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

murals

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"Legacy" Mural at Kate Waller-Barrett Elementary

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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.

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"Habitat" Mural at James Monroe High School

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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.


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"Welcome to Fredericksburg" Tower Project

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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.

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Mural at Hartwood Elementary: "Hartwood Passages"

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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.

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Mural at HiveX Basement Finishing Co.

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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.

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"Life Cycles" Mural at Lafayette Elementary

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Gabriel Pons of PONSHOP and James Monroe High School senior Sophia Pineda have collaborated once again to produce the city’s largest-to-date public mural for Lafayette Elementary in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This is the third mural that Ms. Pineda and Pons have accomplished together since 2021. 

Titled “Life Cycles,” the 1,240 square foot mural adorns the school’s courtyard garden. The inspiration for the artwork came from the mural’s location: a garden plot that acts as both a visceral classroom for students to literally get their hands dirty as well as a living diorama showing the lifecycles of the garden throughout the school year. The mural functions as both a landmark art piece as well as an instrument for instruction, prompting students to investigate the elements of the painting and ask questions. 

The mural painting began in June of this year and was completed in October. Pons initiated the process by holding workshops with Sophia at his downtown studio.  Like any creative endeavor, they brainstormed ideas focusing on the garden theme and created sketches showing the growth of plants from seed to flower. “Life Cycles” is now the largest public mural in the city of Fredericksburg and the mural team’s most ambitious to date.  

Gabriel Pons:  “Murals are a great way of community building. We’ve structured the mural sessions to accommodate a wide range of skill levels and experience working simultaneously. Volunteers ranged from high school students through parents and teachers. The benefit of a large scale project like this is that it prompts participants to work together to create something much bigger than what one can achieve on their own. Sophia has a knack for rallying the people around her for a project. It’s been reassuring to see many of her former teachers join in on this project.”

Sophia Pineda: “I love the colors!  Gabe is the best mural teacher ever!” 

This project was made possible through the initiatives of Lafayette Elementary teacher, Emily Taylor, the Pineda Family (Sophiola) and Team Bayne/Pineda-Cary Street Partners. Special thanks to the all student volunteers that contributed to painting the mural from the hottest days of summer to the coolest days of autumn.

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

PONSHOP Assistants: Jeff Gulick, Dante Jenkins, Kath Loose, Gillian Hoback, Diego and Cairo Pons, Jessica Cox

Fredericksburg Schools : Principal Courtney Wheeler, Emily Taylor, Tammy Hancock, Marylise Cobey, Heather Wright, Barbara Brown, Megan Waite and Casey Willging. Student volunteers include: Nate and Jerry Perrin, Grace McGirr, Eva Lewis and Nate Hessing.

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

"Life Cycles" Limited Edition Giclee Print by PONSHOP + Sophiola - Lafayette Elementary Mural
"Life Cycles" Limited Edition Giclee Print by PONSHOP + Sophiola - Lafayette Elementary Mural
$40.00
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Love FXBG Mural at Ageless Aesthetics

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In late 2021, Gabriel Pons was commissioned by Ageless Aesthetics MD (3447 Fall Hill Avenue, Fredericksburg) to create a 1,000 square foot mural at their business that embodied the love for their practice and, more importantly, their fondness for the city of Fredericksburg. This was the largest mural Pons had executed to-date and pushed him to create original and iconic art that inspires the community.

The most common question from people that stopped by while he was working onsite is “How long does this take you?” Well, the creative process started back in November 2021 with concept sketches and reference photography. Thanks to our friend Mike Pullum for helping shoot our model, Peyton. The first half of the mural (Love FXBG) was completed in November and December. Work resumed on Peyton’s portrait in early May 2022 and was completed by mid-July. All together, over 175 people hours on site and many hours in the studio.

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"Remembering Spring" Mural at Hugh Mercer Elementary

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Titled “Remembering Spring” , This 8-foot by 8-foot mural by Gabriel Pons is located at the school’s interior entry hallway. Murals have a great ability for place making, creating a landmark for reflection and enhancing a space.

