March is D.I.Y Month at PONSHOP

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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.

Fall 2014: PONSHOP Academy

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October

kicked off our pilot PONSHOP Academy Program.  We worked with students over the course of six weeks to explore mixed media (collage and painting), ceramics, and sculpture.  Students were encouraged to push their boundaries in terms of their creative skills and willingness to work with new materials.  Below are some photos from the workshops taught by Gabriel Pons (The Collage Bridge Project), Scarlett Pons (Ceramic Pockets and Masks), and Leslie Brier (Wire and Nylon Sculpture).  Good work students!

PONSHOP Academy will be initiating again in January of 2015.  Click Here for our current class schedule and registration form.

"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: 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!

Adult Collage and Mixed Media 2013

There is a misconception that if you cannot draw well, then you are not artistic. In three 1.5 hour classes, adult students of all skill levels sharpened their skills in collage, stenciling, acrylic painting, and more. Instructor Gabriel Pons lead students from developing beginning ideas to executing mixed media artwork. Pulling imagery from magazines and cutting stencils are few of the techniques used in this class to create with. Students leave this class with a finished piece on canvas.

Want to expand upon your art-making skills or simply have fun creating something new? Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact 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

"Remixed": Opening Reception, June 7 2013

“Remixed” was PONSHOP’s fourth community art exhibition featuring original artwork using vinyl albums as a canvas. The exhibit included thirty-six local and regional artists all working in this non-traditional medium. Remixed runs through June 30, 2013.

Gallery owner Gabriel Pons has been using 12” vinyl records as his canvas for three years. When a friend offered him a crate of old records, he saw the potential of using the standardized discs in an art show where each participant “repurposes” the old albums and turns them into art.  A Call for artists was issued in April and interested artists from students to professionals registered and received their albums to adorn.  The opening reception included musical entertainment from DJ Climax, spinning on the turntables.  Thanks to all of our artists who participated for this exhibition and thanks to our fans and friends who came out to see the show.

Featured Artists for the “Remixed” Show are: Gregg Deal, Matt Corrado, Rob Landeck, Adam Desio, Stephen Graham, Jack Labadie, Julie Maida, Nick Candela, Crystal Rodrigue, Jeff Gulick and Nina Angelini.

Participating Artists include: Sue Henderson, Stacey Schultze, Sandy Skipper, Lois Skipper, Alex Rudenshiold, Guerin Wolf , Jayden Gilhousen, Zakk Davis, Amina Shafi, Nina Jot Prakashkaur, Cameron Limbrick, Toy Fowler, Ronald Jackson, Mirinda Reynolds, Erin Stephens, Sidney Mullis, Joshua K Rama, Mark Eyestone, Kelly Penick, Mark Manjarrez, Sean Woodard, Elizabeth Carter, Frank Woodley, Josie Yorgeson, Ed King, and Malik Malek.

"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.

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: Intro to Street Art, July 2012

"Intro to Street Art" has been one of the most popular workshops this summer.  In three 1.5-hour sessions, students were given instruction on how to design and cut their own paper stencils which were then sprayed onto a 24"x24" masonite board.  Congratulations on a job well done!

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.

Student Work: Children's Clay, June 2012

Learn the art of hand-building in our Children's Clay Classes. After only a few sessions with Scarlett Pons, these children were able to create their very own ceramic pieces and finish them with an under-glaze. Check out our class schedule and sign up now to reserve your seat!

Mixing the Media Class February 2012

February 2012 kicked off another fun session of Mixing the Media. In three 1.5 hour sessions students explored collage and acrylic painting to create their own mixed media scenes on canvas. Below are some pics of the student work. Congrats guys!

For more information about PONSHOP classes click here.

Student Show Part 2

Here is a selection of the student work from our Second Annual Student Art Show. Thanks once again to all the students who have participated. PONSHOP offers classes in painting, mixed media, skateboard graphics, ceramics, as well as, photography and jewelry design. Click here for a current class schedule.

