December Small Works Show Announced

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to celebrate the holidays with their annual small works show in December.  The opening reception will be “First Friday” December 6, from 6-10pm. This year’s small works show will include new ceramic work by PONSHOP co-owner Scarlett Pons, who has created Fredericksburg themed mugs, Ramen bowls and ceramic ornaments in a variety of colors and patterns. Gabriel Pons will be releasing his latest T-shirt designs: the Octopus (green and white) and the “Hip Hop Origins” Tee.  The gallery is also filled with new work from nine jewelers, four t-shirt vendors as well as handmade home accessories from local artists.  Gift inspirations include limited edition art prints, custom painted skateboards, comic book wallets and plush toys.

The gallery walls will include a group show of small works by featured PONSHOP artists including: Cameron Limbrick, Adam Desio, Steven Graham, Julie Maida, Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue, Stacey Schultze and James Walker.

For our customer’s convenience, PONSHOP will have extended holiday hours Friday and Saturday from 10am–8pm, Sunday noon–5pm, and Monday through Thursday from 10am–6pm.

Exhibition Dates: December 6–31, 2013

Live in Art Show at Amelia Square: Photos

Saturday, November 9 was the opening reception for the "Live in Art" show at Amelia Square.  Below is a photo gallery of the exhibition which will be open through Sunday, December 8.  Thanks to all of our participating artists as well as Simply Home, Coldwell Banker Cyber Elite and Impressions for their contributions in making this event such a success.  View the Artist List and Click Here for more about the Live in Art show.

Live in Art Show at Amelia Square: Opening Reception November 9

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce the “Live in Art” Showcase at Amelia Square (1099 Winchester Street, Fredericksburg).  The opening reception is Saturday, November 9, 2013. This is an exclusive opportunity to view and purchase artwork for the home.  PONSHOP is collaborating with Coldwell Banker Elite and Simply Home Builders, to host an exhibit in one of the recently constructed high-end brownstones at Amelia Square (located on the corner of Amelia and Winchester Street Fredericksburg). A select group of local and regional artists have been invited to participate in this event by contributing work that corresponds with the theme of the show “Live in Art” - reinforcing the residential nature of the project through professionally crafted artwork. Typically, the public views fine art in a gallery or museum setting. In this case, “Live in Art” features locally made fine art, ceramics and furniture where it resides once acquired – in the home. This is an opportunity to view and buy artwork in a comfortable and elegant setting and support the vibrant Fredericksburg art scene.  The selected artwork is decisively contemporary, and includes signature pieces that fit the spirit of these new brownstones constructed in historic Downtown Fredericksburg.

Gabriel Pons will be selling limited edition prints of one of the feature paintings from the show-a map of Fredericksburg that includes the entire historic downtown and the recent inclusion of the Amelia Square project.  Scarlett Pons will be including an eight-piece ceramic dinner set to be included in the dining room.  Local acclaimed furniture designer, Kaleo Kala will be exhibiting a new custom-built coffee table, and the walls of the home will be adorned with paintings from over ten artists.

“Live in Art” will be featuring work by: Leslie Brier, Daniel Christie, Adam Desio, Ashleigh Dueker, Betsy Glassie, Bill Harris, Kaleo Kala, Rob Landeck, Patte Ormsby, Carol Phifer, Scarlett Pons, Gabriel Pons, Ana Rendich, Crystal Rodrigue, Kevin Rodrigue and James Walker.

Mask and Mirror Workshop Announced

Gabriel Pons will be the guest instructor for a mask-making workshop called, "Mask and Mirror" at the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center in November.  Online Registration is now open!

The "Mask and Mirror"  workshop explores the theme of adornment and how different cultures modify the surface of the body for decorative, aesthetic, and cultural purposes.  This fascination with marking and altering our appearance is evident in contemporary culture exemplified in the cosmetic industry and the mainstream proliferation of the tattoo industry.  Students will create their own mask using a prefabricated blank form and customize it using paper collage techniques, acrylic paint, and colored pencils.  The effort of the exercise will be to encourage students to "look within" themselves and project their passions, interests, and voice on a three dimensional canvas.  Whereas a conventional mask is meant to conceal one's identity, the intent of these masks is to reveal the student's personality and hopefully discover something new along the way.

When: Saturday, November 23, 2013 10am-noon.

