Ninth Annual Art of Recovery Exhibit Announced

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce that we will be hosting the Ninth Annual “The Art of Recovery” art show organized by The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB). The opening reception will be held on “First Friday” May 3, 2013 from 5-9 p.m.

This year’s exhibit includes over fifty works of art contributed by forty-eight artists from around the state.  “The Art of Recovery” features original artwork created by adults with mental illness and ranges in media including painting, drawing, mixed media and more.  This annual art show is organized by members of Kenmore Club, a psychosocial rehabilitation program operated by RACSB.

Founded in 1970, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) provides public mental health, intellectual disability, substance abuse, and prevention/early intervention services to the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.Programs of RACSB include Kenmore Club, Rappahannock Adult Activities, Inc., Project LINK, Program for Teen Parents, Rappahannock Area Kids on the Block, DARE To Be You – Rappahannock Area, Second Step, Too Good for Drugs, and Healthy Families – Rappahannock Area. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.

The exhibit coincides with National Mental Health Month and will be on display through May 26, 2013.

Ushering in Spring: April 2013 Group Show

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce the April “First Friday” opening reception on April 5, 2013 from 6pm-10pm. The evening will include a DJ set by longtime PONSHOP friend, DJ Climax. The gallery will be featuring the latest works by our artists including Julie Maida, Crystal Rodrigue, Nicholas Candela, co-owner Gabriel Pons, recent photographs by Stephen Graham, ceramics by co-owner Scarlett Pons, and handmade jewelry by newly featured artist Caitlin Emison, who specializes in creating earrings incorporating feathers and stone. The exhibit will also continue to feature artwork from Leslie Brier and Ashleigh Burbidge, featured artists from March’s exhibit.

PONSHOP gallery continues to feature over fourteen jewelers and artists who create fun personal accessories and over twenty other artists creating everything from fine art and ceramics to plush toys, clothing, and accessories for the home. Join PONSHOP, as well as the 16 other local businesses in the downtown area that participate in First Fridays on Friday, April 5 from 6-10pm for a special evening celebrating the creativity of our local community.

Stiched, Altered, and Plush Show: Opening Night

Friday, March 1 2013: PONSHOP hosted the opening reception of Stitched, Altered, and Plush. The evening was a great success, featuring quirky creations by local artists Ashleigh Burbidge and Leslie Brier. Check out our photos from the evening below. Stitched, Altered, and Plush runs through March 31.

Stitched, Altered, and Plush Show announced

Ponshop Studio and Gallery is excited to announce Stitched, Altered, and Plush an art exhibition featuring handcrafted objects by Ashleigh Burbidge, Leslie Brier, and Jodie Rackley. These three women work to break the mold of a traditional art gallery setting – they employ media such as colorful felts and fabrics, clay, and found objects to craft whimsical, three-dimensional art that can only be fully appreciated when held in one’s hands. This month’s artists offer a tactile experience, inviting viewers to interact with their quirky creations from plush toys and hand stitched phone cases to steampunk-styled sculptures.  Please join us for the opening reception on Friday, March 1, 6-10pm.  Stitched, Altered, and Plush runs through March 31, 2013.

Ashleigh Burbidge is the founder of the “The Burbs,” a self-run business which includes a wide variety of handcrafted items including plush toys, one of a kind dolls, clay sculptures, fiber art, capes, baby blankets, and aprons. “The Burbs” serves as a creative outlet to share her creations with children all around the globe. Ashleigh can be found regionally at several boutiques in Virginia, Rhode Island, and Ohio.

Leslie Brier is a mixed media artist, jewelry designer, and graphic designer. Leslie works with found objects and items that are no longer considered beautiful, and strives to give them a new identity. She has had several articles published in Cloth, Paper, Scissors, Somerset Studio, and Amy Powers’ Inspired Ideas. She teaches locally at the Ponshop and nationally at Art and Soul Retreats.