"Student Show" Opening Reception: February 3, 2012

The "First" Friday of February marked the opening reception of PONSHOP's second annual student show.  This year, we had a total of 23 students participating in this month-long exhibition.  In addition that evening, we hosted the Massaponax High School Art students in our studio for their NYC  fund raiser.  Students raised over $300 to put towards their  field trip to New York City this spring to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art, MoMA, and the Guggenheim Museum.  Below are some snapshots from the evening.  Thanks to all the participating PONSHOP students and their families for their involvement.

Second Annual PONSHOP Student Show Announcement

PONSHOP will be hosting their second annual Student Art Show in February 2012. Educating as many 98 students in 2011, the gallery will exhibit a cross section of paintings and ceramics completed by PONSHOP students over the past year. Student work will include all Adult and Youth Mixed Media and Ceramics, Intro to Street Art, Skate to Create, Adult Drawing, and Through an Architect’s Eyes workshops as well as many private sessions.  The exhibit is a means of encouraging students to continue to participate in the city’s art community, allowing their work to take center stage.  PONSHOP owners Scarlett and Gabriel Pons feel that it is important to continue to mentor students on the process of presenting their artwork in a gallery setting.

In addition, PONSHOP is offering its gallery during First Friday’s opening to host a fundraiser to benefit Massaponax High School art students planning a three-day Art-based field trip to New York City this spring.  That evening, MHS students will be selling their original artwork and baked goods to raise money for their trip.  Sponsored by Massaponax High School art teacher Patricia Atkinson and organized through EF Tours and the Smithsonian Institute, the trip will include visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, The MOMA, and the Guggenheim Museum.

Participating PONSHOP students include:  Barbara Deal, Jack Weisenberger, Hannah Mann, Jeff Gulick, Sidney Mullis, Terry Pitzel, Tara and Maran Lee and many more.  PONSHOP is genuinely excited to feature the work of their students and hope that you can join us for this exclusive event.

Opening Reception:  Friday, February 3 (6-10pm)

Exhibition Dates:  Friday, February 3 to Sunday, February 26

Call For Artists: Second Annual PONSHOP Student Show

We are excited to announce our second annual PONSHOP Student Show this February and invite all students who participated in a PONSHOP workshop over the past year of 2011 to contribute to the exhibition. If you would like to exhibit the student work that you've done with teachers Gabriel and Scarlett Pons, simply RSVP back to us and let us know.

If you have alternate or additional artwork you’d like to exhibit, (and it is inspired by a PONSHOP Workshop) please contact us at your earliest convenience and we’ll review the work in person for consideration.

Below are some instructions and a schedule for all participating artists:

Eligibility

All PONSHOP Students from 2011 including all Adult and Youth Ceramics, Mixed Media, Intro to Street Art, Skate to Create, Adult Drawing, and Through an Architect’s Eyes workshops as well as any private or group sessions.  Artwork entries into the exhibit is FREE for all our students.

Schedule

Drop Off Artwork for Exhibit:     Saturday, January 28 (10am-6pm) & Sun (noon-5pm) January 29

Free Workshop for Preparing Artwork:     Saturday, January 28 (1:00-2:30pm)

Exhibition Dates:    Friday, February 3 – Sunday February 26

Opening Reception:    Friday, February 3 (6-10pm)

Pick up of Artwork:     Monday, February 27 (10am-6pm)

Requirements

All two dimensional work is to be equipped with a hanging wire adequate to support the painting when hung on a wall. No gallery clips or saw tooth hangers are to be used (Please see our Guidelines for Art Submissions). If you need help preparing artwork for exhibition, we will be holding an exclusive workshop on Saturday January 28 from 1:00-2:30pm. Gabe can help mount and prepare the 2’x4’ and 2’x2’ “Street Art” panels as well as give students instruction on threading wire for all “Skate to Create” decks. This workshop is free for our students, but any donations to cover the cost of materials is appreciated. Please let us know if you plan on attending. 

We ask that you and your family and friends join us for the “First Friday“ opening reception on Friday, February 3 from 6-10pm.

Work may be priced for sale (or not). PONSHOP retains 40% of all sales and reimburses the artists within 30 days of exhibition closing.

Scarlett and I are truly excited to be offering our gallery as a venue for our students and encourage your participation. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions.