Murals, 2024, Art Installations, Commissioned Work: Gabriel Pons, Fredericksburg Virginia, Painting, Stafford
Gabriel Pons
"Legacy" Mural at Kate Waller-Barrett Elementary
2024
Gabriel Pons
"City Flavors" Commemorative Painting and ...
2024, Art Tees, Commissioned Work: Gabriel Pons, Fredericksburg Virginia
Gabriel Pons
Latitudes Fair Trade X PONSHOP Tee Shirt ...
Virginia, Murals, Fredericksburg Virginia, Commissioned Work: Gabriel Pons, 2024
Gabriel Pons
"Habitat" Mural at James Monroe High School
Murals, Painting, Fredericksburg Virginia, Commissioned Work: Gabriel Pons
Gabriel Pons
"Welcome to Fredericksburg" Tower Project

Commissioned Work: Gabriel Pons

, , , , , ,

"Legacy" Mural at Kate Waller-Barrett Elementary

, , , , , ,

Gabriel Pons collaborated with Kate Waller-Barrett Elementary to paint a mural as part of an ongoing initiative by the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center , Stafford County Public Schools and the Stafford Education Foundation. The goal of the mural initiative is to highlight the unique history and culture of Stafford County in new and innovative ways.

Located in the school’s cafeteria, the mural is titled, “Legacy”, and depicts the school’s namesake, Kate Waller-Barrett with an assembly of families, rendered in gestural lines and forms. At the start of the project, my initial question was “Who is Kate Waller-Barrett? and how can I spark interest in her story?” After doing plenty of homework, I assembled this summary which only scratches the surface:

Kate Waller-Barrett was born in Stafford County on 1857 and grew up to became a prominent physician, social reformer, and humanitarian. Dr. Barrett became General Superintendent of the  National Florence Crittenton Mission, a progressive organization established in 1883 to assist unmarried women and teenage girls in need.  She also played an active role in the National Council of Women. Her multi-faceted work impacted the health and livelihood of countless women of that era, advocating for women’s suffrage, healthcare and education.

Preliminary Concept Drawing

One of the most impressive qualities of Kate Waller-Barrett’s impact on the community was her sustained efforts at social justice for women through political activism. She was vice president for the Equal Suffrage League in Virginia, president of the National Council for Women, president for the American Legion Auxiliary, and vice president for the Conference of Charities and Corrections of Virginia. Her lifelong investment in social work has impacted countless families. Thanks to Kate Waller-Barrett Principal Rachel Novak and art instructor Sarah Hudson for their logistic support and collaboration throughout the project.  Also, thanks to Susan Henderson of the Stafford Museum and Cultural center for doing some archival hunting to locate Kate Waller-Barrett’s signature for me to incorporate in the mural artwork.  Most importantly, thanks to all the students and faculty of Kate Waller-Barrett. I spent a total of 70 hours painting in the cafeteria and can attest to the students’ curiosity, exuberance, and fascination with the mural-making process.  This project became more than paint on a wall, and turned into an interactive and immersive experience for the students - prompting them to ask questions and igniting their interest in our region’s history.

This project is a partnership between the Stafford Museum Cultural Center, Stafford Public County Schools, and the Stafford Education Foundation.

, , ,

Latitudes Fair Trade X PONSHOP Tee Shirt Collaboration

, , ,

PONSHOP co-owner, Gabriel Pons was commissioned by Latitudes Fair Trade to produce a "Fred-Centric" tee shirt for Summer/Fall 2024.  Drawing on his meticulous surveys of the city's architecture and a painter's eye for stacking shapes and colors, Pons aspired to create a tee that celebrates the spirit of the city. Tees are professionally screen printed on GoEx Apparel so you can look good and feel good about buying fair trade. Now available at Latitudes Fair Trade Fredericksburg ($28).

