"Heart for Art" Mural Project at Hugh Mercer Elementary

Community is Everything

Late last year, I met a young woman with a passion for art and plenty of positive personality to bring to the table. Since then, I have worked with Sophia in various virtual art classes and this summer we’re embarking on our most ambitious creative endeavor to date.

Help us achieve something monumental as we celebrate creativity through this young artist’s eyes.  Fredericksburg teen Sophia Pineda and the Jayem Pals have teamed up with artist Gabriel Pons to paint a 750-square foot mural at Hugh Mercer Elementary. Follow their progress, support the effort and see what great things can happen when an inspired idea becomes a reality with the help of the Fredericksburg community.

Jayem Pals is a social club that provides students with and without disabilities to be involved in school activities and to form friendships. Click Here to donate to Jayem Pals.

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The Art of Stoneware

The Art of Stoneware Reception:  Friday, April 7, 6-9pm
Terrarium Workshop: Friday, April 7, 6-8pm

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to host our April First Friday reception, “The Art of Stoneware,” on Friday, April 7 from 6-9pm. Join us in appreciating the PONSHOP potters, as well as welcoming a new ceramicist, Ahnalisa Reavis, to the lineup. New work will also be on display by artists Scarlett Pons, Rachel Ruddle, and Matt James.

Missed out on last month’s Terrarium Workshop? No worries! During the First Friday reception, Scarlett Pons will be instructing another workshop between 6 and 8pm. Register online or by phone prior to April 7th and the $40 fee includes a glass container and all other materials.

Cultivate your own creativity this month in one of our many classes for children and adults. April’s classes include: Spring Break Art Camp, Adult Oil Painting, Adult Clay, Heroes and Villains Comic Book Workshop, and Kid’s Drawing Class.  Our Complete Class Schedule can be found Here.

Cultivate Creativity Month & Terrarium Workshop

Cultivate Creativity Celebration:  Friday, March 3, 6-9pm
Terrarium Workshop: Friday, March 3, 6-8pm (Prior Registration Required)

 PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to host our March “First Friday” reception with the theme “Cultivate Creativity”. Join us in celebrating all things that grow as we usher in the beginning of spring with a Terrarium Workshop and a complimentary fine art exhibition featuring garden-themed ceramics and paintings.

Revive your green thumb during First Friday’s terrarium party using D.I.Y. kits supplied by PONSHOP. Show up any time between 6 and 8pm, and walk out with a completed and one-of-a-kind mini mossy world. $40 registration fee includes a glass container and all other materials as well as guided instruction from PONSHOP owner Scarlett Pons. Green thumb not required, but Registration is Required prior to event.

PONSHOP ceramic artists Matt James and Rachel Ruddle join Scarlett Pons in exhibiting garden-themed ceramics, planters, garden tags, and more.  Local oil painter Jenna Anderson will be exhibiting select nature-inspired drawings and paintings, joining Maddie Huddle and Gabriel Pons on the gallery walls.

Cultivate your own creativity this month in one of our many classes for children and adults. March’s classes include, Model Kit Makers, Skate to Create, Adult Oil Painting, Adult Clay, Paper Pop-Up Workshop, and Bohemian Dream Catchers Workshop.  Our Complete Class Schedule can be found Here.  

PONSHOP is a multifaceted storefront: an artist studio, gallery, retail store, and classroom.  The vision of the owners, Scarlett and Gabriel Pons, is to provide a place that embodies what they love: art, design, and creative education.  The gallery/shop features a variety of work from artists both near and far.  Their studio also doubles as a classroom, providing workshops for students interested in everything from painting, ceramics, and architecture to street art and skateboarding.

Intro to Street Art: Summer 2016

Our "Intro to Street Art" Workshop gave students an overview of the history of Graffiti and Street Art and provided instruction on using spray paint and paper stencils.

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Model Kit Marvels

Opening Reception:  Friday, July 1, 6-10pm                 Exhibition Dates: July 1 - 31, 2016

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce their seventh community art exhibition in July of 2016, “Model Kit Marvels.” The gallery will feature custom-painted model kits supplied by the New York-based company, Boundless Brooklyn, and adorned by over forty innovative artists from across the United States. The opening reception is Friday, July 1 from 6-10pm.

