Tennessee Loveless is an outsider.
Born severely colorblind, Loveless worked relentlessly as an artist despite failing out of art school. With no formal training, he was let down dozens of times before he his work was noticed.
Now he’s partnered with Disney and has a new collection called “Art Outsiders” on display at the ArtInsights gallery in Reston Town Center (11921 Freedom Drive), created with the collaboration of ArtInsights owner Leslie Combemale.
Both Combemale and Loveless will be at French bistro Mon Ami Gabi (11950 Democracy Drive) Tuesday at 6 p.m. for an evening of food, wine and art discussion. The Art Outsiders collection will be on display and the two will discuss the creative process behind the development of the project.
The evening will begin with a welcome reception, followed by a selection of hors d’oeuvres. In addition, attendees will be served a five-course meal paired with a boutique wine selection. Food includes a crispy goat cheese salad and charred bison rib-eye. The full menu can be found here.
“Art Outsiders”  is a collection of abstract portraits of various figures that all have one thing in common. Everyone depicted in Loveless’s collection was an outsider in their field of work, a reflection of Loveless’s own story. These portraits are people in the fields of science, art, music and beyond and each work of art displays a narrative of history, courage and perseverance. . Some notable figures include Vincent Van Gogh, David Bowie and Andy Warhol.
Tickets for the event are $75 and must be purchased in advance by calling 703-707-0233.
Image of Tennessee Loveless artwork
Reston Town Center restaurants are vying to woo customers back now that parking rules have changed.
Starting today, parking in Reston Town Center is free for an hour before 5 p.m. and completely free all evening after 5 p.m. Patrons still have to pay a minimum of $2 for any time spent over an hour in the garages before 5 p.m.
In celebration of the new parking deal, at least two Reston Town Center restaurants are offering specials tonight.
Seafood restaurant PassionFish (11960 Democracy Drive) is hosting a “Parking Repeal Party” tonight in their bar/lounge, according to post on their Twitter account.
Join us TODAY for a #ParkingRepealParty in the bar/lounge! Extended Happy Hour 3-9p w/ $5 specials! Parking now FREE after 5 M-F & wkends! pic.twitter.com/JHrSOR4IsA
— PassionFish Reston (@PassionFishRest) June 5, 2017
“PassionFish has always offered parking validation, but is pleased that its fellow businesses will have the same advantages and that guests can visit more easily,” said Simoneink senior accounting director Meg Malloy, who works with PassionFish.
In addition, according to a Facebook post by French bistro Mon Ami Gabi (11950 Democracy Drive), the restaurant will have a special dinner menu item this week “to celebrate the return of free parking.”
A home on Dosinia Court was damaged by fire over the weekend.
A dozen units from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the residence at 2288 Dosinia Court at about 4:30 a.m. Saturday. According to Bill Delaney, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue public information officer, the fire started in the attached garage and stayed mostly contained.
Delaney said the fire was ruled accidental, caused by a hot oil spill after cooking in the garage with a propane burner.
“This is the kind of call we normally get around Thanksgiving, when people use turkey fryers,” Delaney said. “But it’s also possible year-round.”
All of the occupants had safely left the house by the time units arrived. One person was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries, Delaney said. Red Cross assistance was offered to the occupants, but it was declined.
There is a sign posted on the front of the house warning that it is unsafe to enter.
Photos by Dave Emke
Fairfax Closures for Memorial Day Weekend — Fairfax County government offices will be closed this weekend through Monday, as will libraries, schools and animal shelters. Public transit, trash pickup, recycling centers and recreation centers will all operate on a normal schedule. [Fairfax County]
Free RECenter Admission for Veterans on Memorial Day —Â Fairfax County Park Authority will honor former veterans and those in active duty Monday with free access to RECenters and lakefront parks. [Fairfax County]
Appian Now Open for Stock Trade — Trading on NASDAQ has begun for Appian, a Reston-based group that provides cloud-based business process management software solutions. Managed by Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs & Co., stock is available for $12 a share and the trade will be open until May 31. Appain has approximately 280 customers and will use the money raised to pay off loans and expansion expenses. [Washington Business Journal]
Scrawl Books Morning Story Time — Â Scrawl Books in Reston Town Center will have its weekly story time at 10:30 a.m. today. [Reston Town Center]
Metro’s Silver Line Will Get 7000 Series Railcars — Starting around June 25, the Silver Line will have two new 7000 Series trains added on weekdays to provide additional capacity. All previous trains have been the older versions that only feature six railcars, while the 7000 Series has eight. The cars are funded by the Metro Washington Airports Authority. [NBC Washington]