Where: Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center (1001 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia)

Ages: 13+

Cost:  $45 per student

Register Here

Third Annual Jewelry Show Announced

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery are pleased to announce that they will be hosting the third annual jewelry show for the month of November showcasing the work of nine jewelry artists.  The opening reception is Friday, November First from 6-10pm.  The jewelry exhibit features the works of Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Matthew Cirello and Jasmine Lee as AMORDIVIN, Jodi Habel, Lisa Latendress, Trish Schornagel, Erica Voss, and Sylvia White. In keeping with the gallery’s format, the jewelry works in the exhibition are original pieces handmade by local artists.  The exhibit will feature a wide variety of materials including upcycled items such as silverware and wine bottles, beads, leather, ceramics, sterling silver, copper, brass, hand-colored resin, precious metal clay, as well as sea glass and dichroic glass.

The show will also include other jewelry works by Zakk Davis, Jeff Gulick and Courtney Fishback.  This exhibit will serve as a great “sneak peek” for what PONSHOP will be offering during the holiday season.  The gallery walls will include a group exhibition of featured PONSHOP artists including Nicholas Candela, Stephen Graham, Adam Desio, Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue, Gabriel Pons and more.

The Jewelry Show exhibit runs from November 1 – 30, 2013.

Opening Reception: October Group Show

Friday, October 4 was the opening reception of our Group Show featuring the work of Baltimore-based painter, Ashleigh Dueker.  Below are photos from that evening.  Thanks to all our fans who came out for the night and a big "thank you" to Ashleigh and her family for making the trek down from Baltimore.  October's Group show runs through October 27. Ashleigh's "Windows" series reflects upon her experiences over the past years working as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali, West Africa and her subsequent transition back to life in the United States.  The three works she's contributed to the October show, "An Unfinished Life", "Sojourn", and "Home" explore these recent experiences, touching on themes such as emotional closure, spirituality, and the inherent relationship that we create with our environment.

"Vivify" Mural Commission - Photos

Below is a chronology of the outdoor mural commission I completed for Vivify Burger & Lounge in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  I worked with the clients (who also own Bistro Bethem across the street) to produce a custom painting that embodied the charge of the new eatery. The concept sketch basically sent me on the path of formalizing my idea for Vivify.  "Vivify" means to bring movement and life to something.  The owners' goal is to host a space that pulses with the energy of the city's downtown, and that is also reflected by the tastes and smells from the eatery and lounge.  What better way  to express the vibrance of the lounge than  in a colorful "canopy" of words.  The piece turned into a family crest of sorts and incorporated the Bethem's names around the center.

The rear of the restaurant opens up to a two-story patio space with stairs leading to a roof deck which provides a great view of the city.  I was excited to work on such rich and fun project this summer.  Thanks to the Bethem family for the opportunity and thanks to my assistant, Jeff Gulick, for his consistent help throughout.

Fredericksburg's Second Annual Art Attack Event

Saturday September 14, 2013 marked the second annual “Art Attack” event in Downtown Fredericksburg.  Organized by Gabriel Pons and Bill Harris, "Art Attack" is a grass roots public art event open to any "recruits" that are willing to demonstrate their art for one day on the city streets.  The historic downtown was filled with  approximately eighty local and regional artists creating original artwork for all to see. The public witnessed a wide range of mediums from paintings and sculptures to drawings. Fine artists were not the only ones to come out and showcase their talents. Live performers such as belly dancers and musicians participated in the "Attack" also. At the end of day, all participants were invited to a picnic hosted by PONSHOP in the backyard of their gallery.  For more about Art Attack Fredericksburg, visit their Facebook Page.

September Group Show Opening Reception

September 6, 2013 marked PONSHOP Studio and Gallery’s “First Friday” opening reception. The gallery featured the latest works by PONSHOP artists Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue, Nicholas Candela, Jeremy Gann, Adam DeSio and Gabriel Pons.  The gallery also exhibited photographs by Stephen Graham, ceramics by Scarlett Pons, the latest cute plush creations by Ashleigh Burbidge and mixed media creations by Leslie Brier. Below are some photographs from the evening.

