Ellen Schaefer and Scarlett Pons Exhibition at PONSHOP

Opening Reception: First Friday, May 3 (5-9pm)

Exhibition Dates: May 3 - June 30, 2024

PONSHOP is excited to announce a double-feature art exhibit that celebrates the region’s natural beauty with ceramics by Scarlett Pons and paintings by Ellen Schaefer. The exhibit will showcase Ellen’s recent acrylic paintings and new ceramic wall hanging pieces by Scarlett.

Ellen Schaefer is a Fredericksburg-based artist who works in a variety of mediums including watercolor and acrylic.  Her artwork is inspired by nature and the delicate details of daily life. This new series of paintings by Ellen Schaefer is inspired by views along the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers in Virginia.  The sparkling waters of Westmoreland State Park and calm of the Fredericksburg Canal Path are transmuted into paint via bright airy colors and expressive brush strokes.  A celebration of local landscapes, these paintings are meant to buoy the viewer with a sense of joy and ease.  Each acrylic painting is crafted on 1.5" deep canvas, sealed with satin varnish, and framed in a solid wood float frame.  Learn more about her work at ellenschaeferart.com

Scarlett Pons’s ceramic wall-hanging art is inspired by the native plants that thrive throughout Virginia. “There's a magical quality to stumbling upon wildflowers during a walk or hike, she says, “They compel us to pause, captivated by their beauty and mystery. Through my work, I seek to elevate the unique shapes and rich diversity of these beautiful plants, while also emphasizing their role in shaping a distinct sense of place and community.” By celebrating Virginia's native flora, Pons hopes to foster a deeper connection to our natural surroundings and encourage appreciation for the intricate ecosystems that sustain us. Scarlett’s ceramic collection can be viewed at scarlettwares.com

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.

Scarlettwares Launches Signature Ceramics on Amazon.com

Scarlett Pons, co-owner of PONSHOP Studio (Fredericksburg, Virginia) and owner of Scarlettwares, a ceramic design company, has recently launched a line of signature kitchen items on Amazon.com.

For the past year, Scarlett has been collaborating with Edward Weiner of Maryland China Co. based out of Reisterstown, Maryland to bring three of her exclusive ceramic designs into production to sell on a larger commercial platform. The process began with sending a sample and drawings of each piece to Maryland China Co. who then selected an appropriate ceramic manufacturer in Asia with the right expertise to make the item out of stoneware clay.

The three designs that Scarlett launched are the Single Sponge Holder, Double Sponge Holder and the Sponge and Brush Holder. It took several sample trials and many months to perfect the items. Each piece is a beautifully crafted ceramic form made from a white stoneware clay body and finished with a clear glaze, giving each sponge holder a clean and contemporary look. The sponge holders are a definitive kitchen must have - not only thoughtfully designed by a local artist, but functional as well.  Her first order arrived in Fredericksburg this summer and she officially launched on Amazon.com on August 22.

Scarlett Pons has worked as a professional potter in Fredericksburg for the past thirteen years, growing her ceramic business out of her and her husband’s store, PONSHOP Studio, in downtown Fredericksburg. She has also been marketing her handmade ceramics online for the past eight years via her Etsy Shop. The popularity of her handmade sponge holders inspired her to take them to a production level.

Launching on Amazon as an artist and designer with a private label item is a big step and challenge for this local business owner. The success of an item is dependent on those early sales and reviews. It takes a minimum of five reviews of each item to begin to break through the Amazon “ice” and local hometown support is a big help in launching these products.

Direct Link to Scarlettwares on Amazon.com

Amazon Search: ‘scarlettwares sponge holder’

Website www.scarlettwares.com

Wholesale Inquiries Welcome

Currents

Opening Reception:  Friday, June 2, 6-9pm
Exhibition Dates: June 2-July 30, 2017

In this fish-themed exhibition, fine artist Joan Limbrick and ceramicist Scarlett Pons commemorate the form and grace of our fresh-water finned friends in their respective mediums of paint and clay.

