Lunch: Pride in Prison
Jun
27

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.

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Twelve Angry Jurors
Jun
19
to Jun 21

Twelve Angry Jurors

  • Workhouse Arts Center I W-3 Theater (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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.

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'Balance' Sound Bath with Iris McCray
Jun
15

'Balance' Sound Bath with Iris McCray

  • Workhouse Arts Center - McGuire Woods Gallery (Bldg. W-16, 2nd Floor) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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.

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SOUQ Social Markets
Jun
14

SOUQ Social Markets

Join us on Friday, June 6, from 6–11 PM for SOUQ at the Workhouse Arts Center — a vibrant evening market celebrating Muslim culture, halal food, and local artistry. Discover unique vendors, connect with community, and explore inspiring works by Workhouse artists.

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Raku Firing on the Quad!
Jun
14

Raku Firing on the Quad!

Get fired up to participate in the Raku firing process with ceramicist David Newquist! Normally, it takes days if not weeks to have a finished piece of pottery, but our Raku workshop will have you with a finished piece in one night!

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2nd Saturday Open House & Art Walk
Jun
14

2nd Saturday Open House & Art Walk

Every Second Saturday, the Workhouse campus in Lorton, VA comes alive with music, creativity, and community. Join us June 14 for open studios, live music by the U.S. Naval Band – The Commodores, the MaNiiTo II’NiNiiWak Indigenous art exhibit, hands-on activities, food, drinks, and more. Admission is free!

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Historic Campus Walking Tour
Jun
14

Historic Campus Walking Tour

  • Workhouse Arts Center I Lorton Prison Museum, Building W2 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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.

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InThrive Film Festival: Night 3
Jun
13

InThrive Film Festival: Night 3

  • McGuireWoods Gallery (2nd Floor, W16) Workhouse Arts Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We'll watch several films that elevate the voices and talents of incarceration survivors. We'll wrap the evening with a discussion about the films or highlighting local folks impacted by the justice system.

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Sip & Script at the Museum
Jun
6

Sip & Script at the Museum

  • Lorton Prison Museum featuring the Lucy Burns Gallery (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In an age of keyboards and touchscreens, the beauty of traditional penmanship offers a unique connection to the past. Take this beginner’s class offered by Sip & Script to learn a modern take on calligraphy and lettering!

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“Mixed State” by Claire R. Lynch I Abstract Sculptural Exhibit
Jun
4
to Jun 27

“Mixed State” by Claire R. Lynch I Abstract Sculptural Exhibit

  • Workhouse Arts Center I Building W-6 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Mixed State offers a compelling visual journey into the emotional fluctuations of bipolar disorder through abstract sculpture. This evocative exhibition invites viewers to reflect on mental health and emotional equilibrium, on view at Workhouse Arts Center’s W-6 Gallery from June 4–27, 2025.

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Workhouse Performing Arts Homecoming Concert
Jun
1

Workhouse Performing Arts Homecoming Concert

  • Workhouse Arts Center - Mc Guire Woods Gallery (2nd floor, W-16) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Don’t miss the Workhouse Performing Arts Homecoming Concert in Lorton, VA on June 1! Enjoy a night of music, dancing, and the 25/26 season reveal. General admission is pay-what-you-will or upgrade with a Theater Lover Table!

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“Light Transfixed” by David Barnes.
Jun
1
to Jun 30

“Light Transfixed” by David Barnes.

  • Workhouse Arts Center I Building W-7 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In Light Transfixed, artist David Barnes explores the interplay of light and glass in a stunning collection of kiln-formed fused and cast works. Spanning four decades of innovation and technique, this radiant exhibition will be on view at Workhouse Arts Center’s W-7 Gallery from June 1–30, 2025.

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South County Pyramid Show Exhibit
May
25
to Jun 4

South County Pyramid Show Exhibit

  • Workhouse Arts Center, W16 1st Floor Galleries (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Workhouse Arts Center is proud to present the South County Pyramid Show, featuring the work of over 100 kindergarten through 12th-grade students from six different schools in Fairfax, Virginia. The exhibit features student artwork created with a myriad of techniques and mediums. The Pyramid Art Show grants students the opportunity to share their artwork and artist accomplishments with their peers and the community, as well as to be inspired and inspire others.

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Exhibit: MaNiiTo II'NiNiiWak- (Creative Power People) Creative Sovereignty
May
24
to Jul 20

Exhibit: MaNiiTo II'NiNiiWak- (Creative Power People) Creative Sovereignty

  • Workhouse Arts Center, W16 McGuire Woods Gallery (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for Maniito Iininiiwak: Creative Power, People, Creative Sovereignty, an exhibition highlighting the work of Indigenous artists at Workhouse Arts Center. This impactful showcase explores the creative sovereignty of Indigenous communities and celebrates the power of art in reclaiming cultural narratives.

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Learning at Lunch: Pilot Substance Abuse Program
May
16

Learning at Lunch: Pilot Substance Abuse Program

  • Workhouse Arts Center - W16, McGuire Woods Gallery (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Take a break and expand your knowledge at the Learning at Lunch series at Workhouse Arts Center. Join us for insightful talks, workshops, and presentations that combine learning with a casual lunch experience. The Pilot Substance Abuse Program (PSAP) was a special drug rehabilitation program started by Dr. Jasper Ormond at the Lorton Correctional Complex in 1989. Photographer Lloyd Wolf documented the program intensively for over a year, recording images of the participating inmates.

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Historic Campus Walking Tour
May
15

Historic Campus Walking Tour

  • Workhouse Arts Center - Lorton Prison Museum, Building W2 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Uncover the stories behind the walls of Workhouse Arts Center with a guided Campus Walking Tour]. Explore the site’s history as a former correctional facility, its unique architecture, and its transformation into a vibrant community for the arts in Lorton, Virginia.

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Jesus Christ Superstar
May
10
to Jun 15

Jesus Christ Superstar

  • Workhouse Arts Center I W-3 Theater (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Don’t miss Jesus Christ Superstar, the legendary rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, live on stage at Workhouse Arts Center. This powerful musical reimagines the final days of Jesus through a bold, high-energy performance. Shows run Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM through June 15, 2025.

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Upcoming Events This Month