October Art Exhibit featuring Ashleigh Dueker

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery announces their October “First Friday” opening reception on October 4, 2013 (6-10pm). The gallery will be premiering the artwork of Maryland-based artist, Ashleigh Dueker. Ashleigh Dueker is a painter who draws creative inspiration from life experiences.  She has lived in several countries in West Africa for two and a half years focusing on health and development work.  Most of her recent work comes from the hardships faced from the famine, coups, and evacuation endured in Mali as recent as 2012.  Her main goal when creating paintings is to inspire the viewer and encourage them to see their life in a different light.

Additional fine artists on exhibit include Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue, Nicholas Candela, Jeremy Gann, Adam DeSio and Gabriel Pons. In addition the gallery will be exhibiting photographs by Stephen Graham, ceramics by Scarlett Pons as well as the latest plush creations from Ashleigh Burbidge and mixed media assemblages by Leslie Brier.

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.

Exhibition Dates: October 4-27, 2013

"Toast of the Town": A Benefit for Rob Grogan

On Sunday, September 22nd, we are taking part in hosting Toast of the Town Auction Benefit, a live and silent auction cocktail party at the Olde Silk Mill from 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.  to benefit Rob Grogan.  Rob Grogan is editor of the  Front Porch Magazine, and has been diagnosed with Carcinoid Cancer. It is a rare form of cancer with lengthy and expensive treatment options. Since this spring, “Rob's Army” has been raising funds to help offset these costs not covered by insurance.

Artist Betsy Glassie (by donating her painting "Perhaps Bonnard Will Come" 40x30 oil on canvas, for the Live Auction), and The Olde Silk Mill Inn owners, Ed & Anna Whelan (by donating their facility), have kicked off what promises to be the most exciting, fun, and must-attend event of the season.  As of this Press Release, the event boasts over eighty pieces of fine art for auction from area artists and over ninety additional items for auction donated by local business and individuals.

You may purchase tickets online, by check at Beck's antique shop, by check or cash at the PONSHOP art studio and gallery, or at the door.

Make a Donation Here or Get Your Tickets now!

Visit our website: www.robstoastofthetown.eventbrite.com

Purchase Tickets at a storefront:

Beck's 708 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401  open noon-5pm seven days a week  (540)-371-1766

Bistro Bethem  309 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401  (540)-371-9999

PONSHOP Art Studio and Gallery  712 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 open Mon-Sat 10-6pm and Sun noon-5pm

Second Annual Art Attack Fredericksburg Event Announced

On Saturday, September 14, 2013 the Second Annual Art Attack Fredericksburg artists take to the streets of the historic downtown for a day-long live art demonstrations. (10am-4pm).  Art Attack is a grassroots event organized by local artists to encourage the exposure and celebration of the region's vibrant art community.  For one day, participating artists (aka recruits) will turn their studios inside out, ambushing the public streets with live art demonstrations.

Art demonstrations will take place primarily on the Caroline and William Street corridors in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia.  Visit Art Attack Fredericksburg on Facebook for more.

August 2013 Opening: Tailor Made 3

Friday August 2nd marked the third annual "Tailor Made" show at PONSHOP featuring the latest t-shirt designs by Icy Grape Incident, Nightmare Inc., Out of Step Arts, and PONSHOP.  That evening, Scarlett executed the "pop up lawn" project in front of the shop.  Inspired by parklet designs seen on the west coast, we utilized the sidewalk space in front of the shop to transform it into an outdoor living room for our guests.  Thanks to all the fans that came out for the evening.  "Tailor Made 3" runs through August 31.

FAMCC Art Outside the Box Summer Camp

Gabriel Pons of PONSHOP partnered with the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center for a three-day summer art camp from July 15-17, 2013.  The theme of the camp was "Art Outside the Box".  Students were instructed to draw upon the city's rich history and built environment to create a collaborative mixed media mural to be installed on the William Street facade of the museum.  Throughout the three days, Pons gave the students a background of the history of graffiti and street art and coupled their activities to "interrogate" the cityscape of Fredericksburg.  What is the message of the signage that we view in the streets day to day? How can students express themselves using only text or only imagery?  How can we reinterpret historic themes in a new way? Below is a chronology of the workshop sessions.  Students used wheat paste to collage imagery and maps relating to the city of Fredericksburg on six wooden panels.  They were encouraged to explore writing their names using different styles and methods.  Pons gave students a tutorial on how to design, cut, and spray various stencils and students then collectively painted the six panels using spray paint, acrylic paint and stencils.  The completed panels were installed in the existing window wells of the museum.  Thanks to Janelle Kennedy, interns Caroline Fogg and Dani Payne, and the staff of the Fredericksburg Area Museum for contributing to the success of this workshop.  Special shout outs to our campers for the week.  They're excitement and genuine enthusiasm made the project worth while.  Good Job Students!

