Urban Decay 4 Exhibition Announced

We are excited to announce that Urban Decay will be entering its fourth year of exhibition at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia.  Urban Decay 4 celebrates low brow and contemporary art and music.  Emerging talents are showcased alongside accomplished artists with a special focus on the Vinyl toy scene.  PONSHOP will be one of the sponsors in this 2-month long exhibit and we look forward to celebrating with you all during the opening event on Saturday, June 8 from 7-11pm.

Urban Decay 4 also has a call for artists for customized vinyl toy submissions.  Entries are due May 25-26, 2013.  Click Here for a complete prospectus.

Gabriel Pons will be one of the many featured artists on exhibit and will take part in a panel discussion with Kenny Wells and Jack Labadie about the influence of Hip-Hop music on contemporary art (Sat. June 8 at 5pm).  The grounds of the Workhouse will also be the site of a day-long mural demonstration by HKS181, Kevin Rodrigue, and Jeremy Gann.

Thanks to Deb Yarrington and her crew at Urban Art Syndicate for curating and coordinating this year's show.

Urban Decay 4 will include the work of:  Carlos Aguilar, Kevin Bednarz, Kenny Brown, Bryan A. Collins, Matt Corrado, Gregg Deal, ElStabo, James Fuller, Jeremy Gann, Drew Storm Graham, Kevin Gosselin, HKS181, Bill Hewitt, Tim Knouff, Jack Labadie, Justin Lipuma, Kevin Murphy, Sylvia Ortiz, Scott Olive, Michael Owen, Gabriel Pons, RSIN, JC Rivera,, Kevin Rodrigue, David Ten, James Walker and Asad ULTRA Walker.

Performances during the opening reception include: Thrive, Kenny Wells, Expansion Radio and Lightspeed Rescue

Click Here to view the history of  the Urban Decay exhibition series via the PONSHOP Blog.

"The Art of Recovery" 2013 Opening Reception

"Untitled #1" by Karen Rees, Acrylic on Canvas, $300

The  opening reception for the ninth annual "The Art of Recovery" exhibit was held on Friday May 3, 2013.  The exhibit was organized by the staff of the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board and Kenmore Club - a psychosocial organization that provides rehabilitation service for adults with severe and persistent mental illness.  We had a great turnout with over three-hundred visitors throughout the course of the evening.  This annual 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.  Thanks once again to all participating artists and the staff of RACSB for their hard work.  "The Art of Recovery" is on exhibit through May 26, 2013.

2013 Summer Classes Announced

We are excited to announce our 2013 summer class schedule. Between three artists (Gabriel Pons, Scarlett Pons, and Leslie Brier) teaching in a wide variety of media, we offer so much more than a conventional art class. In a series of three 1-1.5 hour long sessions we expand outside of “traditional” artwork, focusing on working with a wide range of media from clay to spray paint to recycled everyday objects. Students can explore their creativity while creating a unique work of art and getting to know other students who share their interests. Each series of classes is priced at $100 or less and includes the materials students will need.  View our current class schedule Here.  Below is a sample of some classes offered:

Adult Clay Class (Instructor: Scarlett Pons) Students use a variety of hand building techniques for sculptural or functional pieces.

Children's Clay Class (Instructor: Scarlett Pons) Kid's learn a variety of hand-building techniques with clay.

Children's Drawing Workshop (Instructor: Gabriel Pons) Using pencils, markers, and more, kid's explore drawing as a way of seeing their world.

Skate to Create (Instructor: Gabriel Pons) Design and Paint your own skateboard deck using stencils and spray paint.

Intro to Street Art (Instructor: Gabriel Pons)  Students create large format graphics using stencils, spray paint, markers and more.

Adult Stencil and Mixed Media (Instructor: Gabriel Pons) learn a variety of media techniques using collage, acrylic and paper stencils.

My Recycled Room (Instructor: Leslie Brier): Students can transform excess junk and clutter into fun works of art to decorate their own space.

