Art of Movement at the Workhouse

Aug 2022

This feels like a well kept secret, since I could freely browse many galleries to myself on a Sunday afternoon with little to no competition for foot traffic or viewing angles in galleries and studios, unlike what may happen at a downtown location like Torpedo Arts Factory on a Sunday. The structure seems confusing and closed off at first. No entrances available directly from parking lots other than walkways between buildings to the inner courtyard, where covered walkways and porticos with sandwich boards and little lit open signs in windows invite you to step inside and explore more. There is an organization to it all- by building numbers labeled on white squares with black numbers seen across from the courtyard and on each studio door, but on a first visit, give yourself 1-2hrs to simply explore. I actually came twice in the same weekend. First for a Saturday evening free concert with the Los Teximaniacs under the tent and on the lawn of the courtyard, and then the next day to browse the open galleries and Lucy Burns Museum, which also happened to be another music event for an acoustic duo that was ticketed and happening above one of the larger galleries. It's an easy place to be on a rainy day, wandering in and out of studios for visual sparks and wonderment. It feels embracing of all art levels with a combination of professionals, hobbiests, and students taking classes. A delight to explore!

Feb 2022

This double row of converted prison system buildings is now used to house artists with multiple media. It's primarily painters, and there are also buildings dedicated to glass, ceramics, jewelry, and other media. Once a month, they host an Arts Walk, staying open later and encouraging attendees to mingle with the artists. Some of the people we spoke to said they might even be resuming putting out some snacks and drinks to encourage people to shmooze. Until then, they seemed very aware of Covid protocols. We only saw one person, an attendee, who was having trouble understanding their rule to stay masked all the time. They also keep the museum open. That's one of the This was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours on a Saturday evening. Afterward, there are plenty of restaurants nearby to grab dinner. We went to the Hometown Bar and Grill and were not as impressed as we hopped. However, your luck there might be better than ours, and there are plenty of other choices for you as well.

Oct 2021

As a history nerd, I geek out about places like Workhouse Arts Center. It's a former prison redeveloped into a community for the arts. Here's what you should know before visiting: 1) History: The arts center is part of the 3,2000-acre campus of an early 20th century prison called the D.C. Workhouse and Reformatory. At the time, it opened as a model for prison reform envisioned by President Teddy Roosevelt. Over the years, it become more of a working camp with the last prisoner exiting in 2001 before it closed for good. The campus is being redeveloped into many things, but the Workhouse Arts Center was one of the first to open in the old prison in 2008. 2) Space: It's definitely set up like the old prison with several Colonial Revival brick buildings flank a large green space. Each brick building houses art galleries and centers that offer classes from ceramics to glass blowing. There's also a small museum about the prison's history and plaques outside explaining the history. 3) Art: Several of the buildings have art on them, including several murals throughout the campus. It's fun to find them all, especially the older murals. 4) Events: On top of the art classes, the arts center hosts events throughout the year. For example, during Halloween, they host a haunted house experience. If you're into history and the arts, the Workhouse Arts Center is the perfect marriage!