, , , ,

"Habitat" Mural at James Monroe High School

, , , ,

PONSHOP owner Gabriel Pons and Team Sophiola have completed a mural in the courtyard of James Monroe High School during the summer of 2024. This is the fourth public mural that Ms. Pineda and Pons have accomplished together since 2021. Titled “Habitat”, this 980 Square-Foot mural is a collaboration between Fredericksburg City Schools, Sophiola, PONSHOP, and community volunteers. The inspiration for the artwork came primarily from the school’s unique geographic location, situated between the city’s canal path and the Rappahannock River - highlighting the wildlife, flora and fauna of the area.

The mural project initiated in the Spring of 2023 when Pons and Sophia Pineda worked together in his studio, creating sketches and studies of the different components: the blue heron, local fish, and the river otter. On-site painting kicked off later that summer (July) and the team started priming the walls and transferring the line work.

This project was made possible through the initiatives of James Monroe High School teachers, Casey Willging and David Lovegrove, the Pineda Family (Sophiola) and Team Bayne/Pineda-Cary Street Partners. Special thanks to the all student volunteers that contributed to painting the mural throughout the year. Thanks to all the faculty and staff of Fredericksburg City Schools that helped facilitate the mural initiative. Thanks to Sherwin Williams paint for supporting this project with paint supplies.

Team Sophiola: Carol and Andre Pineda, Sophia Pineda, Vicky Barrera

PONSHOP Assistants: Dante Jenkins, Gillian Hoback, Megan Shaughnessy, Cairo Pons

Learn more about Sophia Pineda and her passion for art HERE.


, , ,

"Welcome to Fredericksburg" Tower Project

, , ,

Photo Credits: Hyperbole and Print Jazz

The Fredericksburg Grain Tower (also known as the “Purina” Tower) received a facelift in June with a new color palette as well as the message: “Welcome to Fredericksburg”. This project was the result of an initiative facilitated by the Fredericksburg Economic Development (EDA) and the Fredericksburg Department of Economic Development and Tourism, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Pete Morelewicz of Print Jazz created the graphic design variations for the mural renovation, incorporating the “Welcome” messaging. Saul Garcia of Rainbow Painting was contracted to repair and repaint the checkerboard patterning with the revised colorway. Pete and Gabriel Pons of PONSHOP executed the lettering mural on all four sides of the tower.

This collaboration was an exceptional example of the confluence and collaboration between the municipality, the building owner, Green Family Fitness , and local artists and contractors.

, , , , ,

Call For Artists: Remixed 9 Vinyl Record Show

, , , , ,

PONSHOP Studio is excited to announce our “Remixed” exhibition for September 2024.  We’ve rescued stacks of old 12” vinyl records, wiped the dust off and, with the artists help, will turn them into something that people will continue to enjoy—a fun and original work of art. “Remixed 9” is the ninth annual vinyl album art show at PONSHOP and one of our most popular community exhibits. All ages and skill levels are invited to participate in this community show. This exhibition is limited to fifty (50) submissions.

Submission Delivery Dates: Thursday, August 29 through Sunday September 1

Pick Up of Unaccepted Work: Thursday,  September 5

Opening Receptions: Friday, September 6 (5-9pm) and Friday October (5-9pm)

Exhibition Dates: Friday September 6 - Sunday October 27, 2024

Artwork Retrieval: Monday, October 28 through Wednesday October 30 (11am-6pm)

Submission Requirements: All artists must use the pre-mounted vinyl albums that we provide and all work must be for sale. Submit your best work! The gallery reserves the right to reject artwork based on quality: uniqueness and creativity, craftsmanship, and execution. Entries must be original creations of the artist, no reproductions of others artwork.

Entry Conditions: All artwork must be for sale. Artwork cannot have a retail price exceeding $275. PONSHOP retains 50% of all sales on works exhibited throughout the duration of the exhibit. Artists will be reimbursed within 30 days of the exhibition closing.

Artists are responsible for acquiring insurance on their own artwork. Although PONSHOP will take great care in the hanging and display of artwork, the gallery will not be held responsible for items on exhibit.

