Downtown Fredericksburg

July Exhibition: Ceramics by Daniel Christie

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Christie_Teapot01_web

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce their July exhibition featuring new ceramic work by local potter Daniel Christie. The gallery will be filled with a wide array of Christie’s signature work – from large vases to his popular “wiggle” mugs.  This exhibition promises to entice pottery lovers who enjoy collecting handcrafted pieces from the region’s talent. In addition, the artist will be giving an exclusive wheel throwing demonstration to guests in front of the gallery on the opening night.

Daniel Christie received his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2005 and participated as a work-study student at Penland School of Craft in North Carolina.  Since relocating to Fredericksburg in 2006, he has worked in numerous art studios and has exhibited his work in juried art shows and festivals throughout the East Coast.  Daniel now resides in King George, Virginia with his wife and two children, firing his pottery in a 100 cubic foot propane-fueled brick downdraft kiln.

PONSHOP invites the public to visit the gallery during July’s “First Friday” opening on July 3 from 6-10pm.

Five "High Fives": A Public Thank You

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Five_web

1. Thanks to our fans and clients who we have worked with over the years.  You help us to continue to innovate in our mediums and challenge us to raise the bar each and every time we take on a new project.

2. Thanks to all of the Artists that have contributed to our shop throughout the past five years.  We value the dedication and the caliber of work that we show here and we are proud to showcase your work as representative of our area’s rich culture.

3. High Fives to our past PONSHOP Students and Student Interns!  We’ve taught over 200 Art Classes in the past five years and it has been a rewarding experience to know that we’ve impacted so many kids and adults with our class programs.  The most gratifying aspect of teaching is watching our students mature and continue their trajectory in life with their creative interests.  Also, we value the collaborations we’ve shared with our local schools, churches and universities throughout the years.

4. Thanks to our fellow downtown business owners.  We’re confident that our city’s historic downtown is on an upward trajectory and will continue to inspire entrepreneurs and small business owners to follow their dreams in this city.  Our neighbors have become not only close friends, but colleagues and mentors alike.  We are grateful to open our doors next to such a motivated and driven individuals.

5. Finally ‘Gracias’ to our family, who have been a generous source of support from the day we arrived in Fredericksburg back in 2005.  Thank You for helping us literally build our business brick by brick.

PONSHOP Five Year Anniversary Celebration

Opening Reception:  Friday, June 5, 6-10pm PONSHOP Studio and Gallery celebrates their Five-Year Anniversary On “First Friday” June 5, 2015. Gallery Owners Scarlett and Gabriel Pons will be showcasing their latest work in the gallery including ceramics, fine art and two new t-shirt designs. The garden space of the gallery is where the party will be staged: DJ Moog will be spinning on the turntables with refreshments catered by Caroline Street’s newest coffee shop, Agora Downtown.

PONSHOP has built their business around the central philosophy of community engagement and promoting the value of growing a local economy through creativity and culture. The majority of their shop has always been stocked with ceramics, jewelry, accessories and fine art from Fredericksburg and the surrounding regions. In keeping with the entrepreneurial history of downtown Fredericksburg, the owners feel it is important that local artists have a space to hone their craft and also market their products. Since opening in the spring of 2010, PONSHOP has hosted over sixty consecutive First Friday Art Openings including over a dozen juried and community art exhibits including The Art of Recovery and the Remixed Vinyl RecordShow. Each of these events builds upon the sense of pride for the downtown and offers a venue for artists and the public to connect. Art classes have also been an integral part of PONSHOP with Scarlett and Gabriel, as well as local artists, Leslie Brier and Ashleigh Burbidge teaching workshops throughout the year. Art Workshops enrich the lives of both children and adults and create an environment for artists to build confidence in their skills and meet other like-minded individuals. Scarlett and Gabriel Pons cordially invite you in celebrating their Five-Year Anniversary this “First Friday” in June.

April Spring Party and VA Organizing 20-Year Anniversary Event

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VA-Organizing-First-Friday-poster_web-02-02

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce our April “First Friday” event on April 3, from 6-10pm. PONSHOP ushers in spring with an opening art reception featuring fine art and jewelry in the gallery including new ceramic work by Scarlett Pons.  Featured Fine Artists include Ronald Jackson and Brooklyn’s own Elstabo.

