A different kind of food bank is collecting donations in Lorton. Workhouse Arts Center artists Mary Gallagher Stout and John Gascot have an empty kitchen in the main gallery of building 4, and they intend to fill it with donated non-perishable food by the end of February. The donations for the "Have A Heart Project" will be sent to Food For Others, the largest distributor of food in Northern Virginia. 

"Food is so much a part of our celebration of life and celebration of community," said Stout. "Look at weddings, funerals, graduations, birthdays - we want to make that connection artistically. And, we're also challenging the community to help us fill this empty kitchen." 

The opening reception for the "the Have A Heart Project" will be held at Building 4 on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 6-9 p.m. Workhouse artists Stout, Gascot, Annie Gedicks, Lynn Goldstein and Joan Yi will present their food-inspired paintings. The food at the gallery will be cooked live by Yi, who will make bibimap, a healthy mixed Korean dish. 

"It's very easy to make a difference," said Gascot, who, along with Stout, has donated hundreds of dollars worth of food into the project. "The solution is simple when approached collectively - it's about the community."

So, want to add to a piece of art and fill the kitchen? Visitors are encouraged to donate canned or non-perishable food items Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m.