Joan’s lush and colorful paintings are exemplary of her personality – joyful and celebratory.  Her signature work combines sensual forms with an expressive, existential, and imaginative style.

Scarlett balances formal beauty with functionality by creating ceramic pieces inspired by nature.  Her latest serving plate series boasts vibrant color and patterns with smooth arching shapes derived from fish silhouettes.

Join us in ushering in the summer with this exciting show featuring complimentary work from two of the city’s most prolific and dedicated artists.

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.

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/

PONSHOP Holiday Show

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

Exhibition Dates: December 4–31, 2014

PONSHOP is excited to celebrate the holidays with their annual holiday show in December.  The opening party will be “First Friday” December 4, from 6-10pm.

The gallery features new ceramic work by PONSHOP co-owner Scarlett Pons, who will debut her latest illuminated ceramic lantern.  The third in her “Fredericksburg icons” series, she created a series of scale miniatures one of the city’s beloved vehicles – the downtown trolley. 

PONSHOP released four new Art Tees this year, including the “Fredericksburg Map” tee shirt, a punk rock cat tee, a koi fish tee, and a new color way of their popular “Octopus” design.  The gallery walls feature a selection of Gabriel Pons’s signature custom spray painted skateboard decks for riders and collectors alike.  Small works include paintings by Maddie Huddle, Sarah Lapp and Julie Maida.

The gallery is filled with new work from a dozen jewelers ranging from local to national acclaim in a variety of styles and materials.  Gift inspirations include ceramics for the home, upcycled tote bags, hand blown glass ornaments, indy comic books, and limited edition artist prints.

PONSHOP will have extended holiday hours through the holidays: Friday and Saturday from 10am–8pm, Sunday noon–5pm, and Monday through Thursday from 10am–6pm.

Small Business Saturday

Shop small with PONSHOP Studio and Gallery November 28 for Small Business Saturday. Sponsored by American Express, Small Business Saturday takes place once a year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to support small, local businesses. 

Looking for Early Bird Promotions? Shop from 8am-10am at businesses featuring red carpets and balloons. PONSHOP will be open from 8am-8pm and the first 25 customers will receive a free ceramic ornament with their purchase.

July Exhibition: Ceramics by Daniel Christie

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PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce their July exhibition featuring new ceramic work by local potter Daniel Christie. The gallery will be filled with a wide array of Christie’s signature work – from large vases to his popular “wiggle” mugs.  This exhibition promises to entice pottery lovers who enjoy collecting handcrafted pieces from the region’s talent. In addition, the artist will be giving an exclusive wheel throwing demonstration to guests in front of the gallery on the opening night.

Daniel Christie received his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2005 and participated as a work-study student at Penland School of Craft in North Carolina.  Since relocating to Fredericksburg in 2006, he has worked in numerous art studios and has exhibited his work in juried art shows and festivals throughout the East Coast.  Daniel now resides in King George, Virginia with his wife and two children, firing his pottery in a 100 cubic foot propane-fueled brick downdraft kiln.

PONSHOP invites the public to visit the gallery during July’s “First Friday” opening on July 3 from 6-10pm.

PONSHOP Five Year Anniversary Celebration

Opening Reception:  Friday, June 5, 6-10pm PONSHOP Studio and Gallery celebrates their Five-Year Anniversary On “First Friday” June 5, 2015. Gallery Owners Scarlett and Gabriel Pons will be showcasing their latest work in the gallery including ceramics, fine art and two new t-shirt designs. The garden space of the gallery is where the party will be staged: DJ Moog will be spinning on the turntables with refreshments catered by Caroline Street’s newest coffee shop, Agora Downtown.

