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.

March is D.I.Y Month at PONSHOP

FirstFriday_image_web1

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce our March “First Friday” event rescheduled for March 13, from 6-10pm.  PONSHOP has designated March to be Do It Yourself month by introducing two new products to the shop: D.I.Y moss terrarium kits by Twig Terrariums and customizable miniature water tower replicas by Boundless Brooklyn.

“Get Dirty” Terrarium Party: Get your hands dirty this First Friday and build your own terrarium at Ponshop Studio and Gallery on Friday, March 6 (6-8pm), using D.I.Y. kits by Twig Terrariums. Choose between the Jurassic World terrarium (including toy dinosaurs) or the Enchanted Moss terrarium (including glow-in-the-dark butterflies) and walk out with a completed and one-of-a-kind mini mossy world. $39 includes the terrarium kit as well as quick, guided assembly. Green thumb not required.

Twig Terrariums is a Brooklyn-based studio and shop founded by artists Michelle Incinarrano and Katy Maslow, which houses a variety of made terrariums and do-it-yourself kits. Their D.I.Y. kits allow you to create your own mossy world with the provided earthly elements and easy to follow assembly and care instructions.

Boundless Brooklyn is another innovative company established in New York by friends David and Terence. They provide easy-to-assemble model water towers that allow you to add your own personal flair. Made out of 100% recycled material, these towers are great for all ages and fit perfectly on desks and shelves.

Gabriel Pons will be hosting a build-your-own Brooklyn water tower workshop on Saturday, March 21 (1-3pm).  Students will construct and paint a 10-inch tall cardboard replica of New York City’s most iconic structures. (Ages 9+)  $35 includes (1) mini tower kit and all painting materials. More about Art Classes can be found HERE.

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.

Tailor-Made 4 T-Shirt Showcase Announced

We are hosting our annual T-Shirt Showcase “Tailor-Made 4” with new tee shirt designs by Icy Grape Incident and PONSHOP.  The opening reception will be held during “First Friday” on June 6 with music provided by Mike DJ. In addition to the new screen-printed designs, this exhibition will feature recent work from gallery artists. PONSHOP offers house brand art tees screen-printed with signature graphics derived from the original paintings of co-owner, Gabriel Pons. PONSHOP will be premiering their new “slogan” t-shirt design for the show featuring a hand-drawn rendition of their catch –phrase “We Don’t Buy Gold or Guns, We Sell Art.”

Icy Grape Incident Clothing brings original, graffiti-inspired artworks to high quality t-shirts. Owner Tony Sementelli takes great pride in creating fashionable tees with innovative artwork.

Exclusively for the weekend of June 6-8, the PONSHOP will have a sale of 50% off select tees by PONSHOP, Nightmare,Inc., Icy Grape Incident, Somaphony, and Out of Step Arts.  A sale on all previous styles will continue through the end of the month.

Additionally, the gallery will be exhibiting artwork by gallery artists Nicholas Candela , Adam DeSio, Crystal Rodrigue, Julie Maida, Stacey Schultze and Ronald Jackson with new ceramics by co-owner Scarlett Pons.

Opening Reception:  Friday June 6, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: June 6-30, 2014

April First Friday Recap: Elaine B. Jewelry Trunk Show

We were excited to host our first jewelry trunk show for the First Friday of April featuring the unique and elegant work of Elaine B. Her handmade jewelry is lightweight, geometrically inspired, and effortlessly striking. We had a blast with Elaine B. here in the shop that evening as she displayed and sold her exquisitely designed pieces. Below are more pics from the evening.  Stop by the shop to browse our selection of one of a kind handmade jewelry by artists like Elaine B. and many others.

"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

Stiched, Altered, and Plush Show: Opening Night

Friday, March 1 2013: PONSHOP hosted the opening reception of Stitched, Altered, and Plush. The evening was a great success, featuring quirky creations by local artists Ashleigh Burbidge and Leslie Brier. Check out our photos from the evening below. Stitched, Altered, and Plush runs through March 31.

Student Work: Children's Drawing, June 2012

Starting with simple drawing techniques, these students created works to visually express themselves using pencils, markers and other media.  Instructor Gabriel Pons gave the students exercises in Map-making, Gesture Sketching, and light and shadow study.  In their last session,  students drew complete life sized self-portraits! These children showed incredible patience and ability throughout the workshop.  Congratulations!