That evening, PONSHOP is proud to host Virginia Organizing in our garden space to celebrate their twenty-year anniversary. Virginia Organizing is an association dedicated to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives. The “Latin Dance Night” fundraiser will feature salsa lessons, music and refreshments. ($20 donation).  Click Here for Tickets.

March is D.I.Y Month at PONSHOP

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FirstFriday_image_web1

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce our March “First Friday” event rescheduled for March 13, from 6-10pm.  PONSHOP has designated March to be Do It Yourself month by introducing two new products to the shop: D.I.Y moss terrarium kits by Twig Terrariums and customizable miniature water tower replicas by Boundless Brooklyn.

“Get Dirty” Terrarium Party: Get your hands dirty this First Friday and build your own terrarium at Ponshop Studio and Gallery on Friday, March 6 (6-8pm), using D.I.Y. kits by Twig Terrariums. Choose between the Jurassic World terrarium (including toy dinosaurs) or the Enchanted Moss terrarium (including glow-in-the-dark butterflies) and walk out with a completed and one-of-a-kind mini mossy world. $39 includes the terrarium kit as well as quick, guided assembly. Green thumb not required.

Twig Terrariums is a Brooklyn-based studio and shop founded by artists Michelle Incinarrano and Katy Maslow, which houses a variety of made terrariums and do-it-yourself kits. Their D.I.Y. kits allow you to create your own mossy world with the provided earthly elements and easy to follow assembly and care instructions.

Boundless Brooklyn is another innovative company established in New York by friends David and Terence. They provide easy-to-assemble model water towers that allow you to add your own personal flair. Made out of 100% recycled material, these towers are great for all ages and fit perfectly on desks and shelves.

Gabriel Pons will be hosting a build-your-own Brooklyn water tower workshop on Saturday, March 21 (1-3pm).  Students will construct and paint a 10-inch tall cardboard replica of New York City’s most iconic structures. (Ages 9+)  $35 includes (1) mini tower kit and all painting materials. More about Art Classes can be found HERE.

February First Friday Opening Reception

Opening Reception:PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce our February “First Friday” event on February 6, from 6-10pm.  We are proud to introduce the addition of two new jewelers to our shop: Anné Harrill of Océanne Jewelry Designs and Fredericksburg native, Devin Ashton Designs. February features a wide selection of artisan jewelry in anticipation for Valentine’s Day, with works from over a dozen jewelers in a variety of materials.  Lisa Latendress created a Valentine-themed charmed necklace incorporating semi precious stones.  Leslie Brier fashioned “Lover’s Eye Tokens”  - a modern day take on an 18th century accessory celebrating mystery and romance.

PONSHOP is offering a range of art classes for kids and adults throughout the month.  Scarlett Pons is holding a “Couple’s Clay Class” on Valentine’s Day as a special event for sweethearts willing to get their hands dirty and have fun.  There is also the return of the PONSHOP Academy for kids as well as a Vintage Floral Resin Pendant Workshop taught by Leslie Brier.  Click Here for the complete class schedule.

Fall 2014: PONSHOP Academy

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PONSHOP_Academy-2014007_web

October

kicked off our pilot PONSHOP Academy Program.  We worked with students over the course of six weeks to explore mixed media (collage and painting), ceramics, and sculpture.  Students were encouraged to push their boundaries in terms of their creative skills and willingness to work with new materials.  Below are some photos from the workshops taught by Gabriel Pons (The Collage Bridge Project), Scarlett Pons (Ceramic Pockets and Masks), and Leslie Brier (Wire and Nylon Sculpture).  Good work students!

PONSHOP Academy will be initiating again in January of 2015.  Click Here for our current class schedule and registration form.

Call for Artists: “The Art Attack Show” Juried Art Exhibit

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Statement

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to host “The Art Attack Show”, a juried art exhibition featuring artists participating in the 2014 Art Attack Event on September 13, 2014.

Eligibility

This exhibit is open to all two-dimensional artists in the Virginia Region who have registered as participating artists with the 2014 Art Attack Event by August 22, 2014.  “Two dimensional” artwork is inclusive of mediums including but not limited to: painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, digital graphics, textiles, screen print and lithography.

Submission Requirements

All submitted works are to conform to the following Dimensional and Design Parameters: Frame dimensions ranging in size no smaller than 8” and no larger than 24” in width, no smaller than 10” and no larger than 30” in length (intermediate dimensions are acceptable).  All work must be for sale. All entries must be original creations of the artist – no reproductions of others artwork.

