Workhouse Arts Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

This Saturday the Workhouse Arts Center celebrates its second anniversary with a full slate of activities that provide a snapshot of the cultural landscapes that unfold on its campus on a regular basis. And the best part about it  is that it's all free. (See the schedule here.)

Anniversaries, whether for two years or 200, are a time to take stock of the years past and the years ahead. What has taken place at Workhouse in a short period of time—the physical and logistic efforts of housing approximately 150 artists, offering classes across the spectrum of artistic endeavor, the presentation of first-rate performing artists—is nothing short of remarkable.

Passersby on Route 123 (Ox Road) might look at the more than three dozen buildings and think that the property was once hosted a college campus or perhaps religious institution. Of course, as longtime residents of Lorton know, it was the home of a prison. One of the keys to Workhouse's success is the way it has acknowledged—and integrated—the past as an essential component of its presentation to the public.

But even more than what may appear on a historical marker or even on a canvas or a stage, what makes Workhouse magical is something intangible. A visitor who spends even a small amount of time on the Workhouse campus cannot help but notice the energy and shared sense of purpose in its halls and rooms.

As Community Relations Director, Julie Booth most often deals with school groups. Her contagious enthusiasm for Workhouse must have a profound impact on students who are considering the arts as a career. When she was approached about joining Workhouse in June 2008, it was a few months before it opened its doors and at a time when success was not yet a certainty.

"It was an easy decision for me. I had a personal love for the arts and there was also a 'wow' factor," Booth says. "The first time I came here, I thought, 'This is something I have to be a part of.'"

Rick Sherbert was an established glassmaker long before Workhouse was even in the planning stages. He moved to Fairfax County when he was 20 and built his reputation as an artist. He got on the Workhouse bandwagon early on.

"There is really a sense of community here," Sherbert says. "In the beginning, there was a feeling of all hands on deck to do whatever we need to. And it hasn't ever gone away."

Sherbert, Director of Glass Programs, proudly gives a visitor a tour of his building, delighted about how it has matured. But he's also energized about the technology that is on its way to his department as part of the next phase of development at Workhouse.

Like Sherbert, Joey Wallen is excited about what's to come at Workhouse as he is about what has already happened. Officially, what's to come is known as Phase 2. As the man in charge of the Workhouse Film Institute has been waiting his turn as the Performing Arts will complete the triumvirate of Visual Arts and Arts Education at Workhouse. The most intriguing aspect of Phase 2 is the installation of a Performing Arts Stage and space for live theatre. It's a measure of the sense of fellowship at Workhouse that Wallen had no problem waiting his turn.

"It's been fascinating for me to help out wherever I can," Wallen says. "I've been able to watch (Workhouse) develop an identity. And when the performing arts get underway that will just continue."

The Workhouse Arts Center could serve as a template for land and building re-use.  When the Lorton Reformatory was built a century ago, the planners and workers could scarcely have imagined that the blueprints they drew and the bricks they laid would be home to a world-class cultural community. Now, it seems as if the buildings were constructed for that very purpose.

Time

Event

Location

11am-7pm

Artist Demos Stroll through the Workhouse Quad and enjoy visual & culinary arts demos from a variety of Workhouse Artists.

Workhouse Quad and Building W-11

11am-2pm

Papermaking Ornaments with Kid Zone Instructor, Anne Cox.  Learn the pour method of papermaking ornaments using shaped deckles. 

Kid Zone on the Workhouse Quad

11am-3pm

Animation Demos with Animation Instructor, Joey Wallen.  View animation demos and "how-to's".

Media Lab in Building W-11

12:15-12:45pm

Ballet Body with Dance and Pilates Instructor, Michelle Logsdon.     Designed for the non-dancer, Ballet Body fuses training techniques from dance, Pilates, and fitness creating a dynamic movement.  Helps develop core strength and flexibility while feeling invigorated and having fun!

Building W-11

1-1:30pm

"So We Know You can Dance!" Ages 3-5 years with Dance Instructor, Meg Winstead. This class is a fun and exciting introduction to dance for young children!  Children will have fun learning basic dance skills, stretching, and positions through interactive dance games.  Kids, get ready to move!! 

Building W-11

1:30-2:30pm

"So We Know You can Dance!" Ages 6-8 years with Dance Instructor, Meg Winstead.

Building W-11

2-2:30pm

Hula Dance with Hula Instructor Kumu Cherry  Nutting     Escape to Hawaii and experience the beautiful movement of Hula Dance.  oy Hula Dance, the heart and voice of Hawaiian culture!  All ages are welcome!! 

Building W-11

2-4pm

Doll Making with Kid Zone Instructor, Anne Cox.  Make a hand-made doll, either Egyptian rag doll or tassel art doll. 

Kid Zone on the Workhouse Quad

2:30-3:30pm

Tea with the Curator of the Centennial Exhibition at the Workhouse Arts Center...visit the exhibition with Sharon Mason, President and CEO of the Lorton Arts Foundation.  As curator, Mason blended the artwork and graffiti painted by inmates on the walls of the former prison; with original artwork created by the artists working on site today. 

Gallery W-16, Second Floor

3-3:30pm

American Ballroom Dance with Dance Instructor Bobbie Brennan.   Social dancing for beginners of all ages and levels!  Have fun and enjoy the music while learning a few moves that will leave you dancing!! 

Building W-11

4-6pm

Puppet Making with Kid Zone Instructor, Anne Cox.  Make a hand-made puppet, either a miniature marionette or a classic paper bag puppet.

Kid Zone on the Workhouse Quad

4pm

Idle Time Band

Made up with the talents of Jim Gahres (keyboards/vocals), Dale Ray (bass/vocals), Ken Giese (Guitar/vocals), Bruce Navarro (drims/vocals), the group will have Danielle Westphal joining them as a guest vocalist. The band has been playing its style of Citified Country Rock in the Washington DC metropolitan area since 1999, playing original country and rock songs, with a blend of their favorite new and old covers.

Performance Tent

5:30pm

Backyard Blues Band

Comprised of Jim Greene, Dale Ray, Jim Gahres, Dan Yager, George Carlo; front row--Bruce Navarro, Ray Bender). They have been rocking the DC area in classic form for over 25 years giving its audiences what they came to hear--driving and soulful classic rock and blues.

Performance Tent