Creature Feature (Instructor: Leslie Brier): Applying collage techniques to found objects allows students to create a creature sculpture that expresses their style and creativity.

Steampunk Art Doll (Instructor: Leslie Brier): Use a wooden drawing model and some found objects or hardware to create an artistic steampunk styled figure.

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.

Call For Artists: Remixed Vinyl Album Art Show

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery will be hosting its fourth community art exhibition in June of 2013. 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.

Click Here for the Complete Prospectus and Entry Form.

Spinning at 33 1/3 rpm

Here’s how the show works: once you pay an entry fee and 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 June 2 to turn your Jane Fonda Workout album into a work of art, which will be exhibited until June 30. 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 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. Artwork not retrieved after show closing will incur a storage fee of $10 per day

Calendar

Deadline for Submissions: Saturday, June 1 (10-6pm) Sunday, June 2 (noon-5pm).

Pick Up of Unaccepted Work: Tuesday, June 3 (10-6pm)

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

Exhibition Dates: June 7-30

Pick up of Work: Sunday, July 1 (10-6pm)

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

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.

Scarlett's Custom Dinnerware Sets

Scarlett designed an everyday, no fuss set of plates for you and your family. This is a very versatile set perfect for any meal of the day and even makes great serving platters. The set includes a 9 1/2" square dinner plate, a 7 1/2" square sandwich plate and 5" by 1 1/2" deep bowl.  All the pieces in the set are dishwasher and microwave safe.

There are seven colors available to choose from. View the photo above for color samples:

1. Periwinkle- light blue with hints of lavender

2. Plum-deep magenta with warm grey highlights

3. Eggshell- soft cream with amber highlights

4. Floating Blue- deep brown with denim blue highlights

5. Orb Green- rich glossy green

6. Glossy Black- Deep black and very Obsidian like

7. Satin White- Classical white soft semi-glossy.

Dinner sets are made to order.  Please allow 4-6 weeks for completion. We will be sure to let you know as soon as we finish and ship your set.

Want to know why it takes 4-6 weeks? Be sure to check our Policy Page on Etsy and learn a little about the ceramic process!

Visit our Etsy Site to select your color and place your order.

Gabriel Pons at Hill Center Galleries

Gabe is exhibiting a cross section of his mixed media artwork at the Hill Center Galleries in Washington, DC from March 2 through April 28, 2013.  The opening reception for his show is Wednesday, March 20 from 6-8pm.  For more information, visit the Hill Center website.

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.

World Wildlife Fund "Hands Off My Parts" T-Shirt Campaign

In the fall of 2012, Gabriel Pons was commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund to design a t-shirt for the WWF's "Hands Off My Parts" campaign.  He collaborated with WWF to generate an original t-shirt graphic that would raise awareness regarding wildlife crime throughout the world and motivate change by mobilizing the public to take action through handsoffmyparts.org. From the WWF Website:

"Every day, wild elephants, rhinos and tigers are killed for their skins, bones, tusks, horns and other body parts. Wildlife crime is now the most urgent threat to these species—and decades of conservation gains and whole wildlife populations will be lost if we don’t take action today.

Tens of thousands of elephants are killed every year for their ivory tusks.

At least one rhino is killed every day due to the mistaken belief that rhino horn can cure cancer and hangovers.

As few as 3,200 wild tigers remain. Poaching is the greatest immediate threat to their survival.

The illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth $7-10 billion annually.  Illicit wildlife trafficking is the fifth largest illegal trade after drugs, counterfeiting, human trafficking and oil.

Join 'Hands Off My Parts' to stop wildlife crime along with supporters like Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily VanCamp, Josh Bowman, Stacy Keibler, Alyssa Milano, Ian Somerhalder and Ethan Suplee. Together we can fight for strong laws so that poaching stops and rhinos, elephants and tigers can keep their parts."

