Call for Artists: "Remixed 2" Vinyl Album Art Show

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery will be hosting its fifth community art exhibition in August of 2014. We’ve rescued stacks of old Christmas records, wiped the dust off and, with your help, will turn them into something that people actually enjoy– a fun work of art.  "Remixed 2" is a follow up to our "Remixed" Vinyl Album Art Show in June of 2013 which included over sixty vinyl albums from over 25 participating artists. Click Here for the Complete Prospectus and Entry Form.

Spinning at 33 1/3 rpm

Here’s how the show works: once you pay the entry fee, we provide you with up to three ready-to-hang vinyl albums (the fee is $12 per record, or $30 for three). You have until July 27 to turn your Jane Fonda Workout album into a work of art, which will be exhibited throughout the month of August. The theme and medium are up to you, but there is one rule: each record is mounted on wood block with hanging wire and must stay mounted in order to be suitable for display on our gallery walls.

Eligibility

This exhibit is open to all artists (professional and emerging) in the Virginia/DC/Maryland Region.

Submission Requirements

All artists must use the pre-mounted vinyl albums (provided when you pay the entry fee) and all work must be for sale. Submit your best work!  The gallery reserves the right to reject submissions based on quality: uniqueness and creativity, craftsmanship and execution.  Entries must be original creations of the artist – no reproductions of others artwork.  See examples of the pre-mounted albums below:

Entry Specifications

PONSHOP retains 40% 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.

Entry Procedure

Entry fee: $12 per vinyl album, or $30 for three (up to three submissions).  Artists pay fee and retrieve ready-to-hang vinyl albums from PONSHOP.  Please complete entry form when returning the work.

Delivery: Artists are responsible for transporting their work to and from the gallery. Please keep in mind that during the summer months, vinyl records will warp if stored in a parked automobile! Artwork not retrieved after show closing will incur a storage fee of $10 per day

Calendar

Deadline for Submissions: Saturday, July 26 (10-6pm) Sunday, July 27 (noon-5pm).  *Please Deliver ONLY  between Friday July 25 and Sunday the 27th.

Pick Up of Unaccepted Work: Tuesday, July 29 (10-6pm)

Opening Reception: Friday, August 1 (6-10pm)

Exhibition Dates: August 1-30, 2014

Pick up of Work: Sunday, August 31 (noon-5pm)

If you have any questions regarding this show or would like to be included on the mailing list for notice of future exhibition opportunities, please contact us at event[at]ponshopstudio.com

"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

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: 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.

"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.

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!

Urban Decay 4: Opening Reception June 8, 2013

Saturday June 8 marked the opening night of “Urban Decay 4” at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia. This is the fourth year of “Urban Decay” and PONSHOP is excited to be one of the sponsors for the opening reception again this year. The exhibition was curated by Urban Art Syndicate and focused mainly on lowbrow and contemporary art and music. The evening kicked off with a panel discussion focused on the influence of Hip-Hop music on visual art. Speakers on the panel included professional Hip-Hop dancer Kenny Wells and artists: Gabriel Pons, Jack Labadie, and HKS181. The reception included live musical performances by Thrive, Kenny Wells, Lightspeed Rescue, and Expansion Radio. Artists HKS181, Kevin Rodrigue, Jeremy Gann, and Inh Nguyen collaborated on murals in the outdoor quad area, with each canvas being raffled off at the end of the evening.

Special thanks to Deb Yarrington of UAS and Amy Lust of the Workhouse Arts Center for their curatorial, promotional, and organizational expertise. Also a big shout out to All City Print and Design as well as the Urban Decay 4 volunteers who kept the evening’s events running smoothly. Urban Decay 4 runs through July 28.

PONSHOP Stencil Tutorial: Cutting a Stencil

httpv://youtu.be/3iJpReTqNok

As part of a collaboration with one of our summer intern, Isaac Whalen, we did a series of video tutorials to compliment the "Intro to Street Art" and "Skate to Create" workshops held at the studio.  Gabriel Pons of PONSHOP Studio and Gallery gives an instructional video on cutting a paper stencil intended for spray paint.  Part 1 incorporates tips to cutting a precise stencil that may be used later for creating other artworks.

