2nd Saturday Open House &
Art Walk
at Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton VA
May 9th 2026 I 6-9PM
FREE ADMISSION
A Night of
Art, Artists & Adventure
As the New Year fills the air with creativity, the Workhouse campus comes alive for Second Saturday! Meet artists in their studios, explore vibrant galleries, shop local art, and enjoy food, drinks, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or just out for a night of fun—there’s something here for everyone.
Free Fun Activities
Meet 70+ Artists Across Campus!
6:00–9:00 PM | 📍W-5 - W-10
Connect with artists in their studios and explore new gallery exhibitions. Featured artists receptions, hands-on art-making, and live demonstrations happening across buildings W5–W10.
Fee-Based Activities
Masterpiece Mini-Golf
6:00–9:00 PM | 📍W-16 for admission, Center of campus to play!
Come play a round of mini golf on a one-of-a-kind course! Each hole was designed by artists right here on the Workhouse campus. With educational tidbits, interactive installations, and a whole lot of artistic flair, Masterpiece Mini-Golf is where art history takes a playful spin.
More Activities
Artists in Action
6:00–9:00 PM | 📍W-5 to W-10 Studios
See Workhouse artists in action! Explore fresh art in our galleries, chat with the makers, and even take home an original piece — it’s art you can watch, love, and buy!
Artisan Shopping
6:00–9:00 PM | 📍W-5 to W-10 & W-16 Gallery Shop
Discover one-of-a-kind, handcrafted art, jewelry, and home décor — perfect gifts or seasonal refreshes for your space. Shop directly from local artists and support the creative community!
Scenic Photo Ops
All Evening | 📍Across Campus
Snap a pic by the iconic LOVE sign and uncover other picturesque backdrops throughout the Workhouse grounds. It’s the perfect night for a frame-worthy photo!
Food Trucks & Craft Beverages
4:00–9:00 PM | 📍Rizer Pavilion & McGuire Woods Gallery
Grab a beer, wine, or cocktail from one of our bars and toast to a night of art and culture!
📍**[View the Campus Map]** to find exhibits, studios, and all the must-see spots across the Workhouse!
2026 WORKHOUSE BALL
A SPRINGTIME CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS
Saturday, May 9th, 2026, 5:30PM - 10:00PM
Met-Gala Inspired Dress
The
SpongeBob Musical
Saturday, May 9th 8:00PM - 10:00PM
Showing: May 8th - June 14th
Workhouse Arts Center, Theater in Building 3
THIS MONTHS FEATURED ARTISTS
Click below to check out our campus featured artists!
Opening Receptions: May 9th, 2026 Saturday 6 - 9pm
FAQs
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No ticket is required! The Open House at Workhouse Arts Center is free and open to all. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at event bars, W16 Café, and food trucks.
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Pets are allowed in outdoor spaces throughout the Workhouse Arts Center and the festival area.
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The best way to get to the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA, depends on your mode of transportation:
By Car: Easily accessible from I-95, take Exit 163 (Lorton Road) and follow signs to 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA 22079. Free parking is available on-site.
By Public Transit: Take the VRE (Virginia Railway Express) to Lorton Station, then use a taxi or rideshare service for a short 10-minute drive to the center.
By Bus: Fairfax Connector Route 371 & 373 provide service near the area. Check Fairfax Connector schedules for details.
For more visitor information, including directions, parking, and accessibility, visit Workhouse Arts Center Visitor Information 📍 Map to Workhouse Arts Center: View on Google Maps
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A few sprinkles can’t keep us down. Unless the weather poses a hazard, the event will happen rain or shine.
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Public restrooms are located throughout The Workhouse Arts Center.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
What’s Happening in Each Building on Campus
W5
Building W-5 at the Workhouse Arts Center is home to a dynamic group of 15 artists, each bringing a unique voice and vision to their craft. Visitors to W-5 will find a rich and diverse blend of artistic disciplines, from traditional painting to contemporary mixed media. The studios feature work in encaustic and mixed media, acrylic combined with colored pencil, and expressive watercolor and collage compositions.
W6
Building W-6 is housing 14 artists who work across an diverse range of mediums. This building offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of traditional techniques and contemporary approaches. Inside, you’ll find artists working in mixed media, acrylic painting, and oil painting, as well as watercolor and figure drawing, capturing the human form with expressive detail. Fiber arts are also prominently featured, specializing in batik, weaving, and quilting—each bringing texture, color, and storytelling to their work through fabric and thread.
W7
Building W-7, affectionately known as the Glasshouse, is home to 11 exceptional glass artists who bring extraordinary craftsmanship and creativity to this specialized medium. Visitors entering the Glasshouse will find themselves immersed in the luminous world of glass art, where fire, heat, and imagination transform raw materials into breathtaking works. Artists in W-7 work primarily in torchworked and fused glass, each with their own distinctive style and technique.
W8
Building W-8, the Ceramics building at Workhouse Arts Center, is home to four talented potters who work in a variety of ceramic techniques. Visitors will find a space rich in tradition and creativity, where clay is transformed into functional and sculptural art. Artists specialize in wheel-thrown pottery, hand-built ceramics, and firing methods like Raku, known for its crackled glazes. The studio also features work with crystal glazes, creating stunning crystalline patterns during firing. Each piece reflects the skill and experimentation that define ceramic artistry. Visitors are invited to explore the studio, meet the artists, and learn about the fascinating processes behind each creation.
W9
Building W-9, known as The Arches, offers a unique experience at the Workhouse Arts Center. Unlike other buildings that feature full-time resident artists, The Arches houses a rotating group of 15 artists—a collective of accomplished creatives who are selected to exhibit and work in the space for shorter-term residencies. This ever-changing dynamic makes The Arches a vibrant and evolving destination for art lovers. Visitors will find expressive paintings, inventive mixed media works, and compelling photography—including nature and infrared photography that explore light, texture, and storytelling in fresh ways.