Below are images of the 'Hands Off My Parts' t-shirt package.  Gabriel created a full-size painting and additional hand-drawn lettering and line work for the final composite screen-printed graphic.  The WWF team did a great job designing the informational brochure and hangtags.  PONSHOP is honored and proud to be a part of this timely and pertinent initiative.  Take Action Now to join the "Hands Off My Parts" campaign and stop wildlife crime.

Coincidentally, during the time Gabe was working on the project, National Geographic Magazine published an investigative report, "Blood Ivory" in October of 2012.     As a result of the 'Hands Off My Parts' initiative, in early March, Thailand prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra pledged to end the ivory trade in Thailand during the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

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).

"Portal to History" Premiere Event

Friday, February 8th marked the release of the "Portal to History" children's walking map.  The Fredericksburg visitor's center collaborated with PONSHOP studio to facilitate a 6-week long workshop that engaged 8 local scholarship students in documenting some key historic sites in the city's downtown and creating a brochure with their findings.  The premiere brought together all the students and their family as well as participating teachers/organizers to celebrate the completion of the project.  The visitor center's auditorium walls displayed the student's sketchbook pages.  There was also a slideshow of photos taken throughout the workshop.  Julie Perry of the Fredericksburg Visitor Center and Kerry Devine of the City Council gave their congratulations to the students.

PONSHOP would like to thank the following for their contribution to the "Portal to History" project:

Julie Perry (Fredericksburg Visitor Center), The University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts, The Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, The George Washington Foundation, Washington Heritage Museums.  All participating students and their parents.

The walking map is available at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center as well as PONSHOP.  You can also download it as a PDF.  Click Here for more about the "Portal to History" Project.

"On Deck" Skateboard Show Opening Reception

Here are some pics from the opening night of the "On Deck" show at Foundation Gallery and Live Room in Kensington, Maryland on January 11.  Gabe contributed two decks to the show which included over fifty entries.  Thanks to Matt Corrado of Foundation for putting this event together!

"Portal to History" Walking Map Release Event Announced

PONSHOP Studio and the Fredericksburg Visitor Center are pleased to announce the release of their collaborative children’s walking map titled, “A Portal to History.” This walking map is the product of an eight-week series of art workshops and historic tours held by PONSHOP Studio including the work of eight scholarship students. The evening will include an exhibit of the student work, a photo slideshow, and a brief presentation from the students and workshop organizers.

The students visited seven Fredericksburg historic landmarks including: Hugh Mercer Apothecary, Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts, The Fredericksburg Museum and Cultural Center, Mary Washington House, Kenmore Plantation, and the Rising Sun Tavern. Students were responsible for collecting materials (historic information, photographic documentation, and architectural illustrations) pertinent to each site. In the following sessions, PONSHOP instructors Scarlett and Gabriel Pons assisted them in creating a walking map incorporating their findings and illustrations from their visits.

The map provides young tourists with an interactive means of exploring the city’s historic sites and also becomes a self-made souvenir, including a stamp collecting activity for six of the historic landmarks. The map also provides a link with additional information about and pictures from the students’ workshop process.

As a means to give closure to the workshop and share the walking map with the public, students will present the “Portal to History” project at a formal reception on Friday, February 8 from 6-7pm. All are welcome to attend.

On behalf of PONSHOP Studio, we would like to thank the following for their assistance in this project: The City of Fredericksburg, The University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts, The Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, The George Washington Foundation, and Washington Heritage Museums. We would also like to thank the participating students: Maggie Carmody, Caroline Connors, Jordan DeBoise, Madelyn Descutner, Matt Dinehart, Zoë Kovacs, David Pearcy, and Marielle White.

kybecca and PONSHOP Collaboration: A Celebration of Artisan Food and Ceramics

Rebecca Thomas, owner of kybecca Wine Bar, and Scarlett Pons of PONSHOP Studio are hosting a release party celebrating their recent collaboration of custom ceramics at kybecca Wine Bar on Wednesday night, January 30^th from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.  The evening will include a special menu presented on the new dinnerware, an opportunity to meet the restaurant owner and ceramic artist, and a chance to custom order and purchase similar dinner and serving sets. 

