Gabriel Pons was contracted to paint his fourth mural at Embrey Mill Town Center in September 2025. This 61-foot long mural pays tribute to the Rappahannock River incorporating Fredericksburg’s iconic train bridge and river trout into the composition.
Root to the Fruit: Locavore Mural
Gabriel Pons was commissioned to create a new mural in the patio of Locavore (314 William Street, Fredericksburg). Inspired by the farm-to-table spirit of the restaurant, Pons created a “bounty” of fresh foods in his signature style.
Fredericksburg Academy "Fly" Mural
Gabriel Pons of PONSHOP was the instructor for a 2-week summer camp at Fredericksburg Academy in July of 2025. The goal of the mural-themed camp was to adorn the middle school’s multi-purpose room with inspiring artwork that will stimulate and motivate students for years to come. Pons used the school’s mascot, the falcon, to compose the artwork for students to paint. Thanks to the campers and the FA Faculty for their hard work!
Embrey Mill "Dogwood Blossom" Mural
Gabriel Pons was contracted to install his third mural at Embrey Mill Town Center in Stafford, Virginia in June 2025. This mural initiative is part of the developer’s master plan to adorn several key “gateway” entrances into the new shopping complex that celebrate the region’s unique character incorporating native floral elements like the dogwood tree blossom.
Walker-Grant Center Mural
In July of 2025, PONSHOP completed our latest mural collaboration with Sophiola, Rapp Arts, Fredericksburg City Schools, Cary Street Partners - Team Bayne/Pineda, and Sherwin-Williams. This 58-foot long mural adorns the playground at the Walker-Grant Center.
The content of the mural was developed by Gabriel Pons and Sophia Pineda. Pons and Pineda embarked on a history lesson of Joseph Walker and Jason Grant, two key African American leaders in Education in Fredericksburg, and the namesake for the original Walker-Grant School, the first public African American High School in the city. The mural incorporates motivational language inspired by the school’s legacy as well as the historic class of 1950 student protest. They also included messaging for the next generation of students at Fredericksburg City Schools. This mural project is the fifth in the “Heart for Art” initiative that PONSHOP and Sophiola started in 2021 - a collaborative effort between students and faculty, artists, and community members.
Thanks to the following for volunteering their time in helping contribute to this mural:
Zach Barnette, Shawn Jacques, Melissa Fischer, Sophia Pineda, Carol Pineda, Andre Pineda, Miguel Pineda, Brooke Lopes, Enrique Huaiquil, Molly and Jim Bowen, Magilly and Flynn Bowen, Cairo Pons, Dante Jenkins, Jeff Gulick, Anna Gatewood, Zoey Gulick, Vicky Barerra, Megan Waite, Nico Waite, Kelly Mollohan, Laura Dove, Dr. Marcy Catlett, Catherine Walker, Cathy Herndon, Pete Morelewicz, Tanya Green, Cara Feys, Olivia Kisila, Mathias Kisila, Ann Witkowski, Nathaniel Gist, Olivia Kukahiko
Call For Artists: Remixed 10 Vinyl Record Show
It’s that time of year! PONSHOP Studio is excited to announce our “Remixed” exhibition for September 2025. We’ve rescued stacks of old 12” vinyl records, wiped the dust off and, with the artists help, will turn them into something that people will continue to enjoy—a fun and original work of art. “Remixed 10” is the tenth annual vinyl album art show at PONSHOP and one of our most popular community exhibits. All ages and skill levels are invited to participate in this community show. This exhibition is limited to fifty (50) submissions.
“Sweet Season” Exhibit by Courtney Burke Announced
Opening Reception: First Friday, June 6 (5-9pm)
Exhibition Dates: June 6 - July 31
Gallery Talk: “Second Saturday”, July 11 (6pm)
PONSHOP is proud to present Sweet Season, a solo exhibition by Courtney Burke featuring new works in pyrography and oil. This deeply personal collection explores themes of fertility, femininity, and the shifting identity of motherhood with symbolic still lifes rendered in Burke’s signature process of wood burning and oil painting.