Compositionally, this artwork was a continuation of the “In Bloom” mural completed in the summer of 2021 in the Hugh Mercer garden. The concept was that every flower was like a student, constantly in a state of growth and blooming with curiosity. This piece is like a little sister to the outdoor mural - an arrangement of wildflowers symbolizing the unique and diverse personalities of those that we are commemorating. The inclusion of the “forget me nots” was a deliberate nod to the sentiment that although we will miss those we’ve lost, their impact on our lives will be remembered forever.

“Remembering Spring” was commissioned and generously funded by the Hugh Mercer Elementary PTA.

"Remembering Spring" Limited Edition Giclee Print by Gabriel Pons
"Remembering Spring" Limited Edition Giclee Print by Gabriel Pons
$50.00



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"Fortunate Unions" Mural at Germanna Community College

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This community mural was completed in March of 2022 at Germanna Community College and was a collaboration between Gabriel Pons of PONSHOP and local teen artist Sophia Pineda.

Titled “Fortunate Unions” , The 30-foot long mural adorns the Student Lounge of Germanna Community College and was inspired by the potentials of a college campus-a place that fosters connections between people: academic, professional, personal and social. The artwork acknowledges the diversity, inclusion, and optimism that is embodied in our community. We are confident that it will continue to inspire students through the years to enlighten and bridge differences in our region with the hope of global change.
Thanks to Kelly Saunders, GCC Student Activities Coordinator, the Germanna Faculty and the Pineda Family (Sophiola) for the opportunity to collaborate on this project. Special thanks to the volunteers that helped paint the mural.

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

"Fortunate Unions" Limited Edition Giclee Print by PONSHOP + Sophiola - Germanna Community College Mural
"Fortunate Unions" Limited Edition Giclee Print by PONSHOP + Sophiola - Germanna Community College Mural
$50.00
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Widewater Elementary Mural - Stafford, VA

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In October of 2021, Gabriel Pons worked with Widewater Elementary School Art Instructor Courtney Hupman to create a 34-foot long mural in the school cafeteria. The concept was to create a panoramic view of the convergence of Aquia Creek and the Potomac River while layering historic and cultural figures as a means to celebrate the Widewater Region. The mural, titled “Sunrise at the Water’s Edge” was made possible through a grant from the Stafford County Museum and is just one of many murals executed in the county schools focusing on history and culture. The artwork also acts as a two-dimensional diorama, featuring insight to the people that make Stafford County so unique historically. See the key below.

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ReFuel Mural Installation

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Gabriel Pons created a 16-foot long mural installation for ReFuel Nutrition and Energy (328 Patriot Highway, Fredericksburg, VA) in the summer of 2021. The business wanted a fresh re-branding of their energy drink business and asked Pons to refresh the look and feel of their logo. His concept was to make the typography emulate the sensory joy of their drinks - bright, refreshing, and inevitably fluid.

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Sweat FXBG Murals

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September 2020 kicked off a series of mural projects that kept us busy until April 2021. Sweat FXBG is boutique fitness venue in Fredericksburg and since opening in November 2020, they’ve been whipping their members into tip-top shape. Gabe initiated the lobby artwork to set the stage for the aesthetic that would be implemented in murals for the HIIT Sixty Room, and Cycle Room. Below are pics and videos from the project. Thanks to Sweat FXBG owners Robin and Carrick and Emily of Ply Interiors for their faith in my art direction from the get go.

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Foode "Pass The Peace" Mural Collaboration

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Foodē has become a landmark in Fredericksburg over the years. Owners Beth and Joy have worked hard to create a restaurant that provides the community with much more than just a meal. Right before Covid-19 hit, they reached out to me and Fraser Wood Elements to create these barn doors that would separate the kitchen from their back room. Needless to say, all of our worlds turned upside down that spring, but Foodē persevered and by August, my son and I were putting on the final touches of the wall mural.