“Model Kit Marvels” is PONSHOP’s first partnership with Boundless Brooklyn, as well as PONSHOP’s first exhibit solely featuring three-dimensional artwork. Artists selected from three model kits: The New York City Water Tower, the Skateboard Half Pipe Ramp, or the Billboard Structure. The main event is the art exhibition, but PONSHOP will also be hosting a Do-It-Yourself Model Kit workshop from 6-8pm in the classroom during the opening reception and, weather permitting, their garden space will open for guests and artists.

Gallery co-owner Gabriel Pons comments, “The Boundless Brooklyn kits have been a great educational tool since we’ve been carrying them in our gallery last year.  I’ve used them as a means to educate our students in terms of architectural typology and historic precedent.  Painting them is a great design challenge for beginners and professionals alike.”

Featured Artists include: Crystal Rodrigue, Dolly Whitley, ELSTABO (NY), Gregg Deal (CO), HKS181 (DC), James Walker, Jeff Gulick, Jenna Andersen, Jenna Leigh Anderson, Jeremy Gann, Kevin Rodrigue, Leslie Brier, Maddie Huddle, Matt Corrado (MD), Rachel Hicks, Samantha Brodek, and Tim Rodgers Jr.

Participating Artists include: Andrew Sutherland, Bengi Baker, Dale Brown, Elaine B., Falynn Koch, George Meadows, Jamie Bronson, Jerome Golden, John Curtis, Joshua Colon, Kay Portmess, Kristine Oleson, Mark Mason, Mr. Mars, Morgan Buenos, Nico Cathcart, Nikolas Brown, Stephanie Woolsey, Yanina Angelini, Zach Barbieto, and Zane Brown.

Boundless Brooklyn is an innovative company established in New York by friends David and Terence. They provide easy-to-assemble model architecture kits that allow you to add your own personal flair. Made out of 100% recycled material, their easy-to-assemble kits pay homage to iconic structures in our urban environment including NYC’s classic water towers, billboards, and skateboard ramps to name a few. Learn more at www.boundlessbrooklyn.com

PONSHOP is a multifaceted storefront: an artist studio, gallery, retail store, and classroom.  The vision of the owners, Scarlett and Gabriel Pons, is to provide a place that embodies what they love: art, design, and creative education.  The gallery/shop features a variety of work from artists both near and far.  Their studio also doubles as a classroom, providing workshops for students interested in everything from painting, ceramics, and architecture to street art and skateboarding.

March DIY Month

Opening Reception:  Friday, March 4, 6-10pm

Terrarium Workshop:  Friday, March 4, arrive between 6-8pm

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce our March “First Friday” reception on March 4, from 6-10pm. Join us in the gallery as we introduce new work as well as two new jewelry artists: Once Again Sam by Sarah Mandell (Greenville, SC) and Karen Smith (Charlotte, NC). March is “Do It Yourself” month at PONSHOP and we will be featuring a D.I.Y. terrarium building workshop that same night, March 4, from 6-8pm. Get your hands dirty and walk out with a completed and one-of-a-kind mini ecosystem. Registration is $40 and includes all materials as well as guided instruction by Scarlett Pons. Students can register online at ponshopstudio.com

Later this month, Gabriel Pons will be hosting a Boundless Brooklyn model workshop, in which students will decorate and build either a New York City water tower or a skateboard ramp. These easy-to-assemble model kits are supplied by New Yorked-based company, Boundless Brooklyn. This two-day workshop takes place on March 10 & 17, from 5-6:30pm. (Ages 6+) Registration is $55 and includes 1 model kit and all painting materials. More information about Art Classes can be found online: www.ponshopstudio.com/classes-page

Boundless Brooklyn is an innovative company established in New York by friends David and Terence. They provide blank model kits--including water towers, skateboard ramps, and more--that allow you to add your own personal flair. Made from 100% recycled material, these towers are great for all ages and fit perfectly on desks and shelves.  