Jodie Rackley is a self-taught crafter and designer from Fredericksburg, VA. She is inspired by modern design both old and new, everything vintage, art and history, music, love, and everything handmade. Her work, which consists of felt, fabrics, and hand embroidery, has been featured in Mollie Makes, Craftsy.com, ApartmentTherepy.com, and Martha Stewart.com, among several other magazines. Jodie’s first craft book, Happy Stitch: 30 Felt and Fabric Projects for Everyday, was released in July 2012. She is currently working on a run of patterns for Simplicity to be released soon.

Additionally featured fine artists in the gallery for the month of March will be Julie Maida, Nicholas Candela, Crystal Rodrigue, Jeremy Gann and Gabriel Pons (painting), Stephen Graham and Adam Desio (photography), Scarlett Pons and Daniel Christie (ceramics).

Second Annual Jewelry Show: Opening Night

December 7, 2012: PONSHOP hosted their second annual jewelry show featuring works by 11 jewelers.  The opening reception included live demonstrations by Leslie Brier, Susan McLay, Jeff Gulick, Lisa Latendress, and Erica Voss.  Many of the other featured artists attended the show and were on hand to answer questions including Silvia White, Terresa Buelow, and Zakk Davis.  Below are some pictures from the evening.  On behalf of Scarlett and I, thanks to all the fans that came out to the show that evening and thanks to all of our talented jewelers and artists for sharing.  The jewelry show is on exhibit at PONSHOP through December 30th.

Battleground Art Show: Nov 2-Dec 2, 2012

Friday, November 2 was the opening night for the "Battleground" Art Show at PONSHOP.  "Battleground " featured sixteen local artists' take on the anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg.  You can see the complete exhibition statement here.  Below are some pics from the opening including all work included in the show.  Thanks again to all of our contributing artists for making this such a memorable exhibit.  "Battleground" runs through December 2nd.  Please contact us if interested in purchasing artwork.

Participating artists include:  Kenny Brown, Nicholas Candela, J. Coleman, Adam Desio, Kelley Drake, Elstabo, Jeremy Gann, Bill Harris, Greg Howell, Chance Kenyon, Rob Landeck, Justin Lipuma, Kevin Murphy, Gabriel Pons, Scarlett Pons, and Mike Tschirn.

Second Annual Jewelry Show Announced

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery are pleased to announce that they will be hosting the second annual jewelry show for the month of December showcasing the work of eleven jewelry artists.

In keeping with the gallery’s format, all jewelry works on exhibition are original pieces handmade by local artists.  The exhibit will feature a wide variety of materials including upcycled items, beads, leather, ceramics, sterling silver, hand-colored resin, precious metal clay, as well as bullet casings.

The jewelry exhibit features the works of Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Cirello Jewelry, Zakk Davis, Jeff Gulick, Nicole Hart, Lisa Latendress, Susan McLay, Scarlett Pons, Erica Voss and Sylvia White.  The exhibit will offer a wide price range of jewelry starting at twenty dollars.

The opening reception will include live demonstrations by Leslie Brier, Jeff Gulick, Lisa Latendress, and Erica Voss.

The gallery walls will include a group exhibition of featured PONSHOP artists including Nicholas Candela, Stephen Graham, Adam Desio, Jeremy Gann, Bill Harris, Ginger Huebner, Rob Landeck, Scarlett and Gabriel Pons.

"Battleground" Art Show Announced

Ponshop Studio and Gallery are excited to announce “Battleground”, an art exhibition dedicated to Fredericksburg’s identity as a historic battlefield site.  Curated by artist J. Coleman, “Battleground” explores the relationship between Fredericksburg’s civil war past and its impact on the present day.  “Battleground” also commemorates the 150-year anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg. All artists participating in the exhibit live in and around the city of Fredericksburg.