PONSHOP Stencil Tutorial: Spraying a Stencil

httpv://youtu.be/fCcWgv_s8bM

Gabriel Pons of PONSHOP Studio and Gallery gives an instructional video on basic spray painting techniques with a paper stencil. Part 2 is a continuation of Stencil Workshop Part 1 and incorporates pro tips to using your cut stencil as a base of an art piece.

PONSHOP Stencil Tutorial: Stencil Design

httpv://youtu.be/Sl1co820aFk

Gabriel Pons of PONSHOP Studio and Gallery gives an instructional video on how to generate a stencil design from a hand-sketched illustration.  This tutorial focuses on creating a one-layer stencil using trace paper and card stock.

PONSHOP 2012 Fall Class Schedule Announced

It is "Back to School" for the PONSHOP as well.  We are excited to announce our Fall Schedule of classes.  Our schedule runs from September through December and includes twelve different art workshops ranging from painting and ceramics to photography and jewelry design.  To view our class schedule, simply visit our Classes Page and download the printable schedule and registration form.

Student Work: Adult Stencil and Mixed Media, July 2012

July's Adult Stencil and Mixed Media workshop boasted three motivated students.  In the three 1.5-hour sessions, students worked with collage, acrylic painting and stencil/spray painting.  Below are pics from the sessions including the final pieces.

For a current PONSHOP Class Schedule, Click Here.

Urban Decay 3: Opening Reception June 2, 2012

Saturday June 2 marked the opening night of "Urban Decay 3" at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia.  This is the third year of "Urban Decay" and PONSHOP is excited to be one of the sponsors for the opening reception.  The evening kicked off with an art talk including Kenny Brown, RSIN, James Walker, and Gabriel Pons.  The reception included live music by Lightspeed Rescue and Shade Parade as well as demonstrations by Jesse Brown, Carlos Aguilar, and Kenny Brown.  Artists HSK 181, Gregg Deal and Asad ULTRA Walker collaborated on murals in the outdoor quad area, with each canvas being raffled off at the end of the evening. Special thanks to Deb Yarrington and Amy Lust of the Workhouse Arts Center for their curatorial, promotional, and organizational expertise.  Also a big shout out to All City Print and Design as well as the Urban Decay 3 volunteers who kept the evening's events running smoothly.  Urban Decay 3 runs through June 24.

May 2012 Student Work: Adult Stencil and Intro to Street Art Workshops

May 2012: Paper, spray paint, and razor blades were the weapons of choice for both the "Intro to Street Art" and "Adult Stencil Class" this month.  Below are some progress pics as well as the finished works by our students. Throughout the course of three 1.5 hour sessions, students learned about the designing and cutting their own stencil designs as well as how to properly use spray paint to apply their designs on a surface.  PONSHOP offers classes ranging from painting and ceramics to jewelry design and photography.  For a current class schedule, click here.

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.

March 2012 Student Work: Skate to Create and Adult Mixed Media

Check out the work of our "Skate to Create" and "Adult Mixed Media" students from March. Both classes use the art of stencil making and various spray painting techniques to construct a finalized piece in just three 1.5-hour sessions. We still have room in our May workshops. Click here to view our current class schedule and sign-up today!

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.

PONSHOP Student Work: Intro to Street Art

Below are my "Intro to Street Art" student photos from January through October.  In this series of three 1.5 hour classes, I give students a background in the history of graffiti writing and the current global trend of street art.  Students are then charged to create their own section of a city wall using a variety of media including wheat paste collage, acrylic paint, spray paint, and stencils.  Congratulations to all of our "Intro to Street Art" students.  In fact, I've learned a lot working with all of you.

2011 G40 2011 - Part 3

httpv://youtu.be/0sA_ed9UYlc Below are more pics from the 2011 G40 Uncapped Live Show organized by Art Whino, Brightest Young Things, and Vitamin Water.  We took the whole family up to the exhibit to take a look.  Thanks to microWave Project for inviting me to participate in this event and big ups to girlsrockdc.org for hosting a great music workshop that afternoon (see above video of Diego on the mic).