September 2020 kicked off a series of mural projects that kept us busy until April 2021. Sweat FXBG is boutique fitness venue in Fredericksburg and since opening in November 2020, they’ve been whipping their members into tip-top shape. Gabe initiated the lobby artwork to set the stage for the aesthetic that would be implemented in murals for the HIIT Sixty Room, and Cycle Room. Below are pics and videos from the project. Thanks to Sweat FXBG owners Robin and Carrick and Emily of Ply Interiors for their faith in my art direction from the get go.
Foode "Pass The Peace" Mural Collaboration
Foodē has become a landmark in Fredericksburg over the years. Owners Beth and Joy have worked hard to create a restaurant that provides the community with much more than just a meal. Right before Covid-19 hit, they reached out to me and Fraser Wood Elements to create these barn doors that would separate the kitchen from their back room. Needless to say, all of our worlds turned upside down that spring, but Foodē persevered and by August, my son and I were putting on the final touches of the wall mural.
The concept behind the artwork was inspired by a conversation that I had with Beth and Joy, talking about how food is the great equalizer - it can bring people from all walks of life to the table. When people are eating, they’re comfortable and genuinely happy and that can lead to conversation and better understanding. I thought it would be interesting to show feminine hands passing spears of asparagus to allude to the inherent power and joy that comes when we’re able to share something that nourishes. The installation is titled “Pass the Peace” which is an ecclesiastic reference of community as well as nod to the J.B’s “Pass the Peas” song (and for all you Hip-Hop heads - “Pass the Plugs” by De La Soul which is what I grew up listening to on my Walkman).
Kenmore Club Art Panels
Working with the RACSB and Kenmore Club has always felt rewarding. Through the years of working with members on the “Art of Recovery” exhibitions, we’ve built built a great relationship and it was a pleasure to create a custom piece of artwork for the Kenmore Club’s Community Room. Check out Gabe’s Instagram Feed for more work in progress time-lapse video.
Adorn Exhibition Announced
Opening Reception: Friday, March 6 (6-9pm)
Exhibition Dates: March 6-31, 2020
PONSHOP will be open late from March 23-29 (10am-8pm) in coordination with the 54th Annual National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts event held in Richmond,Virginia.
Adorn is an exhibition of women artists using clay in the fine art of jewelry making. Jewelry and ceramics have been a vital part of nearly every culture around the world. Throughout history, ceramic jewelry has been used for currency, tribal recognition, adornment and creative expression.
This exhibit will explore the use of color, contemporary form and detail work using a variety of clay mediums. Each artist in the exhibit not only makes ceramic jewelry, but also creates functional ceramic items for the home. The jewelry that each artist creates is an exploration of scale - translating her larger work into a smaller item to be worn. These functional pieces are typically used and enjoyed in a private setting of one’s home, whereas the jewelry is worn in public and travels with the owner - breaking the bounds of how ceramic items are typically used.
Participants include: Joelle Ferrara, Jenna Vanden Brink, Scarlett Pons, and Rachel Vitko.
The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts is a non-profit, membership organization that fosters global education and appreciation for the ceramic arts.
In 2020, NCECA is hosting its 54th annual conference in Richmond, Virginia on March 25-28 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The conference will bring thousands of ceramics artists and enthusiasts to the city to attend four days of lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions and more.