Entry Specifications

The theme of “The Art Attack Show” is to celebrate the diverse styles and talents of the region’s visual artists taking part in this year’s Art Attack event.  There are no thematic requirements in terms of the content of the artwork, although we ask that you submit work that best represents your style.  PONSHOP offers their gallery as

All pieces are to be framed appropriately for gallery display: no gallery clips or saw tooth hangers.  Canvas pieces, unless “gallery wrapped” must include a frame.  All work must be equipped with hanging wire adequate to support the painting.  Textiles intended for wall hanging must include a hanging system.  Wet or unprofessionally presented artwork will be rejected.

PONSHOP retains 40% of all sales on works exhibited throughout the duration of the exhibit.  Artists will be reimbursed within 30 days of the exhibition closing.  Artists are responsible for acquiring insurance on their own artwork.  Although PONSHOP will take great care in the hanging and display of artwork, the gallery will not be held responsible for items on exhibit.

Entry Procedure

Entry Fee: $10 flat fee for up to (3) digital submissions.

Step 1: Register as an Art Attack Recruit by emailing artattackfred@gmail.com with ‘2014 recruit’ in the subject line.

Step 2: Entry fee payment to be made at PONSHOP (cash/check/charge) prior to Friday, August 22.

Step 3: Email JPEG Submissions to: submissions@ponshopstudio.com with ‘Art Attack Show  Submission’ in the subject line.

JPEG files to be at least 1000 pixels in the longest dimension and may not exceed 3MB each.

File name to include artist’s last name and title (ex. Smith_Red Apples).

Include Artist Name, Title, Medium, Dimensions (including frame) and Retail Price in body of email.

Delivery

Artists are responsible for transporting their work to and from the gallery. Artwork not retrieved after show closing will incur a storage fee of $10 per day

Calendar

Deadline for Registering as a ‘Recruit’ with Art Attack Fredericksburg for eligibility in “The Art Attack Show”: Friday, August 22.

Deadline for Digital Submissions: Friday, August 22 (6pm)

Notification of Acceptance: Tuesday, August 26 (6pm)

Deliver Accepted Work to PONSHOP: Monday, September 1 (10am-6pm)

Opening Reception: Friday, September 5 (6-10pm)

Exhibition Dates: September 5-28, 2014

Pick up of Work: Monday, September 29 (10am-6pm)

Call for Artists: "Remixed 2" Vinyl Album Art Show

Remixed-2-promo_01_webPONSHOP Studio and Gallery will be hosting its fifth community art exhibition in August of 2014. We’ve rescued stacks of old Christmas records, wiped the dust off and, with your help, will turn them into something that people actually enjoy– a fun work of art.  "Remixed 2" is a follow up to our "Remixed" Vinyl Album Art Show in June of 2013 which included over sixty vinyl albums from over 25 participating artists. Click Here for the Complete Prospectus and Entry Form.

Spinning at 33 1/3 rpm

Here’s how the show works: once you pay the entry fee, we provide you with up to three ready-to-hang vinyl albums (the fee is $12 per record, or $30 for three). You have until July 27 to turn your Jane Fonda Workout album into a work of art, which will be exhibited throughout the month of August. The theme and medium are up to you, but there is one rule: each record is mounted on wood block with hanging wire and must stay mounted in order to be suitable for display on our gallery walls.

Eligibility

This exhibit is open to all artists (professional and emerging) in the Virginia/DC/Maryland Region.

Submission Requirements

All artists must use the pre-mounted vinyl albums (provided when you pay the entry fee) and all work must be for sale. Submit your best work!  The gallery reserves the right to reject submissions based on quality: uniqueness and creativity, craftsmanship and execution.  Entries must be original creations of the artist – no reproductions of others artwork.  See examples of the pre-mounted albums below:

Entry Specifications

PONSHOP retains 40% of all sales on works exhibited throughout the duration of the exhibit.  Artists will be reimbursed within 30 days of the exhibition closing.  Artists are responsible for acquiring insurance on their own artwork.  Although PONSHOP will take great care in the hanging and display of artwork, the gallery will not be held responsible for items on exhibit.

Entry Procedure

Entry fee: $12 per vinyl album, or $30 for three (up to three submissions).  Artists pay fee and retrieve ready-to-hang vinyl albums from PONSHOP.  Please complete entry form when returning the work.

