Art: Drawing a Crowd
By Lavanya Ramanathan
Friday, December 21, 2007; Page C11

"Call it the Art Basel effect. Ever since the massive art show concluded in Miami Beach nearly two weeks ago and the flock returned home, there is a palpable energy in Washington focused on art and artists.Maybe it's just a diversion from the holiday commercialism. Perhaps it won't last beyond the New Year. But right now, art feels . . . hot

Hundreds of beautiful people poured into Art Whino in Alexandria last weekend for the opening of the Justin Lovato solo show. (If you haven't been, go Jan. 18 for the next reception. With its late-night bashes and DJs, the gallery is helping that town live up to its "Fun Side of the Potomac" motto.) Lovato, a mere 21, also painted the walls of the space that holds his works, creatively setting off his downtrodden, roly-poly figures in complex, surreal worlds. Check it out Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. 717 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria."