March 2008 Exhibit Announcement

I am excited to announce my upcoming show with fellow Art First member Carol Iglesias. "Destinations: Places Traveled, Places Dreamed" will feature new work which is inspired by sites both visited and imagined.

Carol Iglesias’s paintings are comprised of scenes from various Italian hillside towns throughout Tuscany that she had visited last October. Her travel itinerary included fifteen days of “plein air” (outdoor) painting and sketching in scenic towns like Volterra, San Gimignano, San Casciano, as well as Florence. The locations alone pushed her artistic skill while providing an abundance of inspiration at the same time. The result is a cohesive set of compositions, executed in pastel, which resonate with color, texture, and life.

My work references historic art and architecture yet is executed in a contemporary style. My latest mixed media compositions explore abstract architectural spaces where cityscapes and structures are constructed from scraps of magazines, acrylic paint, stencils and ink. My recent series of paintings experiments with figurative forms and their placement in a surreal and imaginary landscape.

When: March 5th-30th 2008 Opening Party on Friday March 7th 6-9pm
Where: Art First Gallery 824 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia USA

January 2008: Works In Progess

I'm getting ready for an upcoming show this March at Art First Gallery in downtown Fredericksburg. Fellow member, Carol Iglesias and I will be exhibiting new paintings for the month. The tentative title for the show is "Destinations" and will feature work inspired by places traveled and places dreamed...

Check out the show this March. Opening reception is Friday, March 7th 6-9pm at Art First Gallery 824 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA.

Here are some recent pics of the studio:

Piece selected: 2008 Mid-Atlantic New Painting

I'm pleased to announce that the piece above, "In The Coliseum", was selected to be shown in the juried 2008 Mid Atlantic New Painting Show.
This exhibition will be held at the University of Mary Washington's Ridderhof Gallery from January 24th to March 2nd, 2008. The opening reception is Thursday evening, January 24th from 5-7pm.

Check out some of the progress pics (circa exaclty one year ago) below:

More MONO Lion....

MONO Lion (mini) by Gabriel Pons, spray paint on wood, 16"x10" $75

I just finished a small series of these 16"x10" paintings on plywood. For me, this series was inevitable - I slaved over getting the vector art for the T-shirts done last month, so why not play around with the composition a bit and layer up some color...One of these is on exhibit until January 2nd at Art First Gallery in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia.

New PONSHOP Tees have arrived!

Ever since I did the MONO Lion Skateboard Deck series this summer, people have been asking me if there was ever going to be a t-shirt too. Well the time has finally come. All pre-orders for shirts are now available and shirts are up in our shop and at the best skate shop south of the Mason Dixon Line - Fred Skates. (604 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg).
Of course, all shirts are professionally silk screened on American Apparel Tees and come in a variety of sizes for men and women.
Shirts are $16 plus tax at the PONSHOP and prices vary elsewhere. To order online, hit me with an email at gpons@ponshopstudio.com. Web orders are $20 per shirt (shipping included). PayPal payments are gladly accepted.

PONSHOP in December

December 14th, 2007. We've recovered from last week's "First Friday" excitement and our studio is now filled to the brim with work. Below are some pics from the studio taken this week as well as some of the new work from Scarlett and I. Visit us at LibertyTown Arts Workshop this month for the Small Works show in the main gallery. I also have paintings on exhibit at Art First Gallery, (824 Caroline Street) this month as part of the Holiday Gala Exhibit.

Scarlett expanded her ceramic fabrications this year to include earrings ($18-$21)These hand-made scarves include ceramic buttons. $32

Back by popular demand, Scarlett has also made dozens of lightweight, elegant snowflake ornaments.$10 "New Nefertiti (mini) #2" by Gabriel Pons, spray paint on wood, 16"x10" $75 "Judith (Before) #2" by Gabriel Pons, spray paint and collage on canvas, 12"x12" $95"Judith (After) #1" by Gabriel Pons, spray paint and collage on canvas, 12"x12" $95

PONSHOP: How We Make The Art....

It's a very tough market in the art world today. To stay ahead of the competition, we've modeled our practice like other American corporations. Why spend all that time, material, and money making stuff that won't put you on easy street? We've decided to outsource our production overseas and across borders where the labor is cheap - in fact, our "intern" literally gets paid peanuts (and cheddar cheese goldfish and juice) to kick out hot designs for our shop.

On the serious tip, now that Diego's two, it has been a joy to see him develop and explore on his own. For those of you that have seen him in our studio, you'll know that from the minute he arrives, it's time to paint.

Why We Skateboard...

When I was a teenager, my only fear was that I would stop skating. Bottom line is that it's just too much FUN. Diego trains at the PONSHOP compound....

PONSHOP visits Fredericksburg Academy

November 16th, 2007. Scarlett Suhy-Pons paid a visit to the art classes of Fredericksburg Academy where she gave a presentation to fourth and fifth grade students about her experience as a ceramic artist. Her talk focused on her interest in the history of pottery and how the art of making pots transcends geographic and cultural boundaries throughout history. Scarlett seeks her inspiration by studying the forms and methods used around the globe.

