This past fall, 100 artists moved into their new studio space in Lorton, Virginia, in what was once a prison facility. Originally commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt at the beginning of the 20th Century, the site was designed as a workhouse for Washington D.C.'s nonviolent criminals. Roosevelt’s progressive-era vision was to provide prisoners with fresh air, natural light and structured, purposeful work as the basis for their rehabilitation. Some of the facility's most notable residents included approximately 168 women, most from the National Women's Party—including co-founder Lucy Burns, who were incarcerated for picketing in front of the White House for women’s voting rights.

Today, the 30-building prison has been transormed into a wide-ranging arts community. In addition to the artists' studios, the Workhouse Arts Center features gallery exhibitions, classes, workshops and performances. Artists working in the new center were selected by jury, and must commit to 100 hours per month in their studios, which are open to the public daily.