Courtney Burke is a Fredericksburg-based artist working at the intersection of traditional craft and fine art. Her distinctive technique combines drawing, pyrography (wood burning), and oils to build luminous surfaces full of warmth, texture, and memory. Sweet Season reflects on the artist’s own journey through early motherhood. This body of work marks the physical, emotional, and spiritual transitions that have unfolded through pregnancy, postpartum, and the quiet conclusion of her childbearing years.
From milk-filled shells and pearl-dotted fruit to collared shirts kissed in red and mirrored glasses of suspended sweetness, these works examine the body as both vessel and offering. Each painting invites the viewer into a space of intimate reflection-where tenderness and symbolism are rendered with tactile, deliberate beauty.
Learn more about Courtney’s work at courtneyburke.art
Summer Mural Camp at Fredericksburg Academy
PONSHOP Owner, Gabriel Pons is partnering with Fredericksburg Academy this summer to embark on a 36-foot long, 12-foot tall mural on their campus during the summer’s Camp FA Program. Learn the planning and creative techniques required to turn an idea into a full-scale work of art that will adorn their school for years to come. Campers will work as a team to help bring Pons’s creative vision to life. This year’s mural will be the largest ever attempted at Fredericksburg Academy, so big in fact it will span two weeks. You can sign up for either week, or both.
Cost: $275
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
First Week (Week 8): July 21-25
Second Week( Week 9): July 28-August 1
Grade 6 to Grade 12
Walker-Grant Center Mural Project Announced
PONSHOP is excited to announce our latest mural collaboration with Sophiola, Rapp Arts, Fredericksburg City Schools, Cary Street Partners - Team Bayne/Pineda, and Sherwin-Williams. In the Spring of 2025, we are endeavoring in a 58-foot long (560 Square foot) mural to adorn the playground wall at the Walker-Grant Center (210 Ferdinand Street Fredericksburg).
Conceived in late 2024, the content of the mural was developed by Gabriel Pons and Sophia Pineda. Pons and Pineda embarked on a history lesson of Joseph Walker and Jason Grant, two key African American leaders in Education in Fredericksburg, and the namesake for the original Walker-Grant School, the first public African American High School in the city. The mural incorporates motivational language inspired by the school’s legacy as well as the historic class of 1950 student protest. They also included messaging for the next generation of students at Fredericksburg City Schools. This mural project is the fifth in the “Heart for Art” initiative that PONSHOP and Sophiola started in 2021 - a collaborative effort between students and faculty, artists, and community members.
Call for Volunteers
We are always happy to receive help from volunteers! If interested in pitching in to paint, Contact PONSHOP.
"Happy Day" Mural at Embrey Mill - Stafford, Virginia
Gabriel Pons returned to Embrey Mill in Stafford, Virginia to incorporate additional graphics on the future Turning Point Restaurant location. Based on conversations with the client, Pons proposed incorporating farm animals such as a chicken and cow to the South Elevation as well as the slogan “A Happy Day Starts Here” on the East Elevation.
"Legacy" Mural at Kate Waller-Barrett Elementary
Gabriel Pons collaborated with Kate Waller-Barrett Elementary to paint a mural as part of an ongoing initiative by the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center , Stafford County Public Schools and the Stafford Education Foundation. The goal of the mural initiative is to highlight the unique history and culture of Stafford County in new and innovative ways.
Located in the school’s cafeteria, the mural is titled, “Legacy”, and depicts the school’s namesake, Kate Waller-Barrett with an assembly of families, rendered in gestural lines and forms. At the start of the project, my initial question was “Who is Kate Waller-Barrett? and how can I spark interest in her story?” After doing plenty of homework, I assembled this summary which only scratches the surface:
Kate Waller-Barrett was born in Stafford County on 1857 and grew up to became a prominent physician, social reformer, and humanitarian. Dr. Barrett became General Superintendent of the National Florence Crittenton Mission, a progressive organization established in 1883 to assist unmarried women and teenage girls in need. She also played an active role in the National Council of Women. Her multi-faceted work impacted the health and livelihood of countless women of that era, advocating for women’s suffrage, healthcare and education.