Historic precedent: Jamon Pottery circa. 10,000 BC

Native American Bowl, 1979
Students then initiated a clay project where they made their own snowflake designs.
October 27th, 2007. Gabriel Pons gave a lecture to students about how his love of skateboarding and art have influenced his career as an artist. He shared with students a selection of his custom painted skateboards as well as his paintings on canvas and spoke about the process he undertakes when developing one of his signature skateboard designs.Skateboarding magazines and deck graphics, album cover artwork, and

comic books fueled his love for drawing and painting.

Fredericksburg Academy Art Instructor Mirinda Reynolds shows students how Pons's compositions are made by layering both found images and paint on canvas.

Students had the opportunity to get creative and develop their own skateboard graphic.

Special thanks to Mirinda Reynolds of Fredericksburg Academy for organizing the monthly "LibertyTown Visiting Artists Program." Her initiative to further integrate local artists with the community benefits both students and the artists. Thanks to all the participating faculty and aides for making these presentations so worthwhile.

PONSHOP Class: Street Art (October 2007)

Rob and Tristan are PONSHOP veterans and we've been through a lot together at my studio. Below are some pics of their most recent workshop. Instead of doing spray paint on wood boards - they opted for a more "public" and personal canvas. Good Work guys.

Tristan adorns a black tee with paint markers.Robert cuts out his stencil layers.
1) Lay down stencil 2) Mask with paper 3) Hit it with paint Tristan and his "Fat Chick" graphicRobert finishes his "Street Can" Tee

For more about PONSHOP Workshops, click here

"Present Tense" Show: Opening Night

October 8th, 2007: Opening Night for the "Present Tense" show that Scarlett, Rob Landeck, and I put together at Bistro Bethem (309 William Street). Thanks go out to all of those who came out to support the local art scene in Fredericksburg, and honestly you couldn't go wrong: with temperatures in the 90s and a Monday holiday, it felt more like a Friday night in July.

DJ Bredren on the wheels of steel spinning the rockers....

Scarlett and I feeling relieved that the show is finally up.

Below is a cross-section of the work that is on display for the "Present Tense" show at Bistro Bethem. The exhibit runs until December 8th, 2007.
If interested in purchasing or viewing more, hit us up with an email.

Scarlett: spons@scarlettwares.com, Rob: robartist@earthlink.net, Gabe: gpons@ponshopstudio.com

"Rose Window I" by Scarlett Suhy-Pons, Ceramic Wall Hanging with Red Bronze Glaze (sold)

"Wind Bowl" by Scarlett Suhy Pons, Ceramic with Sea Green Glaze $180

"Rose Window II" by Scarlett Suhy-Pons, Ceramic Wall Hanging with Antigua Yellow Glaze (sold)

"Rose Window III" by Scarlett Suhy-Pons, Ceramic Wall Hanging with Satin White Glaze $85
"Ode to the Stratocaster I" by Rob Landeck, Oil and Collage on Canvas 30"x40" $750
"Play It Low" by Rob Landeck, Mixed Media on Canvas, 12"x12" $125
"Devil Drummer" by Rob Landeck, Mixed Media on Canvas, 12"x12" $125
"Jammin' on Julia" by Rob Landeck, Mixed Media on Canvas, 16"x24" $225

MONO Longboard Series by Gabriel Pons, Spray Paint on Plywood $120 each

"Standing Between Sand and Sea" by Gabriel Pons, Mixed Media on Canvas (sold)
"The Last Pharaoh" by Gabriel Pons, Mixed Media on Canvas $750

"New Hieroglyph #1" by Gabriel Pons, Mixed Media on Canvas $400

PONSHOP: Commissioned Painting

We Will Walk This Path Together (2007) 15.5"x15.5" Collage, Acrylic, Spray Paint on Paper

I've had the pleasure of meeting a great couple that happen to be big fans of both my work and Scarlett's ceramics. Needless to say, one thing led to another and I was commissioned to make a collage/mixed media piece for the wife to give to the husband on their second anniversary in September.
The piece, titled "We Will Walk This Path Together" incorporates a variety of images that the wife had passed on to me to include in the composition. Maps, song lyrics, and photos taken on their first hike together were put through the PONSHOP spin cycle to cook up a new imagery that evokes intimacy in the past, present, and future that this young couple will share for the rest of their lives.

For inquiries into commissioned paintings, contact me at: gpons@ponshopstudio.com.

Fredericksburg All Ages Anniversary Show, Sept. 2007

Saturday, September 8th 2007 marked the one year anniversary of The Fredericksburg All Ages Shows. The celebration took place at The Third Floor (810 Caroline St.) in downtown Fredericksburg and included music by Rocky's Revival, Statehood, Le Loup, and The Travis Morrison Hellfighters.
While bands played, I stepped up to the wall and painted an 8' by 4' canvas which was to be included in the raffle later that evening.
Special thanks to all of the Fredericksburg kids and University of Mary Washington students for making this a night to remember. Also, props go out to the Panta Rhei Project and Apple Music for all their efforts. Of course Mark Eyestone of Fred Skates pitched in and took all video and photos for me that evening too - muchas gracias. To learn more about the Fredericksburg All Ages shows (FAA), or to volunteer for future events, visit their MySpace Page.

