Lorton Art Program

The primary mission of the Lorton Art Program (LAP) is to reach incarcerated men and women in the Washington, DC prison system by means of arts instruction and community outreach. LAP also works with participants following their release to assist them with continued art related experiences and exhibition opportunities. LAP classes serve to enhance skill development, artistic expression, initiative and the development of self-confidence and positive attitudes, which in turn support inmate re-connection to the community through training, exhibitions and promotion of artwork through the LAP Web site and other media.

Currently LAP maintains a class program of approximately 600 students a year, including women, participants who are soon to be released from prison, inmates who are in the mental health unit, and those who are in the substance abuse unit.

LAP maintains important links with the community and former students, their families and local businesses through art exhibits and city events. The Lorton Art Program has exhibited participant artwork in over 20 gallery spaces, embassies, community centers, hospitals, church organizations and special events.

In 2007, LAP Director Mia Choumenkovitch was honored for her work with a Mayor’s Art Award in Washington, DC, and she has also been named as a Washingtonian of the Year by Washingtonian Magazine. The LAP is currently supported in part with grants from the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, foundations such as the Puffin Foundation, private organizations and individuals.