Tailor Made 3: T-Shirt Showcase Announced

PONSHOP is hosting the popular annual T-Shirt Showcase “Tailor-Made 3” this August with new designs by their gallery artists.  The opening reception will be held during “First Friday” August 2 (6-10pm). This exhibition will feature screen-printed shirt designs from PONSHOP, Nightmare Inc., Icy Grape Incident Clothing and Out of Step Arts.

PONSHOP offers house brand art tees screen-printed with signature graphics derived from the original paintings of owner, Gabriel Pons. PONSHOP 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 inspiration rooted in horror flicks 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 3 years ago on a journey to launch their own clothing line and never looked back.

Neil Bramlette started Out of Step Arts as a means to engage and promote emerging and established artists who are not only interested in working in comics, but also have interests in other art cultures (custom vinyl, graffiti, gig posters, tattoo design, pin-ups, etc.) as well.  Earlier this year, Out of Step Arts releases two limited edition tees for men and women, featuring the artwork of comic illustrators Liz Suburbia and Toby Cypress.

Join us on Friday, August 2 for this exciting show!

July 2013 First Friday Reception: Crystal Rodrigue

Below are some pics taken during the opening reception for artist Crystal Rodrigue during "First Friday" July 5th.  Crystal creates compelling pieces using transparent film, silver/copper/gold leaf and corroded steel panels.  Thanks to all of our fans for coming to the opening of Crystal's show!  For more about her work visit her website Here.

"Remixed": Opening Reception, June 7 2013

“Remixed” was PONSHOP’s fourth community art exhibition featuring original artwork using vinyl albums as a canvas. The exhibit included thirty-six local and regional artists all working in this non-traditional medium. Remixed runs through June 30, 2013.

Gallery owner Gabriel Pons has been using 12” vinyl records as his canvas for three years. When a friend offered him a crate of old records, he saw the potential of using the standardized discs in an art show where each participant “repurposes” the old albums and turns them into art.  A Call for artists was issued in April and interested artists from students to professionals registered and received their albums to adorn.  The opening reception included musical entertainment from DJ Climax, spinning on the turntables.  Thanks to all of our artists who participated for this exhibition and thanks to our fans and friends who came out to see the show.

Featured Artists for the “Remixed” Show are: Gregg Deal, Matt Corrado, Rob Landeck, Adam Desio, Stephen Graham, Jack Labadie, Julie Maida, Nick Candela, Crystal Rodrigue, Jeff Gulick and Nina Angelini.

Participating Artists include: Sue Henderson, Stacey Schultze, Sandy Skipper, Lois Skipper, Alex Rudenshiold, Guerin Wolf , Jayden Gilhousen, Zakk Davis, Amina Shafi, Nina Jot Prakashkaur, Cameron Limbrick, Toy Fowler, Ronald Jackson, Mirinda Reynolds, Erin Stephens, Sidney Mullis, Joshua K Rama, Mark Eyestone, Kelly Penick, Mark Manjarrez, Sean Woodard, Elizabeth Carter, Frank Woodley, Josie Yorgeson, Ed King, and Malik Malek.

Artful Contribution to Healing Garden

Hospice Support Care (HSC) of Fredericksburg, VA has created a Healing Garden for bereaved families receiving grief services from HSC at the Harbor House Bereavement and Training Center located at 2103 Washington Avenue in Fredericksburg, VA. On Thursday June 27th, HSC will host the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This event sponsored by Blue and Gray Brewery, The Copper Fox Distillery, Lifepoint and the Fredericksburg Jazz Collective serves as the unveiling of the Healing Garden.  The Healing Garden was built with funds provided by the Duff McDuff Green Jr, Fund of the Community Foundation and in-kind donations from local contractors and volunteers.

