What’s Happening at the Workhouse Arts Center in July 2025
Looking to jump-start your summer? Look no further than the Workhouse Arts Center,
the best place for creative minds of all ages! Here's a look at our upcoming events, summer camps, classes, and exciting new exhibitions for June!
Upcoming Events
Birthday EqualiTEA
Date: July 27
Times: 2 pm - 4 pm
Lorton Prison Museum featuring the Lucy Burns Gallery is hosting an afternoon EqualiTEA to honor Lucy Burns and other the suffragists and their fight for the right to vote.
Stand Up Comedy Night
Date: July 19
Time: 7:30 pm - 9 pm
Known for his sharp wit and electric stage presence, Rahmein Mostafavi brings together a lineup of top comedic talent from across the DMV and beyond for a one-night-only special engagement that’s guaranteed to bring the house down!
Learning at Lunch: Troublemakers of the NWP
Dates: July 19 – July 21
Times: 8 pm each date
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
From Monet’s water lilies to Banksy’s graffiti walls, every twist and turn brings you face-to-face with art history’s greatest paintings—reimagined in wild, surreal, and playable form.
More Attractions on Campus
Lorton Prison Museum
91-years of prison history, including events of the women’s suffrage movement
The Lorton Prison Museum featuring the Lucy Burns Gallery, examines the 91-year history of the former Lorton Prison Complex; including the events of 1917 which changed the course of the women’s suffrage movement in the United States.
Historic Walking Tours
Curious about all of the seemingly abandoned buildings on the Workhouse campus?
Take a walking tour around campus and learn about the history of Lorton Prison through the years, as well as its transformation, with our wonderful tour guides.
Lucy Burns Gallery
Through 91 years as the District’s correctional facility (1910-1998), the Workhouse gained early visibility by holding suffragist Lucy Burns, Dora Lewis and dozens more. The treatment of the suffragists while at the Occoquan Workhouse in 1917 would play a pivotal role in the fight to pass the 19th Amendment.
Classes to Explore
Get immersed in the world of visual arts by enrolling in our wide array of classes in drawing, painting, ceramics, glass, fiber, paper, and more.
Visual Arts Classes
Explore ways to thrive through our fun and invigorating classes that include pilates, thai chi, yoga, row fit, gymnastics, sound baths, and various forms of dance.
Fitness, Dance, Mind, and Movement Classes
Voice and Music Lessons
Learn how to play piano, guitar and drums, and improve your singing voice with lessons with Jordan Kitt's - right here at the Workhouse!
WMAI Military Classes
Discover a diverse range of art classes designed for the military community, fostering creativity and connection for all.
Ceramics Classes
Learn the art of pottery and clay sculpting with hands-on classes that teach wheel-throwing, hand-building, and glazing techniques.
Freedom Classes
This pilot program, Freedom Through the Arts, is dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.
Explore the beauty of glass art with workshops in fusing, stained glass, and more, perfect for creating stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Glass Classes
Try Me Classes
Our TryMe Classes provide a fun and quick introduction to a variety of creative crafts. No prior experience required—just bring yourself!
Summer Camps to Explore
Limited 10% Off Summer Camps!!!
Summer Camp Visual Arts Track
Our Visual Arts Summer Camp provides a unique opportunity for campers to engage in fun artistic mediums such as painting, ceramics, glass, fiber and mixed medium.
Perfect for aspiring actors, comedy lovers, and kids looking to break out of their comfort zone! Step into the spotlight with hands-on acting, directing, and playwriting.
Summer Camp Theater Track
Explore Gallery Exhibitions
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.
BEYOND THE CLOUDS
BY MIKE PACHECO
Mike Pacheco seamlessly blends surreal elements with natural themes, creating imaginative and captivating scenes. His pieces often feature animated characters set within thoughtfully designed landscapes, merging fantasy with the organic world.
Explore Careers
Looking to support the Workhouse in a more hands-on way? Explore our career, internship, and volunteer opportunities! Numerous open positions are waiting to be filled with hardworking and energetic individuals.
Event Space and Rentals
Choose from versatile rental spaces, including an intimate theater, private indoor galleries, a 5,000-square-foot outdoor pavilion tent, or the expansive 64,000-square-foot Quad, all surrounded by historic architecture and artistic inspiration.
Whether you're planning a corporate retreat, a wedding, or a community gathering, Workhouse Arts Center ensures a memorable experience.
Donate to the Workhouse
Your contribution enables us to present unique and educational arts programming in Workhouse classrooms, stages, and galleries.
Support the Workhouse
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Workhouse offers exciting opportunities for companies, foundations, and individuals to support its programs and events through rewarding sponsorships.
Become a Friend
Friends of the Workhouse can access exclusive benefits, special events, and more! Explore the program’s many participation opportunities!
Visitor Information
9518 Workhouse Way Lorton, VA 22079
Workhouse Campus and Galleries
Wednesday-Saturday 11 AM – 6 PM
Sunday Noon – 5 PM
Lorton Prison Museum
June – August
Thursday-Saturday 11 am - 6 pm
Sunday Noon-5 pm
September – May
Friday-Saturday 11 am - 6 pm
Sunday Noon-5 pm
Phone
(703) 584-2900
Contact Us
Would you like to get in touch with us? Fill out this form to get any questions, inquiries, and more answered.