The Workhouse Arts Center has been operating in the red since it opened in 2008. The former home of the Lorton prison looks like it has it all - a beautiful and historic location, a quad for outdoor events and more than a dozen renovated buildings for artist studios, galleries, receptions and concerts. So, what's the problem?
Take our Patch Poll below and tell us your thoughts in the comments box!
"We have been operating at a loss," said Workhouse Executive Director John Mason in a previous interview with Patch. "How can we do that? You move some money around to cover your immediate expenses, and, at the end of the year, the negative balance gets carried to the next year. At some point, you run out of opportunities to plug holes..."
The Workhouse hosts monthly art exhibitions, music concerts, the Clifton Film Festival, summer camp and cooking classes.
But, the arts center revenue was $500,000 in the red in 2010, a drop from revenue of $2.75 million in 2009, according to the nonprofit's most recent tax documents. The arts center took in $1.44 million in contributions and grants in 2010, versus $1.25 million in 2009.
Developments
Plans are underway to open the 900-person capacity Workhouse Events Center, which will create rental opportunities for weddings, corporate events and meetings.
The Workhouse is also developing a partnership with George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College to conduct art classes on campus.
You Tell Us
Melissa U.
2:43 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Everyone in Lorton knows the workhouse is there- you cant miss it. There needs to be a much bigger variety of events offered to the neighborhood. Especially family oriented events. Families are ALWAYS looking for fun things to do with their kids.
I dont think a film festival or a restaurant would help significantly. Studio space of course would be nice for artists but I think it should be a gift to students not a way to make money.
John Gascot
10:12 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
As a full-time Workhouse studio artist, I can confirm James' point. On a regular basis (more than once a week) we get the "I drive by this all the time and had no idea..." speech. In addition I would point out that while family oriented events are wonderful and an important part of an arts center, unfortunately I've not seen that they regularly translate into art sales. The Workhouse is often promoted as a "great FREE family outing" and that it certainly is. But we need to keep in mind that the majority of campus is made up of artist studios. 30% of art sales help the Workhouse make revenue and 70% help the artists be able to pay our studio rents, which is also necessary to make the complex succeed.
James Cullum
2:51 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Thanks for your thoughts, Melissa. Sadly, I meet people all the time from Lorton who have never heard of the Workhouse, or have at least never been there.
Dana Evans
3:01 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
I think they need a restaurant- STAT! Nothing brings people into a place like food does. The more options, the better. IMHO that should've been the first thing they built out. Even having food franchises (sandwich shop, ice cream, etc...) leasing space would be good.
margaret tenenbaum
3:10 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
The Work House is a great idea. There does need to be a variety of food available and more events. It needs to be a fun place with a variety of events and more to do within walking distance!
James Cullum
3:58 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
How about a food fair (in addition to the Thursday Farmer's Market) with vendors from area restaurants up and down the quad?
Dana Evans
4:26 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
I'm not sure the food fair would be enough- I think it would have to be something that could bring people in 7 days a week. People would need to know it's there in order to say, "Let's have lunch at the Workhouse today and then walk around the studios". I taught at the Workhouse for 2 years and many complained there was no food for the resident artists or their patrons. Current artists complain there's not enough traffic. So, having a regular food establishment would bring in the community on a regular basis, which is what the Workhouse needs- more traffic. In the end, the Workhouse has to offer something for everyone in the community every day of the week in order to be financially viable. Food can bring them in for sure, but there has to be more to keep them there and to keep them coming back.
James Cullum
4:33 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Keep them coming back - that's the trick. Thanks, Dana!
Suzanne Cesari
9:09 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Besides a restaurant, a coffee shop and maybe a bookstore too.
James Cullum
9:58 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
I like the idea of a bookstore/coffeshop/hat store. You can call it "The Brim and Brew".
RME KRNL
3:04 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
I like that. Clever. Although I would suggest "The Book, Brim and Brew." Sounds kind of Harry Potter-ish, doesn't it?
I also think a mix of small restaurants and boutique shops would be good. That would make The Workhouse a food and shopping, as well as a cultural, destination and the rent/percentage of restaurant profits would add to its coffers. Maybe something like quaint, little restaurants and shops, interspersed between art studios, around the quad, all under a peristyle, loggia or arcade.
I don't know to what extent the history/museum aspect of The Workhouse has been developed, but that could perhaps be expanded as a tourist attraction of its own. Of course, that would entail more capital investment.
Some more regional advertising is needed, too. I think The Workhouse should be a regional draw for tourists to the area, along with the Town of Occoquan and Occoquan Park.
NICK
10:37 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Hockey Rink!
NICK
10:37 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Hockey Rink!!!
James Cullum
11:37 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Hockey Rink!
Karen
8:31 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
They need more signs on I95 and to advertise in other ways, perhaps the local papers for Alexandria, Falls Church, etc.. My friends out of the area do not know about the Workhouse. I don't think a full service restaurant would make it there without the support of more business traffic but the idea of smaller food options would help, similar to the ones in Occoquan. I wonder what happened to the idea of the outdoor amphitheatre that was going to be developed behind the Workhouse? If there is ever enough found money to turn that into a music venue similar to Wolf Trap that would be a big draw. I can dream!
P. Bentley
9:31 pm on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
I am with you! My friends and neighbors have always thought the "Wolf Trap" model would be absolutely incredible at the Workhouse.
