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.
"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.
"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.
Sunken Well "Otter" Mural Collaboration
Back in April of 2020, when Covid-19 was in full swing, Steve Cameli of The Sunken Well Tavern reached out to fellow artist Bill Harris and I about doing some murals in their windows since their dining area would be closed. We jumped at the chance to pitch in for a long-time friend and also do something that would lift the neighborhood’s spirits a bit. Our son, Diego wasn't going back to school, so he was recruited and we went to work! The mural panels presently adorn the side wall of the Well. Read the Freelance Star Article HERE.
2013 G40 Art Summit: September 13-October 6
Friday, September 13th kicks off a month-long series of art events for the 2013 G40 Art Summit in Washington, DC (734 1st St SW 20024). Gabriel Pons joins hundreds of other lowbrow and contemporary artists from around the nation in this annual event organized by Art Whino. Art Whino will be teaming up with Suite Nation to present a month-long, multi-experiential Art Summit with musical performances and large scale murals in DC. This year’s theme is the “Art of Transformation” and the exploration of reclaimed spaces and objects. The location of this year’s summit is in a nineteenth-century church which has been vacant for twenty years. The site will be an all encompassing art experience with every inch of the space covered with works of art. For a complete list of events, visit the Art Whino website
Gabe's piece for the show, titled "Una Barca", was constructed from sheets of plywood recovered from their former "stage" at PONSHOP built for the Public/Private group show in 2011. The original inspiration for the piece came from the biblical story of Moses who, as a baby, was placed in a raft and sent adrift on the Nile to escape the wrath of the Egyptian Pharaoh who ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be killed. This narrative sparked an interest in creating a piece that spoke to the present day condition of refugees around the world and the quiet potential of a child.
"Una Barca" , mixed media on wood, 16"x42"
August 2009: Mural Commission
August, 2009: I picked the hottest days of the year to get out there and do this mural commission in Falmouth, Virginia - but it was well worth it. Below are some images taken over that week. Thanks to our client, Professional Maintenance, and thanks to my assistant Jeff who whose help was exceptional. If interested in commissioning PONSHOP for any interior or exterior mural project - contact me here.
The completed piece....
Artists working to better their country through the construction and appreciation of art.