Local artists Scarlett Pons of Ponshop and Kevin Rodrigue of Rodrigue Studios contributed their creative services to Fredericksburg’s local Hospice Support Care’s Healing Garden Project. Pons created ceramic blossoms to be mounted on steel trees created by Rodrigue. Two separate metal tree forms are installed in the Healing Garden. The first tree is known as the memorial tree. It supports ceramic blossoms with either a name and/or a message for a lost loved-one inscribed. The second tree known as the sponsor tree, holds blossoms inscribed with the names of those generous organizations willing to sponsor the opening of the Healing Garden.

The Healing Garden has a waterfall and a pond surrounded by stone seating walls and patios. The tranquil atmosphere is designed to provide respite to those who are grieving a serious illness or significant loss. The setting is designed with horticultural elements which will positively influence visiting families and individuals who will attend support groups. The idea is that these visitors will be able to express their grief in a halcyon environment. The idea for the Healing Garden was conceptualized by a grieving child who drew a picture of the place she wished she could go whenever she felt sad about the loss of her father.

Since 1981,  the Hospice Support Center has been providing non-medical support, without charge, to families and individuals experiencing the impact of a life altering or terminal illness. Their trained volunteers provide respite care and other services weekly to over 80 patients in the Fredericksburg region.

July Featured Artist Show: Crystal Rodrigue

Crystal Rodrigue "Yesterday/ Today" image overlay on 23.5 K Gold leaf on rusted steel sheet

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce our “First Friday” Opening Reception on July 5, 2013. The Gallery will be featuring the work of Crystal Rodrigue throughout the month of July. The Gallery will be open on First Friday from 6 to 10pm.

Crystal Rodrigue is a mixed media artist living in Spotsylvania, Virginia. She employs an intensive process of overlaying photos on gilded metallic backgrounds. Rodrigue creates an emphasis on the gilding process by placing photographs on raw steel in order to create a neutral background and, in effect, shifting the viewer’s focus to the gilded images. The images of architecture and power lines (man made constructs) are gilded with metal in order to further equalize their relationship to each other. The gilding beneath the images elevates the status of the raw photograph, inspiring their status and helping the viewer see the contrast between the image and the background. Rodrigue is dedicated to traditional film and photography. She accredits her technical influence to these sources. By the use of vintage cameras, unique films, and an endless curiosity of developing techniques, she is able to present the viewer with an interpretation of a private and vulnerable world that she experiences. Her work reinvents for the viewer a journey; a place in time; and objects overlooked or forgotten.

Crystal Rodrigue has been participating with PONSHOP as a contributing artist for over a year. During that time, she has exhibited her fine art as well as small works including: small scale image overlays on steel plates, Polaroids, vinyl albums, as well as two vinyl albums in the current “Remixed” Vinyl Album Show.

"Remixed" Vinyl Art Show Announcement

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce their fourth community art exhibition in June of 2013.  “Remixed” features original artwork using vinyl record albums.  The exhibit includes thirty-six local and regional artists all working in this non-traditional medium.  The opening reception for "Remixed" is Friday, June 7 from 6-10pm. The exhibition runs through June 30.

Gallery owner Gabriel Pons has been using 12” vinyl records as his canvas for three years.  When a friend offered him a crate of old records, he saw the potential of using the standardized discs in an art show where each participant “repurposes” the old albums and turns them into art.  Both Scarlett and Gabriel Pons are excited to see how each artist treats this design challenge.

The opening reception will include music provided by DJ Climax, spinning on the turntables.

Featured Artists for the “Remixed” Show are:

Gregg Deal, Matt Corrado, Rob Landeck, Adam Desio, Stephen Graham, Jack Labadie, Julie Maida, Nick Candela, Crystal Rodrigue, Jeff Gulick, Nina Angelini Young

Participating Artists (as of this press release) include:

Sue Henderson, Stacey Schultze, Sandy Skipper, Lois Skipper, Alex Rudenshiold, Guerin Wolf , Jayden Gilhousen, Zakk Davis, Amina Shafi, Nina Jot Prakashkaur, Cameron Limbrick, Toy Fowler, Ronald Jackson, Mirinda Reynolds, Erin Stephens, Sidney Mullis, Andrew Quarles, Joshua K Rama, Mark Eyestone, Kelly Penick, Mark Manjarrez, Sean Woodard, Elizabeth Carter, Frank Woodley, Josie Yorgeson, Ed King, and Jurgen Brat