If not then you are missing your chance to be impressed by the transformation of the former prison site in Lorton VA.   For over 100 years Lorton was an area that most residents of Northern Virginia went out of their way to avoid, especially at night.  The prison site was eerie and the two lane road past the prison was dark.    

Now on Friday nights you can stop in for a flame working demonstration by renowned artist, dance a little cha-cha-cha with a Latin band or enjoy an art show while sipping a glass of wine.  Want to learn how to fuse glass?  Looking to expand your digital photographer skills?  Then you can sign up for weekend courses geared towards your current skill levels. 

The winter 2009 course catalog has 32 pages of courses you can take!   

The old prison buildings have been transformed into artist's studios, workshops space and exhibit halls.   The Gallery building is also available for special events and can be rented by the public.  More buildings including the barn left from the days when the prison was a working farm are still to be renovated and will make the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center even more impressive than it already is.

From the Women Suffragists imprisoned in 1917, Nike Missile Base in the 1950's and some famous prisoners including Norman Mailer, the prison has seen its share of changes.  This last change is the one that has made this former prison the jewel of the Lorton area and one that is welcomed by everyone.