For a current PONSHOP Class Schedule, Click Here.

Student Work: Adult Stencil & Mixed Media, June 2012

Our students from June's Adult Stencil & Mixed Media have completed their masterpieces. Check out what can be done by creatively combining original stencils, spray paint and the art of collage. Feeling inspired? View our class schedule to find out more.

"July Summer Exhibition" Announcement

PONSHOP celebrates summer by opening their outdoor “garden space” to the public. This “First Friday” of July from 6-10pm will be the kick-off of the Summer Exhibition.  July’s show will include the latest paintings and skateboard designs by Gabriel Pons as well as recent ceramics work by Scarlett Pons.  Featured artists for the month include painters Julie Maida, Nicholas Candela, and Jeremy Gann as well as photographs by Adam DeSio and Stephen Graham. The gallery also features fresh work from local jewelers Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Lisa Latendress, Jasmine, Susan McLay and more.

PONSHOP will open their backyard as an event space with DJ Max spinning some artfully choreographed tracks throughout the evening.  There will also be a live painting demonstration by Gabriel Pons in the garden.

July also ushers in a new series of art classes ranging from ceramics and painting to architectural drawing, photography, recycled crafts and jewelry design to name a view.  For a current class schedule, visit the PONSHOP online.

Opening Reception:  Friday, July 6, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: July 6-29, 2012

Urban Decay 3 Announced

Urban Decay is in its third year! PONSHOP is proud to announce themselves as one of the sponsors, aiding in bringing you another amazing art event. Gabriel Pons is one of the many featured artists for this exhibit and will join fellow artists Kenny Brown, James Walker, and RSIN in an exclusive Art Talk with the public (5-6pm), giving their insight on of the state of contemporary low-brow art from vinyl sculpture to painting. Join us at the opening reception on Saturday June 2^nd at 5:00pm in the main gallery of the Lorton Arts Center. There will be music, food, entertainment, live artist demos, raffles, and of course, great art!  Urban Decay III runs through June 24, 2012. For more information and to stay up-to-date on news and events check out the Urban Decay Facebook Event Page.  You can also read more at the Workhouse Arts Center Website.

PONSHOP Tutorials: Working With Wheat Paste

As response to the questions brought up in our "Intro to Street Art", "Mixing the Media" and "Adult Mixed Media" classes - we've put together this two-part tutorial on how to make and apply wheat paste when doing paper posters and collage:

httpv://youtu.be/lAJGeai0Z-g

Part 1:  Wheat Paste recipe and cooking

1 part flour to 4 parts water (This demonstration uses 1cup of white flour with 4 cups of water)

In a small pot, whisk together flour and water with wire wisk.

Bring mixture to a slow boil (med-high heat for 5-8 minutes) until mixture has a gluey gravy-like consistency.

Remove from heat - you can add 1/4 cup of sugar or white glue to make the mixture even more tenacious (sticky)

Wheat Paste can be refrigerated to stay "fresh" longer.  Consistency may change (it will get thinner), however, the paste still works.  Be mindful that wheat paste will spoil in time especially if kept at or above room temperature.

httpv://youtu.be/CYBpB0iMbLU

Part 2: Applying Wheat Paste with paper posters

Use a wide brush to apply the paste to the intended surface or substrate.  Apply a thin layer the approximate area of the poster.

Apply a thin layer of wheat paste to the back of the paper poster.

Press center of the poster against the wall and begin brushing the poster from the center out to the edges with your brush.

When the paste is still wet (and the paper is still malleable) you can peel and reposition if  the paper has trapped too much air)

Finally brush a thin layer over the entire poster and especially the edges.

"Indelible" Art Show Announcement

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery are pleased to announce “Indelible,” a group show featuring seven of the areas talented and bold contemporary artists. The opening reception will be held on “First Friday” March 2, from 6-10pm. PONSHOP will feature the work of Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival artists Kenny Brown, Kelley Drake, Chance Kenyon, Grady Spades, and Mike Tschirn. The range of their media includes ink on paper to oil on canvas. Their latest pieces incorporate vibrant colors, surreal images, and bold lines.   Elstabo, a 2011 Urban Decay II featured artist and recent resident talent, is also contributing to the collection with his vivid and graphic paintings on canvas. The show will also include photographs of Jack Brown’s artists taken by Adam Desio.