Delivery: Artists are responsible for transporting their work to and from the gallery. Please keep in mind that during the summer months, vinyl records will warp if stored in a parked automobile! Artwork not retrieved after show closing will incur a storage fee of $10 per day

Calendar

Deadline for Submissions: Saturday, July 26 (10-6pm) Sunday, July 27 (noon-5pm).  *Please Deliver ONLY  between Friday July 25 and Sunday the 27th.

Pick Up of Unaccepted Work: Tuesday, July 29 (10-6pm)

Opening Reception: Friday, August 1 (6-10pm)

Exhibition Dates: August 1-30, 2014

Pick up of Work: Sunday, August 31 (noon-5pm)

If you have any questions regarding this show or would like to be included on the mailing list for notice of future exhibition opportunities, please contact us at event[at]ponshopstudio.com

April First Friday Recap: Elaine B. Jewelry Trunk Show

PONSHOP_April First Fri11_web We were excited to host our first jewelry trunk show for the First Friday of April featuring the unique and elegant work of Elaine B. Her handmade jewelry is lightweight, geometrically inspired, and effortlessly striking. We had a blast with Elaine B. here in the shop that evening as she displayed and sold her exquisitely designed pieces. Below are more pics from the evening.  Stop by the shop to browse our selection of one of a kind handmade jewelry by artists like Elaine B. and many others.

April Trunk Show Featuring Elaine B. Jewelry

Elaine_B_final_webPONSHOP Studio and Gallery invites the public to its first trunk show featuring Elaine B. Jewelry. During PONSHOP’s First Friday reception on April 4 from 6-10pm, indulge in the elegant, handmade Elaine B. Jewelry. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a "Ladies' Night Out" and find beautiful jewelry to compliment your spring wardrobe.  Due to its popularity, we will also be extending our most recent exhibit Facades: New Work by Gabriel Pons throughout the month of April. Elaine B.

Elaine B. Jewelry (Charlottesville, VA) approaches her wearable art with a strong design aesthetic and attention to detail producing chic jewelry fitting for every occasion. Her jewelry is lightweight, geometry-inspired and from recycled metals perfect to be worn daily or for a special event. Elaine admits, “[my] favorite objects are airy and simple, yet thoughtful. I find this especially important when it comes to things that I wear. I create tiny sculptural worlds using traditional jewelry materials and incorporate geometric elements to make objects that are physically light, yet have weighty presence.” With Elaine’s consideration for the wearer and any occasion she may attend, her jewelry is effortlessly striking.

We take pride in showcasing one-of-a-kind jewelry created with genuine heart and soul by artisan hands with a sensibility for comfort, design, and aesthetics. Visit the PONSHOP to see additional jewelry from artists Terresa Buelow, Matthew Cirello, Lisa Latendress, Jodi Habel, Erica Voss, Trish Schornagel, Leslie Brier, Elisa Shere, Silvia White, Gilhousen Studio, Jasmine Lee and Daphne Olive, as well as brand new ceramic work from Scarlett Suhy-Pons.

"Facades" Art Exhibit Announced

Facades_web01Gabriel Pons will be premiering his latest work in March at PONSHOP Studio and Gallery. Titled Facades, this mixed media series on custom-shaped wood panels are evocative of architectural forms that have been pervasive in his work throughout the years.  Incorporating paper collage, acrylic paint and spray paint, Pons reflects upon his experiences living in New York City as well as traveling throughout Europe. His work combines the formal sensibility of architectural structures with spontaneous and gestural painterly actions emulative of what he has observed in city streets, layering found imagery, text, and handwritten prose.  “The city has a way of looking back at you sometimes and speaking to you – that’s the inspiration for this current series”, Pons remarked.

Join us March 7 from 6-10pm for the opening reception of Facades to view Pons’ latest mixed media pieces. In addition, visit PONSHOP to see new ceramic work from Scarlett Suhy-Pons, jewelry from Elaine B., Elisa Shere and many others as well as fine art from contributing regional artists.

Opening Reception: Friday, March 7 (6-10pm)

Exhibition Dates: March 7-28 2014

Student Work 2013: Kids Collage and Mixed Media

Kids-Collage-04_web Do not believe the misconception that if you cannot draw, then you are not artistic! In three 1.5 hour classes, students were introduced to various techniques, including collage, stenciling, ink, and more. From developing beginning ideas to executing mixed media artwork, instructor Gabriel Pons, guided students in strengthening the connection between the creative mind and hand. Students completed this course with a finished piece on canvas.