The concept behind the artwork was inspired by a conversation that I had with Beth and Joy, talking about how food is the great equalizer - it can bring people from all walks of life to the table. When people are eating, they’re comfortable and genuinely happy and that can lead to conversation and better understanding. I thought it would be interesting to show feminine hands passing spears of asparagus to allude to the inherent power and joy that comes when we’re able to share something that nourishes. The installation is titled “Pass the Peace” which is an ecclesiastic reference of community as well as nod to the J.B’s “Pass the Peas” song (and for all you Hip-Hop heads - “Pass the Plugs” by De La Soul which is what I grew up listening to on my Walkman).

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Kenmore Club Art Panels

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Working with the RACSB and Kenmore Club has always felt rewarding. Through the years of working with members on the “Art of Recovery” exhibitions, we’ve built built a great relationship and it was a pleasure to create a custom piece of artwork for the Kenmore Club’s Community Room. Check out Gabe’s Instagram Feed for more work in progress time-lapse video.

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"Promise" Art Installation at Hartwood Elementary School

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Gabriel Pons was commissioned by Hartwood Elementary School to create a 27 foot-long mural for their administrative office that embodies the “spirit” of the school. Above is a time lapse video showing the process from start to finish.

The mural reads:

“We are a community of dedicated and determined teachers who believe that students thrive in an environment that is inclusive, safe, purposeful, respectful, collaborative, engaging, and responsive.

Kids come first in our family and we strive for a stimulating learning experience that provides young minds with a creative spark and a nurturing environment where they can excel as children and be free to explore on their own or as a team all that our world has to offer. Curiosity, tenacity, empathy coupled with a supportive, hard-working and hands-on curriculum is key to cultivating success. We are invested in our future and believe that enduring relationships are built upon a foundation of trust, honesty, respect, patience, devotion, and charity.  Students are encouraged to grow together and learn from one another as an integrated community devoted to exploring science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, traveling the world and understanding our place in history because we are the future.”

PONSHOP extends are thanks to the faculty and staff of Hartwood Elementary for their sustained efforts in making Hartwood Elementary such a stimulating, incusive and engaging school.

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"Vivify" Mural Commission - Photos

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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.

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2013 G40 Art Summit: September 13-October 6

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Friday, September 13th kicks off a month-long series of art events for the 2013 G40 Art Summit in Washington, DC (734 1st St SW 20024).  Gabriel Pons joins hundreds of other lowbrow and contemporary artists from around the nation in this annual event organized by Art Whino.  Art Whino will be teaming up with Suite Nation to present a month-long, multi-experiential Art Summit with musical performances and large scale murals in DC.  This year’s theme is the “Art of Transformation” and the exploration of reclaimed spaces and objects.  The location of this year’s summit is in a nineteenth-century church which has been vacant for twenty years.  The site will be an all encompassing art experience with every inch of the space covered with works of art. For a complete list of events, visit the Art Whino website
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Gabe's piece for the show, titled "Una Barca", was constructed from sheets of plywood recovered from their former "stage" at PONSHOP built for the Public/Private group show in 2011.  The original inspiration for the piece came from the biblical story of Moses who, as a baby, was placed in a raft and sent adrift on the Nile to escape the wrath of the Egyptian Pharaoh who ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be killed.  This narrative sparked an interest in creating a piece that spoke to the present day condition of refugees around the world and the quiet potential of a child.
Una Barca, mixed media on wood, 16"x42"
"Una Barca" , mixed media on wood, 16"x42"
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2012 G40 part 4: Murals

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Below are some pics from my last visit to Richmond during April's G40 Summit.  We had a chance to check out a handful of the recent murals painted  throughout the city by the likes of Angru Woebots, Pixel Pancho, Lelo, and Gaia to name a few.  Enjoy!

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"Illumination" Video Sequence

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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.