To highlight the hand-made nature of kybecca’s food offerings, Kybecca’s chef Wade Troung is creating a special menu to compliment Scarlett’s hand-made ceramics.  The menu includes:

Braised rabbit springrolls, red cabbage, daikon, cilantro and nuoc mam.

Japanese Scotch Eggs, tamari seasoned beef and pork, free range organic egg, ancho chili hollandaise

Vegetable pot stickers, ginger ponzu and pickled daikon

Background

Rebecca was seeking a ceramic artist to create new dinnerware for her restaurant. She was looking for original ceramic pieces that would highlight kybecca’s food that is handmade from fresh, local ingredients and compliment the contemporary interior of the restaurant designed with exposed brick, stainless steel and reclaimed wood details.

Ceramic artist Scarlett Pons met with Rebecca and designed three new dinnerware pieces for the restaurant. Each piece is contemporary in design and glazed with rich, natural colors that would emphasize the colors and texture of the food. The first plate is a large square 12” x 12” platter designed to serve an entrée for two or more. This piece is glazed in an Eggshell glaze of rich ambers and soft beiges and lightly speckled with a dark brown pattern reminiscent of a desert scene. The second plate is 9” x 9” square plate for single or shared fares finished in a glossy, dark Orb Green glaze. There is variegated pattern of black spots balanced with a darker green line across the top of each plate. The third piece is an asymmetric 9” shallow bowl sitting slight raised from the table. These bowls are glazed in a Sesame Black matte glaze giving the piece a volcanic rock appearance with tones of silver and blue.

Both business owners are pleased to share their collaboration with the public and excited to celebrate their passion for hand-crafted, contemporary food and design - where the qualities of the material, whether ceramic and or culinary, are experienced in their most genuine light, highlighting their richest properties.  Join us for an evening of artisan food, wine and art.

kybecca wine bar 400 William Street, Fredericksburg Virginia

"Then, Here, and Now" exhibit at Hill Center Galleries

Gabe is exhibiting a cross section of his mixed media artwork at the Hill Center Galleries in Washington, DC from January 11 through February 24, 2013.  The opening reception for his show, titled "Then, Here, and Now" is Thursday, January 24 from 6-8pm.  For more information, visit the Hill Center website.

Below is Gabe's artist statement for the exhibit:

Although a formal education in Architecture was the starting point of my pursuits in painting and collage,my interests are rooted in creating artwork that speaks to both the past and present tense of our global culture.  Inspiration is pulled from a cross-generational appreciation for the arts – from classical literature and world architecture to youth culture, primarily skateboarding and hip-hop.  These pieces reflect my intention of informing and engaging an audience on cultural and historical issues that affect our world today.

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.

Styles upon Styles: PONSHOP Online Shop(s)

For those of you far and away from our “Brick and Mortar” shop in Virginia, we offer up the PONSHOP Online Store hosted by our friends at RedBubble.com.  Here you can get fine art prints, clothing, iPhone, iPad, and iPod cases and more – all with original designs by PONSHOP.

Select from over a dozen Original T-Shirt Designs by Gabriel Pons. Choose a graphic, specify a shirt color and size and it arrives at your doorstep.  All graphics are garment printed on American Apparel Clothing for the ultimate in comfort and style.

If you’re looking for unique gifts for family and friends, give the gift of art.  Browse through the PONSHOP Painting Portfolio and order art prints ranging in size from a greeting card to a large format poster.

We also feature a selection of our original artwork on the PONSHOP Etsy site.  Here you can find some of Scarlett's signature ceramic items including her Ceramic Sponge Holders, Letter Pendants, and Bowls.  Gabe's spray painted vinyl records and shop tees are also on Etsy.

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.