Come join us at the PONSHOP with your ideas and we will supply all materials and instruction. Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact PONSHOP.

Student Work 2013: Intro to Street Art

Street-Art-21_web Students honed their stenciling and spray-painting skills in this series of three 1.5 hour workshops. Instructor Gabriel Pons lead the class in developing their designs, cutting paper stencils, and perfecting their spray-painting.  Working on various media, including wood panels and vinyl records, students leave the course with a work of art and the knowledge to continue making on their own.  Below is a selection of photos from our 2013 series of "Intro to Street Art" classes:

Want to be introduced to the street art? Come join us at PONSHOP with your ideas and we will supply all materials, instruction, and history of street art.  Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact PONSHOP.

Student Work 2013: Leslie Brier Workshops

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Local mixed media artist Leslie Brier has offered many workshops here at PONSHOP ranging from jewelry making, robot building, and assemblage art. By checking out the photo gallery below, you can see what happened last year including zen tangle drawings and recycled arts. In 2014, Brier has already shared her expertise on collage and assemblage techniques. Coming up in March are her jewelry courses on creating rolled paper beads and earring construction.

Brier's courses are perfect for students of all skill levels interested in a one-hour workshop.  Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact PONSHOP. Cost includes all materials and you leave with your own one-of-a-kind art piece!

Adult Collage and Mixed Media 2013

AdultMixedMedia03_webThere is a misconception that if you cannot draw well, then you are not artistic. In three 1.5 hour classes, adult students of all skill levels sharpened their skills in collage, stenciling, acrylic painting, and more. Instructor Gabriel Pons lead students from developing beginning ideas to executing mixed media artwork. Pulling imagery from magazines and cutting stencils are few of the techniques used in this class to create with. Students leave this class with a finished piece on canvas.

Want to expand upon your art-making skills or simply have fun creating something new? Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact PONSHOP.

Student Work 2013: Skate to Create

Skate10_web In this series of three 1.5 hour workshops, students of all skill levels designed and painted their own skateboard deck using stencil and spray paint techniques.  Instructor Gabriel Pons guided them from initial brainstorming through developing their illustrations into a layered stencil design.  After refining their designs, students chose their color palette, cut their stencils, and spray-painted their own boards.  Below is a selection of photos from 2013's Skate to Create workshops.

You leave this class, Skate to Create, with a one-of-a-kind art deck of your own design and the knowledge to make many more! To create a custom skateboard, bring your ideas and PONSHOP will supply all materials and stenciling/spray painting instruction. Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact the PONSHOP.

February First Friday Opening Reception

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Friday, February 7 was the opening reception of our February First Friday exhibit featuring new artists, Elisa Shere and Elaine B.  Below are photos from the opening night.  Thank You to all of our fans for braving the weather to pay us a visit!

 

December Small Works Show Announced

2013_December Promo_web_03PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to celebrate the holidays with their annual small works show in December.  The opening reception will be “First Friday” December 6, from 6-10pm. This year’s small works show will include new ceramic work by PONSHOP co-owner Scarlett Pons, who has created Fredericksburg themed mugs, Ramen bowls and ceramic ornaments in a variety of colors and patterns. Gabriel Pons will be releasing his latest T-shirt designs: the Octopus (green and white) and the “Hip Hop Origins” Tee.  The gallery is also filled with new work from nine jewelers, four t-shirt vendors as well as handmade home accessories from local artists.  Gift inspirations include limited edition art prints, custom painted skateboards, comic book wallets and plush toys.

The gallery walls will include a group show of small works by featured PONSHOP artists including: Cameron Limbrick, Adam Desio, Steven Graham, Julie Maida, Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue, Stacey Schultze and James Walker.

For our customer’s convenience, PONSHOP will have extended holiday hours Friday and Saturday from 10am–8pm, Sunday noon–5pm, and Monday through Thursday from 10am–6pm.

Exhibition Dates: December 6–31, 2013

Live in Art Show at Amelia Square: Photos

2013-Amelia-Square_web_02Saturday, November 9 was the opening reception for the "Live in Art" show at Amelia Square.  Below is a photo gallery of the exhibition which will be open through Sunday, December 8.  Thanks to all of our participating artists as well as Simply Home, Coldwell Banker Cyber Elite and Impressions for their contributions in making this event such a success.  View the Artist List and Click Here for more about the Live in Art show.