As a child growing up in central Pennsylvania, Kenny Brown wanted to be a comic book illustrator. Later, he embarked on the path to become a tattoo artist under the tutelage of Dixon Keller. Brown has been plying his trade for nineteen years. He currently owns Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival with fellow tattoo artist Chance Kenyon in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Brown lives with his wife and two dogs and enjoys making music and painting.

Chance Kenyon, co-owner and tattoo artist at Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival, became interested in tattooing at age fifteen. Under the influence of his older brother Grady Spades, Scott Junkins, and current business partner Kenny Brown, Kenyon learned to tattoo. Most recently, Kenyon opened Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival with friend and fellow tattooer Kenny Brown. Outside of the shop, Kenyon is devoted to his daughter, family, and friends.

As a young artist, Kelley Drake realized he had learned more about art from his parents, grandparents, and high school art teachers than in school at the Maryland Institute of College of Arts. After a few years, he dropped out and became the apprentice of tattoo artist Kenny Brown. Drake now tattoos for a living and has been working at Jack Brown’s for five years.

Grady Spades is the older brother of Jack Brown’s co-owner Chance Kenyon. Spades’ influence led Kenyon to pursue tattooing. He now works as a tattoo artist at Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival.

Mike Tschirn attended Virginia Commonwealth University to study art. He later learned to tattoo and now works at Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival. Tschirn’s tattoos generally feature bold, graphic designs. When not tattooing, Tschirn enjoys painting works that reflect his love for magical and beautiful things.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Elstabo has earned a BFA from The Fashion Institute of Technology and since 2006 has been living in Northern Virginia working as a commercial and fine artist.  His work pulls inspiration from many genres including comic book illustrations, erotic art and fantasy.

Fredericksburg artist Adam DeSio works with oil and acrylic painting, photography, digital art, and print making.  His work finds new ways of looking at the things all around us while creatively interpreting his experiences. “My goal is to create a piece of art every day, find new ways of looking at things, capture the things I see and experience around me in a unique way.  Adam’s contribution to “Indelible” show includes photographs of Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival artists.

Opening Reception:  Friday, March 2, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: March 2 – April 1, 2012

2011: Year in Photos

August 2011: PONSHOP Shareholders relax aboard their 500-foot yacht...

2011 marked the first full (12-month) year for PONSHOP.  On behalf of Scarlett and I, thank you to all of our artists, clients, family, friends and fans.  It's been a fulfilling experience owning a gallery in downtown Fredericksburg and we look forward to making the arts community stronger in 2012.  Here's a cross section of last year's notable events:

February 2011: First Annual PONSHOP Student Show

April 2011: "Public/Private" Juried Exhibit Opening Night with The Undeniably Adjacent improv group

May 2011: Scarlett and Diego at G40 Uncapped Live Show in Washington DC

May 2011: Gabe and Scarlett collaborate on "Ai Wei Wei: 21st Century Revolutionary" installation at G40

May 2011: PONSHOP hosts "The Art of Recovery" exhibit featuring RACSB artists.

June 2011: Intern Katy Wiedemann  joins PONSHOP for the summer.

June 2011: Gabe participates in the Urban Decay II Show at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA

August 2011: "Tailor Made" T-Shirt Exhibition

August 2011: Storefront Display for Rappahannock Independent Film Festival contest

September 2011: Scarlett and Gabe collaborate on "Miss You, Love You NYC" installation at Fredericksburg Area Museum.

September 2011: "Miss You, Love NYC" installation commemorates 10-year anniversary of 9-11

September 2011: PONSHOP hosts "City Colors" Juried Exhibit

November 2011: PONSHOP Artist Jasmine Lee demonstrates during the Jewelry Show opening reception

December 2011: gallery intern Adriana Christesen joins us for the fall/spring semester.

A Few Of Our Favorite Things

December 19, 2011: It has been an exciting couple of weeks here at the shop.  We had a visit from the Claus family recently, popping in to spread some holiday cheer (and exchange some trade secrets).  Below are some of the latest items in the gallery - check 'em out:

 Comic Book Wallets by Leslie Brier, $18 each

Limited Edition Block Prints by Bill Harris, $75 each

PONSHOP iPhone Cases (4s/4), $42 each

Ceramic Snowflake Votives by Scarlett Pons, $12 each

Fiber Art Bracelets by Nicole Hart, $25 each

New Ceramic Work

Scarlett has been hard at work in the studio making a new series of stenciled ceramic work.  Below are some pictures of the most recent pieces to come out of the kiln.  This process of making stencils allows her the ability to experiment with geometric and organic patterns on the clay surface.