Paula
10:11 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Advertisitng is the key. Many people don't know the work house exists and those that do don't know what it has to offer. When my daughter began taking art classes, it never entered my mind that the work house might offer classes. With that said, I have since looked into the class offerings and sadly the only one available for her age/grade is during the week at 4:30pm. That doesn't quite fit into the schedule of a single full-time working parent.
Bonnie
10:30 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Karen, I'm with you on that. I was very excited about having a Wolf Trap nearby with big name acts. Mount Vernon Nights is a start, but that really is a family draw for an hour a week. Whatever restaurant comes there, I hope it is interesting enough to draw the public and reasonable enough to feed the artists; they've waited a long time for a place to eat.
H.K.Anne
11:17 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
The Workhouse Arts Center can be a moneymaker if art patrons would purchase artworks. Lorton Arts Foundation receives thirty percent commission on each transaction. There are boutiques in each Studio Building. Paintings, prints, drawings, collages, jewelry, fiber art, ceramic and glass works produced by internationally and nationally known artists are all available for purchase.
Small works suitable for personal gifts can be purchased. If patrons are decorating their homes, every size canvas can be had. Be a collector! If new to collecting, go with your gut. If you like it now, you will always like it. A wonderful piece of art brings energy into a space, starts a conversation, breathes life into a room. If you have any questions, ask one of the studio artists.
Want to take a break while visting the studios? W-16 offers refreshments. Need a music fix? Saturday nights at 7PM on campus. Comedy relief? Check the schedule. View the artists' latest work? Second Saturday opening 6PM-9PM. House guests? Bring them by to purchase a souvenir of their visit. Need a museum fix? Visit the Studio Building Artists and special exhibits in McGuireWoods Gallery.
Parking is convenient. Do not have to fight the city traffic.
It is all here now. Come and enjoy!
H.K.Anne
Workhouse Arts Center
Building 5
Studio 512
www.workhousearts.org/helenanne
Gabriella Nuñez
2:05 pm on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
I wanted to vote for two options but was only allowed to pic one, so I chose other and decided to comment the correct answers:
1) Open a restaurant, (with a liquor license) featuring chefs who teach cooking classes!
2) Add signage EVERYWHERE, but especially on the interstate.
other ideas include PARTICIPATE with Lorton Station Town Center (I've been there TRYING to get y'all to do our art show and I've only heard back from FOUR ARTISTS!!!!) The convention center is a great idea and should draw a lot of traffic. GET OUT THERE AND PROMOTE/ NETWORK ON YOUR OWN TIME!!!! Lorton Station Town Center has SO MANY EVENTS and nobody from WAC EVER comes to reach out to the community. Working with Mason and NOVA should be good for traffic too. I also like Second Saturday events, but y'all should host them EVERY second saturday (twice a month) not just ONLY on the second sat of each month.
Audrey Schuster
3:34 pm on Friday, August 10, 2012
We have a culinary teacher and once a month, couples come to learn how to make specific dishes and then eat them. Check our class catalog for info. Also there are children's pottery classes given here.
Annmarie Wilmeth
7:42 pm on Wednesday, August 8, 2012
There is a paragraph in your article I do not understand: "But, the arts center revenue was $500,000 in the red in 2010, a drop from revenue of $2.75 million in 2009, according to the nonprofit's most recent tax documents. The arts center took in $1.44 million in contributions and grants in 2010, versus $1.25 million in 2009." It would seem, from your last sentence, that they are increasing their $ from fundraising? I live in Lorton and do not recall EVER receiving an annual fund request....I would happily support the Arts Center as one of my local charities if someone would ask. I bet others would do so, as well. Thank you!
John Mason
10:52 am on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Lots of good comments. Thought it might be helpful if I provided follow-up to suggestions.
With respect to highway signage. High priority! Currently working with VDOT to get signage on I-95; will follow up with signage for primary roads. We have to pay for manufacture and installation of all highway signs (range may be $5,000 - $10,000 each), so can't do all at once.
Film festival. We've now experienced considerable success with Clifton Film Festival being hosted on campus. Can build on this.
Scholarships. We've begun fundraising for a scholarship program. Initial stage will be for summer camp youngsters. Would appreciate help in this initiative.
Restaurant. Another top priority. Our site plan allows for use of one of our buildings (W-13 which backs up to Ox Road) and two "pads" (meaning 2 locations that may be built out for restaurants. We are seeking investors and/or restauranteurs who would be interested in sites.
John Mason, CEO
Lorton Arts Foundation, Inc.
John Gascot
10:17 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Excited to hear that signage on 95 is on the works!
James Cullum
12:15 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Thanks for your comments, Mr. Mason. It is the hope of many, including yourself, that the Workhouse exceed it's artistic and financial potential. Is there a timeline for any of these developments?
John Mason
4:43 pm on Friday, August 10, 2012
Highway signage. Hopefully I-95 signs within 3 - 4 months; primary roads probably longer. Once designs agreed, the challenge will be fundraising for them
Film festival. I'll invite Joey Wallen, our Director of Performing Arts to respond.
Scholarships. Have begun initiative. Again, fundraising needed.
Restaurant. Priority is one for W-13. When we get a lease, it's probably a year for renovations.
John Mason