Clay with Me: February First Friday Event

Opening Reception:  Friday, February 5, 6-10pm

First Friday Couples Clay Class: 6-8pm     (registration required)

Valentine’s Couples Clay Class: Saturday, Feb 13, 10am-noon     (registration required)

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce our “Clay with Me” workshop kicking off February’s First Friday event on February 5 (6-8pm).  Couples are invited to get creative in clay with their sweetheart by exploring hand-building techniques with PONSHOP owner, Scarlett Pons.  Space is limited and registration is $90 per couple. To enroll, simply visit our website: www.ponshopstudio.com/classes/

In the gallery, we will feature a wide selection of artisan jewelry in anticipation for Valentine’s Day introducing two new jewelers: Karen Smith (Charlotte, NC) making bright enamel jewelry, and Justine Vannucci (Philadelphia, PA) specializing in semi-precious briolettes and metals with high quality gemstones. We also will be stocked with new jewelry arrivals from Daphne Olive (Maryland), Anne Harrill (Ohio), and many more. 

PONSHOP is offering a range of art classes for kids and adults throughout the winter months.  Scarlett Pons is hosting an additional  “Couples Clay Class” on Valentine’s Day weekend and Leslie Brier will be hosting a “Fairy House and Gnome Home” workshop for kids on Saturday, February 6 from 1-2:30pm ($45). Gabriel Pons is holding a “Heroes and Villains” Comic Book workshop and a “Kid’s Drawing” class kicking off in February. Our complete art class schedule can be found online: www.ponshopstudio.com/classes/

Fourth Annual PONSHOP Jewelry Show

Sneak Peek and DIY Jewelry Workshop:  Thursday, November 6, 6-8pm

Opening Reception:  Friday, November 7, 6-10pm

Weekend Trunk Show: Friday Through Sunday, November 9

Exhibition Dates: November 6 – 30, 2014

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce that they will be hosting the fourth annual jewelry show for the month of November showcasing the work of eleven jewelry artists.  The opening reception is scheduled for Friday, November 7 from 6-10pm.

The jewelry exhibit features the works from our favorite local jewelers: Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Jodi Habel, K Tuna Creations, Lisa Latendress, and Trish Schornagel. In addition, the show includes regional and national artists Elaine B, Lawrence Butler, Matthew Cirello and Jasmine Lee as AMORDIVIN, Marstinia Enamel Designs and Daphne Olive.

Get a jump on your holiday shopping!  Bring a friend and enjoy an intimate evening with refreshments at PONSHOP during their “Sneak Peek” jewelry event on Thursday, November 6 from 6-8pm.  The first ten shoppers to purchase $40 or more will receive a complimentary ceramic jewelry dish made by Scarlett Pons.  In addition, Charlottesville jeweler Elaine B will be hosting a Do-It–Yourself Jewelry design workshop.  Fashion your own necklace using her signature geometric shapes and a variety of semi precious stones collected locally and abroad. This workshop is casual and open to all interested. RSVP is requested, not required – email shop@ponshopstudio.com. ($50 fee)

The evening of First Friday will kick off a special “Weekend Trunk Show” featuring Daphne Olive (Maryland) and Elaine B (Charlottesville, VA) with light food and refreshments and music provided by Mike DJ.  To celebrate Fredericksburg’s Holiday Open House event that weekend, the trunk show will run through Sunday, November 9.

The gallery walls will include a group exhibition of featured PONSHOP artists including Nicholas Candela, Adam Desio, Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue, Gabriel Pons and more.

PONSHOP is a multifaceted storefront: an artist studio, gallery, retail store, and classroom.  The vision of the owners, Scarlett and Gabriel Pons, is to provide a place that embodies what they love: art, design, and creative education.  The gallery/shop features a variety of work from artists both near and far.  Their studio also doubles as a classroom, providing workshops for students interested in everything from painting, ceramics, and architecture to street art and skateboarding.  “We Don’t Buy Gold or Guns, We Sell Art.”

Fall Class Schedule Announced

We've had a great summer with our art workshops here at PONSHOP.  This summer alone, we've had over sixty students in our studio doing a variety of activities.  Thanks to all of our students and parents for making the past three months so memorable.

We're excited to offer up our Fall Class Schedule which includes the following workshops:

Intro to Street Art, Skate to Create, Kids' Drawing, Adult Mixed Media, Adult Clay, Ice Resin Bracelet, Altered Spoon Ornaments, Intro to Plush Making, Intro to Sewing, and PONSHOP Academy - a special six week workshop for children who are serious about exploring a variety of media, from sculpture and clay to painting and mixed media.

View the Fall 2014 Class Schedule Here

Registration is Now Open!  Simply call us at the shop (540) 656-2215 to register today.

