Where Clay Takes Shape
A Public ceramics Studio for Northern Virginia, offering hands-on classes, studio access, and professional facilities, serving the greater Washington, DC metro area.
Workhouse
Ceramics
Program
A Center for Ceramics Education, Artmaking, and Community
The Workhouse Arts Ceramics Program is a public ceramics studio in Lorton, Virginia, offering hands-on ceramics and pottery classes, workshops, open studio access, and professional facilities for artists and learners throughout Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, DC metro area. Located on the historic Workhouse campus, the program brings together students, artists, instructors, and visitors through working studios, exhibitions, demonstrations, and community events.
Our facilities support a wide range of ceramic processes, including wheel throwing, handbuilding, sculpture, glazing, mold making, kiln firing, and surface decoration. Whether you're taking your first pottery class, building technical skills, exploring a new medium, or developing an independent studio practice, Workhouse provides an accessible and supportive environment for learning and making.
Rooted in craft, creativity, and community, the Ceramics Program connects traditional pottery techniques with contemporary ceramic practice. Through hands-on education, open studio access, artist opportunities, and public engagement, we invite artists and audiences to discover clay as a material for functional pottery, sculptural expression, and creative exploration.
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The Workhouse Glass Store stocks purchasable glass materials, tools, and studio supplies for students, artists, and makers. Inventory may include sheet glass, fusible glass, stained glass supplies, flameworking materials, and other glassworking essentials based on availability. The Glass Store is open Thursdays from 1–7 PM.
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Item description
Classes & Workshops
Explore glass through hands-on classes and workshops at Workhouse Arts Center. From stained glass and fusing to flameworking, coldworking, casting, and glassblowing opportunities, our programs offer accessible pathways for beginners and continuing artists alike. Learn new skills, build confidence in the studio, and discover what glass can become.
Exhibitions & Calls for Artists
Discover contemporary glass through exhibitions, featured artists, and public displays at Workhouse Arts Center. The Glass Program supports opportunities for artists to share functional, sculptural, and experimental glass work with the community. Explore upcoming exhibitions, calls for artists, and ways to participate in our growing glass arts program.
Commissions & Repairs
Submit commission or repair inquiries through the Workhouse Glass Program to be connected with qualified resident artists, instructors, or studio staff when available. Requests may include custom glass artwork, stained glass repair, fused glass projects, or specialty consultation. Project acceptance depends on artist availability, scope, and fit.
Residency Program & Assistantships
The Workhouse Glass Program supports a creative community of resident artists, studio artists, assistants, interns, and emerging arts professionals. Residency, assistantship, and internship opportunities help artists build skills through studio practice, program support, education, maintenance, and community engagement. Availability may vary based on studio space, program needs, and current opportunities.
Studios & Equipment
9504 Workhouse Wy, Lorton, VA 22079 Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11am-6pmSunday 12pm-5pm2nd saturday of the month 11am-9pmContact:Glass@workhousearts.orgKessler ulberg, Ceramics Studio managerKUlberg@workhousearts.orgIan Schmidt, Director of glass & ceramicsIanSchmidt@workhousearts.org
Caldera Vitrigraph$20
Paragon S1030-4 (Clamshell)$40 (54×28)
Paragon GL44AD (Coffin)$25 (39.5×19)
Paragon Oval 10 (Coffin)$25 (30.5×19)
(2) Paragon GL24 (Front)$20 (22×22)
Small Skutt Fuser$10 (13.5 OD)
Kilns
Variable Priced Rentals
Flat Working
$10/hr Open Studio
*Bulk Hours Available at Discounted Rate
Slump MoldsGrindersRing SawsHand Tools and CuttersWork Tablessoldering IronsPattern BooksFlat Storage
Cold Working
$10/hr Open Studio
*Bulk Hours Available at Discounted Rate
Lap GrinderBelt Sanderdiamond SawSand BlasterForedom DremelHand Lapping
Mobile Flame Working Setup(9) Carlisle Hellcat torchesLarger Torches Available upon Request(2) Bead Kilns(2) Front Loading KilnsFlame Working ToolsRentable Lockers
Flame Working
$14/hr Open Studio
*Bulk Hours Available at Discounted Rate
Hot Shop
Open Studio Coming in Fall
40lb Baby Dragon Mobile FurnaceMobile Glass AnnealerGlass Blowing Tools
Coming Soon135lb Electric Glass FurnaceGH 12GH 18(2) AF 17 AnnealersPipe Warmer & Garage ComboPick-up KilnTorches
