2 Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, in collaboration with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, provides programs for Service members, families and caregivers with the Workhouse Military in the Arts Initiative, according to Debra Balestreri, director of visual arts education. She said it is rooted in the desire to address the needs and improve lives through the arts. WMAI seeks to increase equity, access, and opportunities for veterans to participate in quality arts programming that is sensitive and responsive to their unique experiences.
“When I took it over, I re-imagined it and researched what would be necessary to bring in a mental health and therapeutic capacity,” Balestreri said.