Register Now for Spring and Summer Classes at PONSHOP

This spring and summer, PONSHOP is offering workshops for children and adults in: Ceramics, Skateboard Graphics, Street Art, Collage and more!  We now offer classes in Video and Film Making, Jewelry Design, and Stitching plush toys! New this season is a Clay and Paint Combo Workshop on April 22 and August 18. Get the best of both Art Worlds with PONSHOP owners Scarlett and Gabriel Pons in this exclusive double-header class. If you've already taken a series of classes with us and want to continue your project, simply take an additional class and pay per session.

Our Summer Camp Format of consecutive daily classes begins June 24 with Skate to Create.  Below are examples from our student workshops.

Children learn the basics of hand-building techniques in Children's Clay taught by PONSHOP owner, Scarlett Pons ($75 for three 1-hour sessions)

Creature Feature, taught by Leslie Brier, incorporates collage techniques and found objects  create a creature sculpture that expresses their style.

Skate to Create is one of the most popular classes and with good reason - where else can you custom paint your own skateboard deck? ($100 for three 1.5-hour sessions)

Make your own "Snuggle Monster" with Ashleigh Burbidge this spring and summer.  Students learn basic needle threading and stitching to make their own cute creature ($30 for one 1.5 hour session).

You don't have to have any experience for our Adult Stencil and Mixed Media Class.  Students learn collage and stencil techniques in casual evening sessions ($90 for three 1.5 hour classes)

You can view more photos from our past Summer Class Sessions Here.

Click Here for our full schedule and Registration Form.

Student Work 2013: Kids Collage and Mixed Media

Do not believe the misconception that if you cannot draw, then you are not artistic! In three 1.5 hour classes, students were introduced to various techniques, including collage, stenciling, ink, and more. From developing beginning ideas to executing mixed media artwork, instructor Gabriel Pons, guided students in strengthening the connection between the creative mind and hand. Students completed this course with a finished piece on canvas.

Come join us at the PONSHOP with your ideas and we will supply all materials and instruction. Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact PONSHOP.

Student Work 2013: Intro to Street Art

Students honed their stenciling and spray-painting skills in this series of three 1.5 hour workshops. Instructor Gabriel Pons lead the class in developing their designs, cutting paper stencils, and perfecting their spray-painting.  Working on various media, including wood panels and vinyl records, students leave the course with a work of art and the knowledge to continue making on their own.  Below is a selection of photos from our 2013 series of "Intro to Street Art" classes:

Want to be introduced to the street art? Come join us at PONSHOP with your ideas and we will supply all materials, instruction, and history of street art.  Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact PONSHOP.

Student Work 2013: Leslie Brier Workshops

 

Local mixed media artist Leslie Brier has offered many workshops here at PONSHOP ranging from jewelry making, robot building, and assemblage art. By checking out the photo gallery below, you can see what happened last year including zen tangle drawings and recycled arts. In 2014, Brier has already shared her expertise on collage and assemblage techniques. Coming up in March are her jewelry courses on creating rolled paper beads and earring construction.

Brier's courses are perfect for students of all skill levels interested in a one-hour workshop.  Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact PONSHOP. Cost includes all materials and you leave with your own one-of-a-kind art piece!

Student Work 2013: Skate to Create

In this series of three 1.5 hour workshops, students of all skill levels designed and painted their own skateboard deck using stencil and spray paint techniques.  Instructor Gabriel Pons guided them from initial brainstorming through developing their illustrations into a layered stencil design.  After refining their designs, students chose their color palette, cut their stencils, and spray-painted their own boards.  Below is a selection of photos from 2013's Skate to Create workshops.

You leave this class, Skate to Create, with a one-of-a-kind art deck of your own design and the knowledge to make many more! To create a custom skateboard, bring your ideas and PONSHOP will supply all materials and stenciling/spray painting instruction. Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact the PONSHOP.

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

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!

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.

"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.

"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.

Student Work: Make Your Mark, July 2012

As part of our summer workshop serires, PONSHOP Artist Leslie Brier held the "Make your Mark" class during the third week of July.  In three 0ne-hour sessions, her student created a number of fun stamps designs as well as a mini stamp book to continue working in.  Below are photos from the session.

PONSHOP offers classes each month in a variety of media.  For a current class schedule, Click Here.