Grasshopper Watering Jug by Scarlett Pons, $98

Quilt Serving Platter (Large) by Scarlett Pons, $58

Flower Serving Platter (Large) by Scarlett Pons, $58

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.

Urban Decay 2: Opening Night

Outdoor Demo panel by Gregg Deal

June 4, 2011. It's been a "one-two" punch over the past two months working for these back to back shows (G40 & Urban Decay 2) and Saturday Night's Opening Reception for Urban Decay 2 was just the right thing to celebrate all that hard work. Below are some pics from the show. Thanks to Deb Yarrington of The Workhouse Arts Center for organizing a great exhibit. Urban Decay 2 runs through June 26.

Outdoor Demo Panel by Jorge Guillen

Spaghetti Project had a nice spread of vinyl toys for the collectors

The Osedax kicked the night off...

Scissor List came on second and rocked the crowd

Fredericksburg's own Jeremy Gann

Bellflur wrapped up the night with their performance.

Gregg Deal

These were my demo pieces from the evening: marker spray paint and stencils on 12" vinyl albums.

My most recent work at Urban Decay 2

Herberth Oneeightyone

Sylvia Ortiz rock the house

Artwork from "Public/Private"

Here is some of the artwork from the "Public/Private" exhibit that is up on the walls of the PONSHOP until April 30.

Long Night's Work Chris Schumacher Glicee on Canvas $250

Aeri - Creekside #1 Chris Schumacher Glicee on Archiva; Paper $250

Atlantis Schematic Thom White Ink, Wash, & Pencil on Ink Jet Print $150

Behind an Ancient Austrian Door Sandy Leigh Skipper Photograph $100

Designs on You Mirinda Reynolds Mixed Media on Wood $75 (Artist Proceeds go to RCDV)

Mi Barrio Ana Rendich Collage $200

Hope Rob Landeck Mixed Media $75

Self Portrait with Shades Ed King Oil $500

The Homeless Man is Ever Present, but Rarely Seen Sidney Mullis & Jeff Gulick Mixed Media $160

Paperazzi Greg Crawford Papercut $325

Personas Jams Bauguess Acrylic on Canvas $222

Just Makin' Out at Steak and Ale Joshua Barber Mixed Media $515

Come in to see these pieces of work along with others on exhibit now.

"Public/Private" Exhibit: Award Winners Announced

Scarlett and I are genuinely excited to host the opening reception of "Public/Private" this Friday, April 1. We wanted to cordially invite you to the opening since it promises to be a fun event: We'll have a brief gallery talk and presentatin of awards, and at 7:30pm, a local improv troupe "The Undeniably Adjacent" will be privately performing in our public storefront. As a means of kicking off the month-long exhibit, these live performances will be based on the theme of the the "Public/Private" Exhibition – exploring the delineation between the public domain and our private space.

We are pleased to announce the results of the "Public/Private" Juried Exhibit at PONSHOP. We've received 33 submissions from 20 artists. Juror Kathleen Walsh selected 25 works for exhibit.

Below are the award winners:

3 Merit Awards ($100 each) will be presented to:

Joshua Barber, “Just Makin' Out at Steak and Ale”

Steve Jeter, “Sacred Heart #1 and #2”

Ed King, “Self Portrait With Shades”

3 Honorable Mentions ($25 PONSHOP Gift Certificates) will be presented to:

Rob Landeck, “Hope”

Ana Rendich, “Mi Barrio”

Sandy Leigh Skipper, “Behind an Ancient Austrian Door”

Congratulations to all the artists that have participated in this month-long exhibit. "Public/Private" features work from:

Laura Allen, Chris Austin, Jams Baugess, Joshua Barber, Jurgen Brat, Greg Crawford, Jeff Gulick, Barbara Taylor Hall, Steve Jeter, Derek Kirkland, Ed King, Rob Landeck, Sidney Mullis, J. Fred Perrine, Ana Rendich, Mirinda Reynolds, Chris Schumacher, Sandy Leigh Skipper, Reuben Strangelove, and Thom White.