Freedom Through the Arts was a pilot program at the Workhouse Arts Center that provided free art workshops for justice impacted individuals (returned citizens) and their families. The program focuses on creative expression, skill-building, and personal growth through therapeutic-informed art instruction. 

The program is open to: 

• Returned citizens: Adults who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. 

• Families: Family members of individuals affected by incarceration, with workshops open to participants ages 5+ (all children must be accompanied by an adult). 

The workshops will cover a variety of art forms. During this pilot of the program, we will have workshops on watercolor, printmaking, flamework glass, and raku (ceramics). Each workshop will focus on a specific medium, providing participants with hands-on experience. 

All workshops are free of charge. Supplies costs are included. Additionally, travel subsidies may be available for participants to assist with transportation. 

Workshops will be held at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA. They are scheduled from February to May 2024 on a mix of weekday evenings and weekend afternoons to accommodate participants’ availability. Specific dates will be announced soon. 

Yes! Participants are welcome to attend multiple workshops, space permitting. You can explore different art forms or deepen your skills in a medium you've already tried. Space is limited and claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. 

You can email Freedom@WorkhouseArts.org or call (703) 584.2914 to contact us directly for assistance or more information. 

We are currently looking for partners to continue this program past the pilot phase. Please connect with us if you know of any groups or individuals who would be interested in work with us on this project.

The program offers standalone family workshops to provide loved ones impacted by incarceration an opportunity to create, bond, and heal together through art. 

No. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.  

Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to safely administer workshops and monitor minors. But our Family Workshops are fun and engaging for all ages – parents will enjoy the activities as much if not more than their kids.  

We’re here to help and look forward to your participation!

When you register for the workshops you are interested in, please indicate that you do not have reliable transportation to access the Workhouse campus. We will work with you to provide adequate subsidies. 

The Workhouse Arts Centers offers hundreds of arts classes of the course of the year, taught by professional artist instructors. The instructors for this program are seasoned art teachers with decades of combined experience in working with students. Each workshop description lists the instructor. 

For inquiries or updates, please contact: 

📧 Email: Freedom@WorkhouseArts.org 
📞 Phone: (703) 584.2914 
🌐 Website: WorkhouseArts.org/Freedom 

We’re here to help and look forward to your participation!