Nothing shows the spirit of a region better than the art it creates.
Torpedo Factory
What used to be, literally, an old torpedo factory is the centerpiece of Northern Virginia’s art scene. In 1974 the refurbished factory opened as an art center, and today it houses 165 area artists working out of 82 studios. Stop in and see the artists at work on a daily basis, or take in one of the many exhibits happening year-round.
Workhouse Arts Center
At the turn of the century, this campus in Lorton was deemed a great location for a prison and even housed members of the National Woman’s Party movement in 1917. Now it is a campus for the arts hosting work studios, productions and workshops with more than 100 artists in the center.
The Candy Factory
Founded in 1984 by a group of artists, The Candy Factory provides a spot for suburban artists to show off their work through its gallery, theater and classrooms in the three-level building, and it also hosts an Arts on the Go program where mobile interactive exhibits are brought into classrooms to engage students.
Greater Reston Arts Center
Contemporary art is the focus of this gallery set in Reston Town Center. The light-filled space showcases work from regional artists and hosts multiple educational programs for the community. Its reach even extends beyond its walls into the public spaces throughout the town center.
Gallery Underground
What lies beneath the streets of a city is not something many want to explore, but traverse the corridors under Crystal City and you’ll walk away with an appreciation for the local arts scene. Gallery Underground holds monthly exhibits that feature regional artists and highlight a range of mediums, such as sculpture, painting and fiber arts.
National Sporting Library & Museum
Middleburg is hunt country, so it’s not surprising one of the town’s crown jewels of art focuses on sporting and equestrian life. The 6-acre campus houses a research library and a fine art museum focusing on the history and traditions of angling, horsemanship, shooting, steeplechasing, foxhunting, polo and more.