Artwork delivered after Sunday, September 1 will NOT be accepted. Artwork delivered that is not dry, of poor assembly, is incomplete, or exceeds the boundaries of the vinyl record (see diagram below) will NOT be accepted.

Artwork picked up after Thursday October 31 will incur a storage fee of $10 per day. This will be enforced. Artwork not retrieved by November 15 will become property of PONSHOP.

Entry Procedure: There’s an entry fee of $20 per vinyl album, with a limit of two submissions per artist. Artists may register online or pay the entry fee at our storefront to receive their ready-to-hang record. The gallery will not ship records to prospective artists.

Delivery: Artists are to complete the Entry Form and return it with finished artwork no later than Sunday September 1. Artwork must have entry tags securely taped to the back of the corresponding record. Artists are responsible for transporting their work to and from the gallery.

REMIXED 9 PROSPECTUS (1 OF 2)

REMIXED 9 PROSPECTUS (2 OF 2)

, , , , ,

"Generations" Mural at Conway Elementary

, , , , ,

Conway Elementary received a grant from the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center to create a mural that highlights the region’s history. The museum’s mural initiative focuses on representing Stafford County’s rich history in the form of mural artwork in Stafford County Schools. PONSHOP co-owner, Gabriel Pons, collaborated with Conway Elementary teacher, Alicia Rodriguez in conceptualizing mural art that spoke to the legacy of the Patawomeck Tribe in the county and the impact of their agricultural practices on our present-day community.

The mural is titled “Generations”, alluding to the constancy of growth and change through the seasons and the passing of knowledge from generation to generation. Located at the entrance to the school’s courtyard garden, the mural acts as a portal to the outside as well as a passage in time, reflecting on the migratory practices of the Patawomeck tribe, their intimate understanding of the landscape as well as highlighting their “Three Sisters” method - strategically planting corn, beans, and squash together - capitalizing on their symbiotic relationship of growth.

Preliminary Concept Sketch

This has been a project over a year in the making, with early conversations with Mrs. Rodriguez regarding the placement and theme of the mural (she also assisted on executing the painting). We’d like to extend our gratitude to Principal Raybold for facilitating this project and all the faculty and staff at Conway Elementary for their support. Thanks to Dr. Brad Hatch, Tribal Council Member of the Patawomeck Museum and Cultural Center for his consultation at the project’s onset. Special thanks to the students of Conway Elementary for their sustained encouragement throughout the painting process and sharing their “One Family” enthusiasm. Thanks to Stafford County student, Kaia Jensen for her mural assistance. This project is a partnership between the Stafford Museum Cultural Center, Stafford Public County Schools, and the Stafford Education Foundation.

, , , , , ,

Mural at Hartwood Elementary: "Hartwood Passages"

, , , , , ,

Gabriel Pons was commissioned by Hartwood Elementary to paint a mural as part of the partnership between the Stafford Museum and Cultural Center , Stafford County Public Schools and the Stafford Education Foundation. The goal of the mural initiative is to highlight the unique history and culture of Stafford County in creative and innovative ways.

Titled Hartwood Passages, the mural artwork is a bird’s eye view encompassing South Stafford County, Falmouth and Fredericksburg. Pons’s intention was to depict the region as an abstracted visual text, highlighting historic architectural landmarks in Hartwood as well as encouraging the viewer to explore and ask questions about other key geographic elements. Roads are interpreted both literally and metaphorically. The intersection of Interstate 95 and Route 17 creates an “X” through the center of the mural and other major throughways including route 1 and the railways, depicted as vertical stripes cutting through the landscape. The Rappahannock River, so critical to the region’s history and development, is rendered as a bold sinuous ribbon stretching from end to end, alluding to its prominence in the region. The artwork rounds out to a smooth curve at the base, referring to the global community that students participate in. The composition aims to ordinate the viewer, encouraging them to inquire about the cardinal directions, the landscape’s topography, and their own location relative to Hartwood Elementary.

