Tenth Annual Art of Recovery Exhibit Announced

The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) is pleased to announce the Tenth Annual “The Art of Recovery” art show opening Friday, May 2, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at PONSHOP Studio and Gallery located at 712 Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg. The exhibit features original artwork of adults with mental illness. The 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 26, 2014. “The Art of Recovery” show will feature approximately 60 pieces representing several art mediums. Artwork includes original drawings, paintings, three-dimensional artwork (ceramics), textiles, and mixed media.  All of the pieces will be available for purchase.

To correspond with the First Friday opening on May 2, 2014, there will be spoken word, poetry, and live music in the gallery’s rear courtyard at 7:00 p.m.

The Art of Recovery provides a forum for artists living with mental illness to gain confidence in their abilities, address misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and experience community support. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.

April Trunk Show Featuring Elaine B. Jewelry

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery invites the public to its first trunk show featuring Elaine B. Jewelry. During PONSHOP’s First Friday reception on April 4 from 6-10pm, indulge in the elegant, handmade Elaine B. Jewelry. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a "Ladies' Night Out" and find beautiful jewelry to compliment your spring wardrobe.  Due to its popularity, we will also be extending our most recent exhibit Facades: New Work by Gabriel Pons throughout the month of April.

Elaine B. Jewelry (Charlottesville, VA) approaches her wearable art with a strong design aesthetic and attention to detail producing chic jewelry fitting for every occasion. Her jewelry is lightweight, geometry-inspired and from recycled metals perfect to be worn daily or for a special event. Elaine admits, “[my] favorite objects are airy and simple, yet thoughtful. I find this especially important when it comes to things that I wear. I create tiny sculptural worlds using traditional jewelry materials and incorporate geometric elements to make objects that are physically light, yet have weighty presence.” With Elaine’s consideration for the wearer and any occasion she may attend, her jewelry is effortlessly striking.

We take pride in showcasing one-of-a-kind jewelry created with genuine heart and soul by artisan hands with a sensibility for comfort, design, and aesthetics. Visit the PONSHOP to see additional jewelry from artists Terresa Buelow, Matthew Cirello, Lisa Latendress, Jodi Habel, Erica Voss, Trish Schornagel, Leslie Brier, Elisa Shere, Silvia White, Gilhousen Studio, Jasmine Lee and Daphne Olive, as well as brand new ceramic work from Scarlett Suhy-Pons.

"Facades" Art Exhibit Announced

Gabriel Pons will be premiering his latest work in March at PONSHOP Studio and Gallery. Titled Facades, this mixed media series on custom-shaped wood panels are evocative of architectural forms that have been pervasive in his work throughout the years.  Incorporating paper collage, acrylic paint and spray paint, Pons reflects upon his experiences living in New York City as well as traveling throughout Europe. His work combines the formal sensibility of architectural structures with spontaneous and gestural painterly actions emulative of what he has observed in city streets, layering found imagery, text, and handwritten prose.  “The city has a way of looking back at you sometimes and speaking to you – that’s the inspiration for this current series”, Pons remarked.

Join us March 7 from 6-10pm for the opening reception of Facades to view Pons’ latest mixed media pieces. In addition, visit PONSHOP to see new ceramic work from Scarlett Suhy-Pons, jewelry from Elaine B., Elisa Shere and many others as well as fine art from contributing regional artists.

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

Exhibition Dates: March 7-28 2014

February First Friday Opening Reception

Friday, February 7 was the opening reception of our February First Friday exhibit featuring new artists, Elisa Shere and Elaine B.  Below are photos from the opening night.  Thank You to all of our fans for braving the weather to pay us a visit!

RACSB Releases Call to Artists: Tenth Annual "The Art of Recovery" Exhibit

Fredericksburg, Virginia – Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) is currently seeking entries for the Tenth Annual “The Art of Recovery” exhibit. The art show features original artwork by adults with mental illness. The show is organized by members of Kenmore Club, RACSBs psychosocial clubhouse for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. The exhibit will open Friday, May 2, 2014 at The PONSHOP Studio and Gallery on Caroline Street in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The opening corresponds with ‘First Fridays.’ The exhibit runs through May 31, 2014 and coincides with National Mental Health Month. The Art of Recovery provides a forum for artists living with mental illness to gain confidence in their abilities, address misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and experience community support.  Below is a cross section of photos from the past ten years of "The Art of Recovery" exhibits.

The RACSB is accepting original drawings, paintings, sculpture, textiles, prints, mixed media, and ceramics. Individuals wishing to submit their work have until April 1, 2014 to contact Helen Conley. Submissions may be in the form of photographs. Visit www.racsb.state.va.us for an entry form and display instructions.

Entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form with the following requested information: name of the artist; year of completion (if known); locale of the artist; dimensions; medium; and sale price. The PONSHOP will apply a reasonable commission on all artwork sold. Selections will be made by April 11, 2014.

To submit artwork or to learn more, contact Helen Conley at 540-373-7737 or artofrecovery@racsb.state.va.us. Submissions may also be mailed to RACSB, attn: Art of Recovery, 600 Jackson St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401.

PONSHOP Welcomes Two New Jewelry Artists for February

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery cordially invites the public to our First Friday Opening for the month of February on Friday, February 7 from 6-10pm.  Just in time for the Valentine’s Day Holiday, PONSHOP has expanded our line of jewelry artists with the addition of Elisa Shere and Elaine B Jewelry: Elisa Shere (Seattle, WA) creates handmade pieces using recycled materials using traditional metalsmithing techniques, such as piercing, soldering and riveting. Her work is inspired by the textures, colors and shapes encountered in the Pacific Northwest.

Elaine B Jewelry (Charlottesville, VA) enjoys creating functional art with interesting details that compliment elegant design.  Her lightweight, geometry-inspired pieces are meant to be worn everyday.

We take pride in showcasing original handmade jewelry made with genuine heart and soul by artisan hands with a sensibility for comfort, design, and aesthetics.   In addition, PONSHOP features jewelry by Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Matthew Cirello and Jasmine Lee as AMORDIVIN, Jodi Habel, Jeff Gulick, Lisa Latendress, Trish Schornagel, Erica Voss, and Sylvia White.

The gallery will also be exhibiting artwork by gallery artists Adam DeSio, Cameron Limbrick, Crystal Rodrigue, Kevin Rodrigue and Nicholas Candela with new ceramics by co-owner Scarlett Pons.

2013 Jewelry Show (Recap)

Below are pics from our annual Jewelry Show which took place on Friday, November 1, 2013.  We featured 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.

January "Holiday Hangover Party" Announcement

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce our January “First Friday” Holiday Hangover party.  Why stop the festivities just because the New Year hasarrived?  We invite our fans to visit us and enjoy all of our offerings from local artists.  The gallery will be featuring fine art by Leslie Brier, Cameron Limbrick, Crystal Rodrigue, Nicholas Candela, and James Walker and new ceramics by co-owner Scarlett Pons.  We continue to feature over thirty artists creating everything from fine art and ceramics to jewelry, clothing, and accessories for the home. Join us on Friday, January 3 from 6-10pm for a special evening celebrating the creativity of our local community.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

"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.