Preliminary Concept Drawing
One of the most impressive qualities of Kate Waller-Barrett’s impact on the community was her sustained efforts at social justice for women through political activism. She was vice president for the Equal Suffrage League in Virginia, president of the National Council for Women, president for the American Legion Auxiliary, and vice president for the Conference of Charities and Corrections of Virginia. Her lifelong investment in social work has impacted countless families. Thanks to Kate Waller-Barrett Principal Rachel Novak and art instructor Sarah Hudson for their logistic support and collaboration throughout the project. Also, thanks to Susan Henderson of the Stafford Museum and Cultural center for doing some archival hunting to locate Kate Waller-Barrett’s signature for me to incorporate in the mural artwork. Most importantly, thanks to all the students and faculty of Kate Waller-Barrett. I spent a total of 70 hours painting in the cafeteria and can attest to the students’ curiosity, exuberance, and fascination with the mural-making process. This project became more than paint on a wall, and turned into an interactive and immersive experience for the students - prompting them to ask questions and igniting their interest in our region’s history.
This project is a partnership between the Stafford Museum Cultural Center, Stafford Public County Schools, and the Stafford Education Foundation.
Latitudes Fair Trade X PONSHOP Tee Shirt Collaboration
PONSHOP co-owner, Gabriel Pons was commissioned by Latitudes Fair Trade to produce a "Fred-Centric" tee shirt for Summer/Fall 2024. Drawing on his meticulous surveys of the city's architecture and a painter's eye for stacking shapes and colors, Pons aspired to create a tee that celebrates the spirit of the city. Tees are professionally screen printed on GoEx Apparel so you can look good and feel good about buying fair trade. Now available at Latitudes Fair Trade Fredericksburg ($28).
"Habitat" Mural at James Monroe High School
PONSHOP owner Gabriel Pons and Team Sophiola have completed a mural in the courtyard of James Monroe High School during the summer of 2024. This is the fourth public mural that Ms. Pineda and Pons have accomplished together since 2021. Titled “Habitat”, this 980 Square-Foot mural is a collaboration between Fredericksburg City Schools, Sophiola, PONSHOP, and community volunteers. The inspiration for the artwork came primarily from the school’s unique geographic location, situated between the city’s canal path and the Rappahannock River - highlighting the wildlife, flora and fauna of the area.
The mural project initiated in the Spring of 2023 when Pons and Sophia Pineda worked together in his studio, creating sketches and studies of the different components: the blue heron, local fish, and the river otter. On-site painting kicked off later that summer (July) and the team started priming the walls and transferring the line work.
This project was made possible through the initiatives of James Monroe High School teachers, Casey Willging and David Lovegrove, the Pineda Family (Sophiola) and Team Bayne/Pineda-Cary Street Partners. Special thanks to the all student volunteers that contributed to painting the mural throughout the year. Thanks to all the faculty and staff of Fredericksburg City Schools that helped facilitate the mural initiative. Thanks to Sherwin Williams paint for supporting this project with paint supplies.
Team Sophiola: Carol and Andre Pineda, Sophia Pineda, Vicky Barrera
PONSHOP Assistants: Dante Jenkins, Gillian Hoback, Megan Shaughnessy, Cairo Pons
Learn more about Sophia Pineda and her passion for art HERE.
"Welcome to Fredericksburg" Tower Project
Photo Credits: Hyperbole and Print Jazz
The Fredericksburg Grain Tower (also known as the “Purina” Tower) received a facelift in June with a new color palette as well as the message: “Welcome to Fredericksburg”. This project was the result of an initiative facilitated by the Fredericksburg Economic Development (EDA) and the Fredericksburg Department of Economic Development and Tourism, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Pete Morelewicz of Print Jazz created the graphic design variations for the mural renovation, incorporating the “Welcome” messaging. Saul Garcia of Rainbow Painting was contracted to repair and repaint the checkerboard patterning with the revised colorway. Pete and Gabriel Pons of PONSHOP executed the lettering mural on all four sides of the tower.
This collaboration was an exceptional example of the confluence and collaboration between the municipality, the building owner, Green Family Fitness , and local artists and contractors.
Call For Artists: Remixed 9 Vinyl Record Show
PONSHOP Studio is excited to announce our “Remixed” exhibition for September 2024. We’ve rescued stacks of old 12” vinyl records, wiped the dust off and, with the artists help, will turn them into something that people will continue to enjoy—a fun and original work of art. “Remixed 9” is the ninth annual vinyl album art show at PONSHOP and one of our most popular community exhibits. All ages and skill levels are invited to participate in this community show. This exhibition is limited to fifty (50) submissions.