Participating artists include:  Kenny Brown, Nicholas Candela, J. Coleman, Adam Desio, Kelley Drake, Elstabo, Jeremy Gann, Bill Harris, Greg Howell, Chance Kenyon, Rob Landeck, Justin Lipuma, Kevin Murphy, Gabriel Pons, Scarlett Pons, Grady Spades, and Mike Tschirn.

Exhibition Statemen­t

150 years ago in 1852, from December 11-15, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War took place in our hometown of Fredericksburg, Virginia.  The battle of Fredericksburg engaged a total of 172,500 soldiers (100,000 Confederate and 72,000 Union) and, at its end, resulted in an estimated 17,500 casualties.  The city was the site of the first urban combat during the Civil War and its buildings and infrastructure were left in ruin.

Since then Fredericksburg has persevered as a humble but vibrant commercial and cultural core to the region, transforming from a sleepy southern town to a commuter hub that is both rooted in nostalgia of the past and facing the challenges of present day.  For this exhibit, contemporary artists reflect on their experiences living and working in a city where its architecture, landscape, and monuments are a constant reminder of the conflict that took place one hundred and fifty years ago.

Please join us on Friday November 2 from 6-10pm for this exciting show.

Elstabo's Erotic Works: Art Show and Book Signing Announced

Opening Reception and Book Signing (one night only):  Friday, October 5, 6-10pm.  Adults 18 and over please.

PONSHOP will be hosting an exclusive one-night only art show and book signing of Brooklyn-born artist Elstabo’s latest book, Elstabo’s Erotic Works.  Elstabo is a versatile painter and graphic designer who attained his bachelor’s degree in fine art from the Fashion Institute of Technology.  His career strikes a balance between Fine Art, Illustration and Commercial Arts – exploring themes ranging from fantasy to erotica.

Erotic Works is the second self-published book by the artist.  The images selected for the book were selected from exhibitions he has participated in over the past six years across the United States as well as Canada and Europe.  Elstabo’s entrepreneurial spirit coupled with his graphic design background enabled him to design and create his own compilation of erotic artwork – specifically targeted for the fans of the genre.

Now a resident of Stafford, Virginia, Elstabo continues to be a prolific and active artist, taking on commissioned work from private clients.  His most recent exhibit was at ArteRotica Season IV in Brooklyn, New York this past August. He is currently affiliated Art Whino Gallery (National Harbor, Maryland) and has been exhibiting work at PONSHOP since March of this year. His published works can be found in “Aphrodisia: Art of the Female Form book” (Aristata Publishing), The World's Greatest Erotic Art of Today" by Erotic Signature.  His first self-published book, "Elstabo's Spanish Fly Series" can be found on Blurb.com.

"September Group Show" Announcement

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce the September “First Friday” opening reception.  The gallery will be featuring the latest ceramics by co-owner Scarlett Pons as well new plush creations by PONSHOP’s most recent artist, Ashleigh Burbidge.  PONSHOP is also excited to feature Julie Maida’s hand painted bowls and trivets.  Creating everything from functional home goods to prints and paintings, her use of strong colors and elegant line work are sure to enhance any space.

Held over from August’s “Tailor Made 2” exhibit, PONSHOP boasts a wide array of new t-shirt designs from co-owner Gabriel Pons as well as clothing brands Icy Grape Incident, Nightmare Inc. and Somaphony.  Also in the gallery are recent photographs by Adam DeSio and Stephen Graham. Join us on Friday September 7 from 6-10pm for a special evening celebrating the creativity of our local community.

PONSHOP gallery continues to feature over thirty artists creating everything from fine art and ceramics to jewelry, clothing, and accessories. PONSHOP is offering a unique and fun art curriculum for all ages in their fall workshops including a scholarship opportunity for six students in the “Mapping History” project.  For a current class schedule, visit the PONSHOP online.

