Out of the Ashes: Eagle and Empire Reopens!

After 38 days of being closed following a six-alarm fire in the Belle View Shopping Center, Eagle and Empire has reopened! Northern Virginia area gamers and hobbyists rejoice! It’s been fully stocked and is ready for both it’s Grand Reopening and Small Business Saturday. 

Courtesy of the Eagle and Empire Facebook page.

Many thanks to all who have helped my FLGS and the shopping center’s other affected businesses during this tough time. The Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce and Belle View Merchants Association raised a total of $7,110 and the Eagle and Empire GoFundMe raised $3,400. That's a grand total of $10,510!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to make a list for my next run to Eagle and Empire!

DECEMBER 8, 2019 UPDATE 

I was in the shop today for the first time since it’s reopened and got to chatting with the owner. Apparently about half of the impacted businesses are still closed; he had pretty good insurance and was able to reopen quickly by comparison. Hopefully everyone will recover sooner rather than later. 

Exhibit Opening: "Beyond the Battlefield"

I just got back from the "Beyond the Battlefield" opening at the Lee-Fendall House in Alexandria! Overall, it was a pretty fun evening with a surprisingly good turnout. I say that because, you know, it was Halloween and all. We were worried that no one would show up!

Several of the donors were in attendance and, despite the diorama being incomplete, seemed to enjoy the display. Everyone was very kind and understanding about it. This relieved a lot of my anxiety.

And now, here are some photos from the event taken by my girlfriend Teresa, who also happens to be the other curatorial assistant for "Beyond the Battlefield."  

People gather in the exhibit room.

Myself and the exhibition curator, Kyle, address the crowd.

A view of the diorama as it appeared this evening.

Kyle shows off a reproduction hospital bottle.

Did someone call for a Doctor? Eh...Doctor Who?

Funny thing about that last photo...I totally forgot to remove the Sixth Doctor before the presentation started. What's funnier is that I don't think anyone really noticed he was there.

Beyond the Battlefield: Lee-Fendall House and Civil War Medical Care

Great news! The exhibit, Beyond the Battlefield: Lee-Fendall House and Civil War Medical Care, will be opening two weeks from today on October 31st. That's right...Halloween!

What's more, I just found out I'll be credited as Assistant Curator for the exhibit. I totally wasn't expecting this! As a result, I'm expected to say a few words at the opening reception and bring in a few examples of other miniatures I've done.

Looking back at everything I've posted over the last few months, what pieces do you all think I should bring? Please comment below and let me know!