Strange Happenings at the Workhouse

The historic Workhouse Arts Center seems to have visitors from the prehistoric past.

This morning, staffers opened Building W-17 to find an unusual discovery: a nest of dinosaur eggs in the corner of a dark, unused building. The 11 eggs, roughly the size of footballs, were burrowed in a nest of scarves that have recently been on display at the studio.

 “At first, I couldn’t believe the pile of scarves was just sitting on the floor. Then, I couldn’t believe what was in them,” said Brad Hodson, Director of Operations at the Workhouse who made the discovery. “Really, is this the Workhouse or Jurassic Park?”

While the eggs remained intact, Hodson said there was definitely movement inside the nest, indicating that some babies might be prepared to hatch their way into the world. He decided it best to let sleeping dogs – or dinos – lie.  

“No way I’m touching those things,” Hodson said.  “Where there are eggs, there’s got to be a mother.”

Indeed, Workhouse artists and staff have seen strange clues that indicate Mama Velociraptor isn’t far behind. Her presence has been noted in some pretty unusual ways.

“I was sitting in my office, and suddenly, I heard some kind of animal’s roar,” said Brett John Johnson, Director of Visual Arts. “Not like a lion’s roar, but more of a screech. I also saw a shadow outside my window, but by the time I got up to check it out, the noises had stopped and the shadow was gone. Then I remembered hearing about the eggs in Building W-17. Who would have thought we’d have dinosaurs around here?”

The Workhouse Quad has also taken a bit of damage with large, clawed footprints littering the campus lawn. Rough estimates state that the footprints are at least 10 feet long, which has left preparations for the Workhouse’s upcoming season in limbo.

“Totally bad timing,” said Julie Booth, Director of Community Relations. “We’re getting ready for the summer, which is the busiest time of the year for us. Now, the Quad is in terrible shape. How are we supposed to host our Summer Arts Party on the Quad or Fireworks at the Workhouse with giant dinosaur footprints all over the place?”

But between the eggs, giant footprints and strange sounds, the Workhouse staff has tried to keep a sense of humor about things. If you’ve seen or heard anything strange around here, leave us your comments!

THIS WEEK AT THE WORKHOUSE

• Asian Art & Culture Day at the Workhouse, National Cherry Blossom Festival 2013, Campus-wide on April 6, 11am-4pm, FREE!
• Ephemeral: Interpretations of the Cherry Blossom, March 2 – April 7 in the McGuireWoods Gallery.
• The Art of Surviving, March 6-April 7 in the Vulcan Gallery.
• Incarceration: Visions of Confinement, March 16-April 7 in the McGuireWoods Gallery.
• Workhouse Farmers Market, every Thursday 3-6pm on the Workhouse Quad.
• Dinner & A Movie Night: Rear Window, April 5 at 8pm in the W-3 Theatre.
• Cabaret Series at the Workhouse: “Make ‘em Laugh!” on April 6 at 8pm & April 7 at 1pm in the W-3 Theatre.
• Cinderella: The True Story, Children’s Theater on Saturdays at 1pm, March 30-April 27 in the W-3 Theatre.
• April exhibitions in all seven studio buildings, Vulcan Gallery.
• Workhouse Prison Museum in Building W-9.

Stop by and visit us! 

The Workhouse is open Wednesday – Saturday from 11am – 7pm and Sundays from 12 – 5pm.  TheWorkhouse Prison Museum is open Wednesday – Friday from 12 – 3pm and Saturday – Sunday from 12 – 4pm.  Visit www.WorkhouseArts.org for more information, to purchase tickets or to register for classes.