Opening Reception:  Friday September 7, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: September 7 - September 30, 2012

Tailor Made 2: Opening Reception

August 3rd was the opening reception for "Tailor-Made 2" featuring the T-shirt designs of PONSHOP, Icy Grape Incident, Nightmare Inc. and Somaphony. The opening night included music by DJ Climaxx on the turntables in our garden space as well as a raffle of Icy Grape Incident t-shirts.  Thanks to all our "First Friday" fans for heading out for the evening.  Below are pics from the opening (and the ever-so-popular after party).  "Tailor-Made 2" runs through the September 2.

"Tailor Made 2: T-Shirt Showcase" Announcement

PONSHOP will be bringing back the much anticipated T-Shirt Showcase as “Tailor-Made 2” this August with new designs and artists.  The opening reception will be held during “First Friday” August 3. This exhibition will feature screen-printed shirt designs from PONSHOP, Nightmare Inc., Icy Grape Incident Clothing and Somaphony. This is a unique opportunity to see the original graphics adorning the walls of the gallery.

PONSHOP offers house brand art tees screen-printed with signature graphics derived from the original paintings of owner, Gabriel Pons. They will be premiering a handful of new t-shirt designs for men and women.

Nightmare Inc. Apparel is a clothing company based in Fredericksburg and established in 2008 by Massaponax High School graduate, Ryan Payne. With strong ties to horror and bedtime terrors, you'll be daydreaming of ways to get this brand.

Icy Grape Incident Clothing brings original graffiti inspired artworks to high quality t-shirts. Owner, Tony Sementelli joined a few of his fellow local artists 2 years ago on a journey to launch their own clothing line and never looked back.

Somaphony joins us from Washington, D.C. with artist Nate Lewis as the leading contributor. Inspired by the Greek words “Soma” and “Phony”, meaning body and sound, his designs fuse human anatomy and musical instruments as wearable art.

Opening Reception:  Friday August 3, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: August 3 - September 2, 2012

"July Summer Exhibition" Opening Reception: July 6, 2012

On July 6, 2012, the First Friday show included some new work by Gabe and Scarlett Pons, and Stephen Graham.  More new pieces were added to the shop by Julie Maida, plus jewelry by Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, and Zakk Davis.

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Thanks to all participating artists and everyone who came out to support the show! Check out some pictures from the night below.

"July Summer Exhibition" Announcement

PONSHOP celebrates summer by opening their outdoor “garden space” to the public. This “First Friday” of July from 6-10pm will be the kick-off of the Summer Exhibition.  July’s show will include the latest paintings and skateboard designs by Gabriel Pons as well as recent ceramics work by Scarlett Pons.  Featured artists for the month include painters Julie Maida, Nicholas Candela, and Jeremy Gann as well as photographs by Adam DeSio and Stephen Graham. The gallery also features fresh work from local jewelers Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Lisa Latendress, Jasmine, Susan McLay and more.

PONSHOP will open their backyard as an event space with DJ Max spinning some artfully choreographed tracks throughout the evening.  There will also be a live painting demonstration by Gabriel Pons in the garden.

July also ushers in a new series of art classes ranging from ceramics and painting to architectural drawing, photography, recycled crafts and jewelry design to name a view.  For a current class schedule, visit the PONSHOP online.

Opening Reception:  Friday, July 6, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: July 6-29, 2012

"June Group Show" Announcement

PONSHOP is excited to welcome a new-featured artist, Julie Maida, to the gallery.  Creating everything from functional home goods to prints and paintings, her use of strong colors and elegant line work are sure to enhance any space. Also in the gallery are works from owners Scarlett and Gabriel Pons as well as signature paintings by Joshua Barber, Nicholas Candela, Jeremy Gann, and Ginger Huebner. Bringing an original touch to photography, Adam DeSio and Stephen Graham will have their latest images on display. Join us Friday, June 1st from 6-10pm for a special evening of local art and enjoy the company of art lovers alike.