Concept Sketch - Hartwood Elementary Mural

This mural was a real personal challenge for me. We’ve been living in Hartwood now since moving here from New York in 2005 and it has been home for both our sons. It becomes a “tug of war” when there are so many ideas and concepts to incorporate in an artwork. In fact, one theme I felt compelled to embed in the design is this sense of optimism and unbridled curiosity that a child feels at Hartwood Elementary. Despite the school’s location in a relatively rural setting, we are adjacent to one of the major highway systems on the eastern seaboard. It’s important to impress upon students the idea that the paths they are taking now as elementary students will soon take them well beyond the horizon.

While working on site, I became nostalgic for our school days at Hartwood Elementary. Looking back, the faculty acclimated us to being responsible parents as much as they instilled leadership values in our children. In some ways I feel that this project has brought me full circle back to those years when my boys attended Hartwood Elementary and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the school’s future.

See the key below to learn more about Hartwood Virginia’s history.

, , ,

"Embreyone" Mural at Embrey Mill

, , ,

PONSHOP Co-owner, Gabriel Pons, completed an 800 square-foot mural at the Embrey Mill Town Center in November 2023. He was one of three muralists contracted to add artwork to the newly built shopping center in Stafford, Virginia.

, , , , ,

Mural at HiveX Basement Finishing Co.

, , , , ,

PONSHOP Co-owner Gabriel Pons recently completed a 642 square foot mural at HiveX Basement Finishing Company in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The mural, titled “Generations” is a visual timeline of the history of the business, from the company’s inception through today, highlighting its growth as a family-owned business.

, , , , , ,

Call for Commission Work: Ceramics and Painting

, , , , , ,

Commission-Promo_01Believe it or not, the holidays are right around the corner and Scarlett and I have the perfect solution for gifting that special someone.  We invite you to work with us to create a custom painting (on canvas, skateboard, or 12" vinyl record) or ceramic piece (ranging from yarn bowls to specialty platters, soup bowls and kitchen items).  We are currently taking orders on custom work through November 15, 2013.  To get the ball rolling, simply contact us via email.  For more information, you can view the range of Scarlett's commission work Here and you can view Gabe's most notable commission work Here.

, , , ,

"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.

, ,

World Wildlife Fund "Hands Off My Parts" T-Shirt Campaign

, ,

In the fall of 2012, Gabriel Pons was commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund to design a t-shirt for the WWF's "Hands Off My Parts" campaign.  He collaborated with WWF to generate an original t-shirt graphic that would raise awareness regarding wildlife crime throughout the world and motivate change by mobilizing the public to take action through handsoffmyparts.org. From the WWF Website:

"Every day, wild elephants, rhinos and tigers are killed for their skins, bones, tusks, horns and other body parts. Wildlife crime is now the most urgent threat to these species—and decades of conservation gains and whole wildlife populations will be lost if we don’t take action today.

Tens of thousands of elephants are killed every year for their ivory tusks.

At least one rhino is killed every day due to the mistaken belief that rhino horn can cure cancer and hangovers.

As few as 3,200 wild tigers remain. Poaching is the greatest immediate threat to their survival.

The illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth $7-10 billion annually.  Illicit wildlife trafficking is the fifth largest illegal trade after drugs, counterfeiting, human trafficking and oil.

Join 'Hands Off My Parts' to stop wildlife crime along with supporters like Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily VanCamp, Josh Bowman, Stacy Keibler, Alyssa Milano, Ian Somerhalder and Ethan Suplee. Together we can fight for strong laws so that poaching stops and rhinos, elephants and tigers can keep their parts."

Below are images of the 'Hands Off My Parts' t-shirt package.  Gabriel created a full-size painting and additional hand-drawn lettering and line work for the final composite screen-printed graphic.  The WWF team did a great job designing the informational brochure and hangtags.  PONSHOP is honored and proud to be a part of this timely and pertinent initiative.  Take Action Now to join the "Hands Off My Parts" campaign and stop wildlife crime.