Submission Delivery Dates: Thursday, August 29 through Sunday September 1
Pick Up of Unaccepted Work: Thursday, September 5
Opening Receptions: Friday, September 6 (5-9pm) and Friday October (5-9pm)
Exhibition Dates: Friday September 6 - Sunday October 27, 2024
Artwork Retrieval: Monday, October 28 through Wednesday October 30 (11am-6pm)
Submission Requirements: All artists must use the pre-mounted vinyl albums that we provide and all work must be for sale. Submit your best work! The gallery reserves the right to reject artwork based on quality: uniqueness and creativity, craftsmanship, and execution. Entries must be original creations of the artist, no reproductions of others artwork.
Entry Conditions: All artwork must be for sale. Artwork cannot have a retail price exceeding $275. PONSHOP retains 50% 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.
Artwork delivered after Sunday, September 1 will NOT be accepted. Artwork delivered that is not dry, of poor assembly, is incomplete, or exceeds the boundaries of the vinyl record (see diagram below) will NOT be accepted.
Artwork picked up after Thursday October 31 will incur a storage fee of $10 per day. This will be enforced. Artwork not retrieved by November 15 will become property of PONSHOP.
Entry Procedure: There’s an entry fee of $20 per vinyl album, with a limit of two submissions per artist. Artists may register online or pay the entry fee at our storefront to receive their ready-to-hang record. The gallery will not ship records to prospective artists.
Delivery: Artists are to complete the Entry Form and return it with finished artwork no later than Sunday September 1. Artwork must have entry tags securely taped to the back of the corresponding record. Artists are responsible for transporting their work to and from the gallery.
REMIXED 9 PROSPECTUS (1 OF 2)
REMIXED 9 PROSPECTUS (2 OF 2)
Ellen Schaefer and Scarlett Pons Exhibition at PONSHOP
Opening Reception: First Friday, May 3 (5-9pm)
Exhibition Dates: May 3 - June 30, 2024
PONSHOP is excited to announce a double-feature art exhibit that celebrates the region’s natural beauty with ceramics by Scarlett Pons and paintings by Ellen Schaefer. The exhibit will showcase Ellen’s recent acrylic paintings and new ceramic wall hanging pieces by Scarlett.
Ellen Schaefer is a Fredericksburg-based artist who works in a variety of mediums including watercolor and acrylic. Her artwork is inspired by nature and the delicate details of daily life. This new series of paintings by Ellen Schaefer is inspired by views along the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers in Virginia. The sparkling waters of Westmoreland State Park and calm of the Fredericksburg Canal Path are transmuted into paint via bright airy colors and expressive brush strokes. A celebration of local landscapes, these paintings are meant to buoy the viewer with a sense of joy and ease. Each acrylic painting is crafted on 1.5" deep canvas, sealed with satin varnish, and framed in a solid wood float frame. Learn more about her work at ellenschaeferart.com
Scarlett Pons’s ceramic wall-hanging art is inspired by the native plants that thrive throughout Virginia. “There's a magical quality to stumbling upon wildflowers during a walk or hike, she says, “They compel us to pause, captivated by their beauty and mystery. Through my work, I seek to elevate the unique shapes and rich diversity of these beautiful plants, while also emphasizing their role in shaping a distinct sense of place and community.” By celebrating Virginia's native flora, Pons hopes to foster a deeper connection to our natural surroundings and encourage appreciation for the intricate ecosystems that sustain us. Scarlett’s ceramic collection can be viewed at scarlettwares.com
"Embreyone" Mural at Embrey Mill
PONSHOP Co-owner, Gabriel Pons, completed an 800 square-foot mural at the Embrey Mill Town Center in November 2023. He was one of three muralists contracted to add artwork to the newly built shopping center in Stafford, Virginia.
Call For Artists: The Art Attack Show
PONSHOP Studio is pleased to announce “The Art Attack Show”, a two-month juried exhibition featuring select artists that participated in the 2023 Art Attack event in downtown Fredericksburg.