October Art Show Announced....

"Present Tense" Art Exhibit at Bistro BethemScarlett and I will join fellow LibertyTown Artist Rob Landeck for an art show at one of the city’s finest restaurants. Present Tense will feature paintings on wood and canvas by Rob and I. Scarlett will adorn the room with her latest hanging pieces, table settings, and lanterns. Their friend DJ Bredren will be spinning reggae music at the opening party so come join the fun!

When: October 8^th – December 8^th Opening Party on Monday, Oct. 8^th 6-9pm
Where: Bistro Bethem, 309 William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia

August Street Art Workshop

It has been a long and hot summer. While some kids sought refuge in their air-conditioned living rooms playing the latest X-Box games, these guys battled the 90+ heat and got creative with spray paint. August's Street Art Workshop was a series of three 2-hour sessions where students practiced the fundamentals of the spray can...
Tristan laid down a background pattern before carving out his graffiti lettering.

Robert had an idea to blow-up one of his anime-inspired drawings and apply it to his spray painted background.

Max took his first stab at using spray paint, practicing outlines and fills to create his own cartoon-like character.

Thanks to all the students and parents for a fun summer workshop. For more information about PONSHOP Art Classes and a current class schedule, click here.

Berryville, Virginia: Rockin' In The Free World

We spent a weekend in Berryville, Virginia for an annual reunion of our friends from Virginia Tech. Of course, what would the summer be without a county fair. This year's Clarke County Fair had it all - rides, food, farm animals, farm equipment, and of course a demolition derby. Below are some pics from that day...

Diego arrived at the Demolition Derby and said "Big Deal!", so he played with rocks....This was one of the park rides: kinda like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, but with monkeys in hot pursuit...
Scarlett and Annie on the Merry-Go-Round
Will and Micki's property and the house they built, literally "rockin' in the free world..."

Yannick said "Doo-way-go took my ball..."

Like the 1980's he's down with the ladies...

Dan and Serena and Matthias chillin' like Bob Dylan....

Works in Progress: August 2007

We are hard at work making new and interesting art for the fall. In fact, in October, Scarlett and I will be teaming up with fellow LibertyTown artist (and good friend) Rob Landeck for a show at Bistro Bethem in Fredericksburg, VA. Below are some recent snapshots taken late night in the studio:

PONSHOP Workshop: Skate To Create July 2007

The "Skate To Create" classes by far have been the most popular PONSHOP workshop over the past year. Kids just seem drawn to the idea of creating a skateboard graphic that is truly their own creation - and that's a great thing. Below are two of my most recent students. Both of them gave 110% for each class and we had a great time.
For the latest PONSHOP class schedule, click here.

Nick's "Music Man" graphic took a whopping 5 stencil layers to create including the background. That's a lot of drawing, cutting, and painting in a 3-session period. He pulled it off though, congrats Nick.

Christian's first sketch was 1/4 the size of his finished piece. After a brief desk critique, he decided to make his "crime boss" bigger, badder, and more monumental on the deck.

For more pics of PONSHOP's "Skate to Create" classes, click the links below:
May 2007
November 2006
October 2006
August 2006
July 2006

Fredericksburg Summer Fun: Building Guru Class

Gabriel Pons spent two weeks in July participating in the Summer Fun Festival organized by Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation. "Summer Fun" is a ten-day camp for children ages pre-school through 6th grade and allows kids to explore creative activities such as painting, kite-making, model making, cooking, and more. He taught a class called "Building Guru" which introduced students to the fundamentals of architecture and design. Throughout the week, children drew maps, made cardboard houses, constructed wooden bridges, and developed neighborhood streets. Below are some photos from the last day of classes, check it out:

Students in grades K-3 not only created a home from cardboard and paper, but created a neighborhood street too.

Students in grades 4-6 learned what makes a successful bridge stand up to heavy loads.

Thanks to all the kids and their parents for such a memorable summer camp experience. Special thanks to all staff and teacher aides for their organization and hard work.

For more information on this Fredericksburg Summer Fun Festival 200, click here.
To visit the Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation site, click here.

Children's Art Expo: Architexture

On Saturday, July 21st, PONSHOP participated in the Children's Art Expo held by Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation. This annual event takes place at Hurkamp Park in downtown Fredericksburg. Kid's Art Expo is a celebration of art and creativity where children can participate in various stations set up around the park. Our station, "Architexture" allowed children of all ages to interact and decorate a temporary cardboard "city".

Below is a chronology of photos from that day, for more information about Children's Activities in Fredericksburg, click here.

10:00 am - construction of the cardboard maze is complete and ready for painting.10:30am -our first visitors. Diego getting in on the action with Grandpa Suhy

1:00 pm - The city is painted inside and out.2:00pm - more kids come for some finishing touches.

Even the paper mache pig got covered with paint...