Coincidentally, during the time Gabe was working on the project, National Geographic Magazine published an investigative report, "Blood Ivory" in October of 2012.     As a result of the 'Hands Off My Parts' initiative, in early March, Thailand prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra pledged to end the ivory trade in Thailand during the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

, ,

Writing on the Walls: Residential Commission Work

, ,

Here are some snapshots from a recent commission Gabriel Pons did for a residential client.  After seeing our shop bathroom and other installation work, she requested that Gabe create a catalog lettering  of "Hello" in a variety of languages. Pretty Meditative...

PONSHOP is available for commission work of this scope with prices ranging from $400 on up.   Contact us to inquire about custom painting installations and murals.

, ,

"Illumination" Video Sequence

, ,

httpv://youtu.be/G7VEy9G81Z0

Here's the follow up to the photos posted last month while I was working on this commissioned painting for Hartwood Presbyterian Church.  The piece, titled "Illumination" now hangs in the Fellowship Hall of the church.  Thanks Hartwood Presbyterian Church for the opportunity and thanks to my assistant, Jeff Gulick for helping me install the three panels.  Special Thanks to our Spring 2012 intern, Chris Stuart, for editing the video footage.

Into the New Year: Commission Project

We're hitting the ground running at the shop for 2012.  Scarlett and I are busy planning our calendar for this year and getting back into the studio after a holiday break.  Below is a sequence of a commissioned piece I'm working on for Hartwood Presbyterian Church.  This 12-foot long triptych will be installed in their  fellowship hall.  I'm taking advantage of the sunny mild days of January to push it to completion...

PONSOP offers the service of custom commissioned work in painting and ceramics.  Contact us if interested in collaborating with us for your next project.

, ,

Commission Work & New Small Works

, ,

"Well You say I'm [thirty] something and I shouldn't be slackin', but I'm workin' harder than ever and you can call it mackin'" -Beastie Boys Sure Shot.  My studio desk is stacking up with commissioned paintings as well as new small works for the upcoming month.

November 2011.  Attention all fans of PONSHOP: for those of you who are looking for the perfect gift for that friend or loved one, look no further.  I'm taking on requests for painting commissions for the upcoming three weeks.  If you've always enjoyed one of our designs or would like to provide me with material to collage into a personalized piece, then please contact us and we'll get the ball rolling.

More Commissioned Work

Admittedly, I've been a behind schedule on all the Blog Posts. My New Year's Resolution is to stay on top of it - but first I have to catch up. Below are some snapshots of a residential commission I completed in October. The client owns a traditional single-family home and wanted to juxtapose her half bathroom with the rest of the house's decor.

Her only criteria for the mural was that it includes imagery related to our fair city of Fredericksburg, and that it incorporates technology (she's a web designer by profession). Finally, she has a love for street art which is how this whole project got started.
I drew my inspiration from all the public restrooms I've visited throughout the years - where the walls are covered in writing. Most of the text incorporated in this mural came from some of my favorite hip hop lyrics.

Scarlett and I are happy to work with clients to create original artwork in both ceramics and painting. If interested commissioning work, contact us via the PONSHOP Website.

,

PONSHOP Commissioned Work

,

I was recently commissioned to design and paint a set of decks for Scientific Street Fighting. SSF provides athletic gear specialized for martial arts and "Vale Tudo" (anything goes unarmed combat). Based off of SSF's original logos, I created a set of three different stencil patterns and applied them to 8.25"x32" skateboard decks using spray paint. The greatest challenge of this commission was maintaining a cohesive color palette between all four decks while still having enough freedom to explore different color combinations.
Special thanks goes out to Ron of Scientific Street Fighting. His interest in the PONSHOP decks brought about a whole new deck series for his business.

For inquiries into commissioned work, contact: shop@ponshopstudio.com