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.
"Life Cycles" Mural at Lafayette Elementary
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.
"Remembering Spring" Mural at Hugh Mercer Elementary
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.
ReFuel Mural Installation
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.
Sweat FXBG Murals
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.
James Walker: "Points of Reference" Exhibit
Exhibition Dates: September 2 – October 30, 2016
Opening Reception: Friday, September 2 (6-10pm)
For the months of September and October 2016, PONSHOP Studio and Gallery will be hosting “Points of Reference,” an exhibition featuring Leesburg artist James Walker. “Points of Reference” will showcase James Walker’s latest artwork series and will open with an artist’s reception on Friday, September 2 from 6-10pm.
“Points of Reference” explores the subject matter that inspires the artist and contains recurring themes that speak to the core of why the symbiotic relationship of art and life are vital to our being. James Walker explores a variety of artistic mediums, from photography and drawing, to painting and mixed media, as well as found object assemblage.
With a background in photojournalism, Walker takes a documentary approach to almost everything he creates, allowing his pieces to develop as a natural extension of existence. His work comes from a need to dissect the simulacra of the present moment and to be enveloped completely in every second of every day. Join us for the opening reception of this exciting exhibition.
Live in Art Show at Amelia Square: Photos
Saturday, November 9 was the opening reception for the "Live in Art" show at Amelia Square. Below is a photo gallery of the exhibition which will be open through Sunday, December 8. Thanks to all of our participating artists as well as Simply Home, Coldwell Banker Cyber Elite and Impressions for their contributions in making this event such a success. View the Artist List and Click Here for more about the Live in Art show.
Call for Commission Work: Ceramics and Painting
Believe 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.
Thoughtful and Unique Gifts: Just like your Mother!
Looking for something totally unique for your Mother? Find it here at the PONSHOP gallery! Let her express her creativity in one of our jewelry, photography, painting or ceramic classes. Or browse our collection of thoughtfully selected offerings, all hand-made in the USA. We have great gifts she'll love for under $50.
July 2011 Gallery Photos
[portfolio_slideshow] Snapshots of the shop for our "First Friday" Art Reception on July 1, 2011.