Opening Reception:  Friday, June 1, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: June 1 - July 1, 2012

"The Art of Recovery" Opening Reception: May 4, 2012

"Recovering" by Michael Diehm, Mixed Media on Canvas

The opening reception for "The Art of Recovery" was a huge success this first Friday of May.  This show provides a forum for artists living with mental illness to gain confidence in their abilities, address misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and experience community support. Using Art Therapy to improve and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, we send a special thanks to the artists for sharing their process of recovery with us. And of course, thank you to the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) and all of you who came out to show your support for the opening. "The Art of Recovery" will continue through the 27th of May.

Exhibiting artists include:

Lisa Brintley, Howard Brown, Jeremy Cabrera, Jimmy Clark, Helen Conley, Gloria Cooke, Hiter Davis IV, Michael Diehm, Scott Fowler, James Gibson, Jr., Scott Haugh, Beth Jarvis, Mark Jones, Margi Mallory, Anthony McKenny, James Miller, Heidi Minor, Buddy Morgan, Tom Page, Sandy Alexandra Pappas, Craig Patak, Annette Pride, David Raines, Tracy Ringquist, RR, Oren Rose, Darah Saunders, Kim Stanley, Page Stoner, Gayle M. Tompkins, T.J.W., Connie Wells, Charles Wertime, Richard West, Lloyd Wilson, Gary Yaw, Suzette Young, Doreen Zaccagnino

April Group Show Opening Reception: April 6, 2012

PONSHOP's latest First Friday opening reception was April's Group Show, held on Friday, April 6th.

The show featured work from Gabriel and Scarlett Pons, Stephen Graham, Joshua Barber, Nicholas Candela, Jeremy Gann, and Adam Desio. The PONSHOP gallery continued to display works from Jack Brown's tattooists Kenny Brown, Chance Kenyon, Grady Spades, Mike Tschirn and Fredericksburg local Elstabo.

Thanks to all participating artists and everyone who came out to support the show! Check out some pictures from the night below.

Eighth Annual "The Art of Recovery" Show Announced

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce the Eighth Annual “The Art of Recovery” art show organized by The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB). The opening reception will be held on "First Friday" May 4, 2012 from 5-9 p.m.

“The Art of Recovery” show will feature approximately 50 pieces representing several art mediums created by adults with mental illness. This annual art show is organized by members of Kenmore Club, a psychosocial rehabilitation program operated by RACSB. The exhibit coincides with National Mental Health Month and will be on display through May 27, 2012.

Founded in 1970, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) provides public mental health, intellectual disability, substance abuse, and prevention/early intervention services to the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.Programs of RACSB include Kenmore Club, Rappahannock Adult Activities, Inc., Project LINK, Program for Teen Parents, Rappahannock Area Kids on the Block, DARE To Be You – Rappahannock Area, Second Step, Too Good for Drugs, and Healthy Families – Rappahannock Area. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.

"April Group Show" Announcement

For the month of April, PONSHOP Studio and Gallery will be featuring the work of a select collection of gallery artists.  The opening reception will be held on “First Friday” April 6, from 6-9pm.

PONSHOP’s gallery will be displaying the latest work of owners, Scarlett and Gabriel Pons. Also included in this month’s exhibition are signature paintings by Joshua Barber, Nicholas Candela, and Jeremy Gann. Local photographers, Adam Desio and Stephen Graham complement the show with their images. And once more, Kenny Brown, Chance Kenyon, Grady Spades, Mike Tschirn and Elstabo adorn the walls with their New Brow inspired works.

Opening Reception:  Friday, April 6, 6-9pm

Exhibition Dates: April 6^th – 29^th, 2012

"Indelible" Opening Reception: March 2, 2012

The opening reception of “Indelible” was a huge success. Thank you to all the participating artists and to those who came out to show their support.  Below are photos from this evening’s event. Participating artists include:  Kenny Brown, Kelley Drake, Chance Kenyon, Grady Spades, and Mike Tschirn, Elstabo, and Adam DeSio

The show will run through April 1, 2012.