PONSHOP has built their business around the central philosophy of community engagement and promoting the value of growing a local economy through creativity and culture. The majority of their shop has always been stocked with ceramics, jewelry, accessories and fine art from Fredericksburg and the surrounding regions. In keeping with the entrepreneurial history of downtown Fredericksburg, the owners feel it is important that local artists have a space to hone their craft and also market their products. Since opening in the spring of 2010, PONSHOP has hosted over sixty consecutive First Friday Art Openings including over a dozen juried and community art exhibits including The Art of Recovery and the Remixed Vinyl RecordShow. Each of these events builds upon the sense of pride for the downtown and offers a venue for artists and the public to connect. Art classes have also been an integral part of PONSHOP with Scarlett and Gabriel, as well as local artists, Leslie Brier and Ashleigh Burbidge teaching workshops throughout the year. Art Workshops enrich the lives of both children and adults and create an environment for artists to build confidence in their skills and meet other like-minded individuals. Scarlett and Gabriel Pons cordially invite you in celebrating their Five-Year Anniversary this “First Friday” in June.

February First Friday Opening Reception

Opening Reception:PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce our February “First Friday” event on February 6, from 6-10pm.  We are proud to introduce the addition of two new jewelers to our shop: Anné Harrill of Océanne Jewelry Designs and Fredericksburg native, Devin Ashton Designs. February features a wide selection of artisan jewelry in anticipation for Valentine’s Day, with works from over a dozen jewelers in a variety of materials.  Lisa Latendress created a Valentine-themed charmed necklace incorporating semi precious stones.  Leslie Brier fashioned “Lover’s Eye Tokens”  - a modern day take on an 18th century accessory celebrating mystery and romance.

PONSHOP is offering a range of art classes for kids and adults throughout the month.  Scarlett Pons is holding a “Couple’s Clay Class” on Valentine’s Day as a special event for sweethearts willing to get their hands dirty and have fun.  There is also the return of the PONSHOP Academy for kids as well as a Vintage Floral Resin Pendant Workshop taught by Leslie Brier.  Click Here for the complete class schedule.

December Holiday Show: Introducing The Fredericksburg City Hall Ceramic Lantern

Our First Friday Holiday Show will include new ceramic work by PONSHOP co-owner Scarlett Pons, who will debut her "City Hall" illuminated lantern, the second in her "Fredericksburg Skyline" series - a scale miniature of Fredericksburg's original City Hall building at Market Square, currently occupied by the Fredericksburg Area Museum. This series is limited to 10 editions and available exclusively at PONSHOP ($399).  Join Us, Friday December 5 (6-10pm).

2014 Art Attack Fredericksburg: September 13 (10am-4pm)

We are excited to announce the Third Annual Art Attack event.  For one day, over seventy local artists of Fredericksburg will be demonstrating their talent on the sidewalks of Caroline and William Street in the city’s historic district.   Art Attack is a grassroots event organized by local artists to encourage the exposure, promotion, and celebration of Fredericksburg’s vibrant art community.  From 10am-4pm, participating artists will take to the streets with live art demonstrations ranging in painting and ceramics to mosaic art and dance.

This year, Whurk Magazine is contributing by promoting Art Attack and organizing the “soldiers” during the day of the event.  LibertyTown Arts Workshop will be hosting the Artists’ Picnic immediately following the event at 4pm.  The “recruits” of Art Attack will be on their tour of duty throughout the Caroline Street corridor between Amelia and Charlotte Street (700 Block thru 1000 Block) and William Street between Sophia and Princess Anne (100 block thru 300 block).

Visit the Art Attack Facebook Page for updates and more.

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.

Our Town Series: St. George's Episcopal Church, Fredericksburg

Scarlett has been hard at work in the ceramic studio throughout the month of November and December creating a new line of pieces inspired by St. George's Episcopal church in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  The church sculptures are part of a larger project Scarlett has called "Our Town" - where she chooses iconographic structures in the historic downtown to be recreated as miniatures for the home.  She has recently completed an edition of ten of these illuminated architectural sculptures and is currently available to take orders for more ($395 each).  Inquires can contact us Here.

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.

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.

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.