“The Art Attack Show” will be a celebration of the city’s most popular annual art event and will showcase those artists that gave their “creative service” on that day. The exhibit and its opening receptions will provide the opportunity for artists to reconvene, network, and share stories from that day.
Calendar
Deadline for Submissions: Digital Submissions due before midnight, Friday, October 20 2023. Email no more than (2) JPEG submissions to: shop[at]ponshopstudio.com. Include Title, Medium, Dimension (Length x Width).
Deadline for Delivery for Accepted Artwork: Saturday, October 28, 5pm
November First Friday Opening Reception: Friday, November 3 (5pm-9pm)
December First Friday Opening Reception: Friday, December 1 (5pm-9pm)
Exhibition Dates: Friday, November 3 - Sunday, December 24
Artwork Retrieval: Tuesday, January 2- Thursday, January 4 2024
Submission Requirements: This exhibit is open exclusively to Art Attack 2023 participants and is limited to wall-hung (two-dimensional) artwork. Artwork does not have to be the work that was done during the Art Attack event. This is a “small works” show and we want to feature a good cross section of artists. Therefore, artwork submissions cannot exceed 18” width or 24” in height.
Entry Conditions: All artwork must be for sale. PONSHOP retains 45% of all sales, with an additional 5% going to the Art Attack Project. Should your artwork sell, artists will retain 50% of the total retail price, which will be paid within 15 days after the end of the sale month. All artwork must be equipped with a metal hanging wire secured to the back of the piece (no saw-tooth hangers). Please refer to our submission guidelines sheet.
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. Artwork delivered that is not dry, of poor assembly, or is incomplete will NOT be accepted.
Entry Procedure: The entry fee is $20 which includes a $5 donation to Art Attack. Artists may submit up to (2) pieces for consideration.
Keep in mind that shipping to and from the gallery is the responsibility of the artist; if you ship your art to us, you must include a return shipping label or we will contact you after the exhibition to collect the cost of shipping.
Delivery: Artists are to complete the Entry Form and deliver work no later than Saturday, October 28. Work delivered past of this deadline will not be accepted. Artwork must include a label with the title, medium, artist’s name as you’d like it to be displayed, and the retail price for the art. Retail Price is the price the art will be listed to the public for sale, not the 50% consignment the artist receives if sold.
Artwork Pick-Up: Hand-delivered unsold artwork must be picked up between Tuesday, January 2 and Thursday, January 4. Artwork picked up after Saturday, January 6 will incur a storage fee of $10 per day. This will be enforced. All Artists will be notified via email regarding artwork sales.
Mural at HiveX Basement Finishing Co.
PONSHOP Co-owner Gabriel Pons recently completed a 642 square foot mural at HiveX Basement Finishing Company in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The mural, titled “Generations” is a visual timeline of the history of the business, from the company’s inception through today, highlighting its growth as a family-owned business.
Remixed Vinyl Record Show and PONSHOP 13-Year Anniversary Party
Opening Receptions: First Friday, June 2 (5-9pm) and July 7 (5-9pm)
Exhibition Dates: June 2-July 29, 2023
PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is planning for a milestone month in June. We are celebrating our “Lucky” Thirteenth year as a brick and mortar shop on Caroline Street. To celebrate, we’ll be hosting a garden party at the shop during June’s First Friday. Our garden will be open from 6:00 to 8:00 pm with live music and local fare. We will have our backyard set up picnic style with food offerings by local restaurant Alpine Chef and local baker Bri Bakes with live music by guitarist, tendersong, and harpist Elizabeth Owens.
PONSHOP also returns with our most popular community art exhibition for June and July of 2023. “Remixed 8” features original artwork using 12” vinyl record albums. The exhibit includes over fifty participating artists working with this unconventional canvas. Featured artists include Sarah Brooks, Heather Evans, Julie Maida, Destiney Lynn, Morgan Buenos, Anne Yannutz and Dan Craddock.
This is the eighth year of the “Remixed” vinyl-themed show and PONSHOP has received an overwhelming response from artists. As of this blog post, the gallery has issued over fifty albums to be adorned by local and regional artists. This community art show has proven to be a great addition to the gallery’s exhibition schedule, involving artists of all backgrounds and boasting affordable artworks for the home or office ranging from $25-$250.