"Unconditional" Art Exhibit Announced

On Friday, September 20, The Unconditional Art Show Opening Reception will be held at Foundation Gallery and Liveroom  (3762 Howard Ave. Kensington, MD).  Gabriel Pons joins eight fellow artists to benefit the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue.  Curated by Virginia-based artist James Walker, "Unconditional" features animal based artwork in a variety of two-dimensional media.  Anyone who has ever experienced the unconditional love of a companion animal knows that it is a special bond unlike the relationship with any other living thing.  A portion of all proceeds will go to benefit Lost Dog and Cat Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue organization that saves the lives of thousands of homeless and abandoned pets each year.  For more details visit www.fndtnarts.com

Participating Artists Include: Sylvia Ortiz, Jonathan Ashe, Keyhan Lee, Gabriel Pons, HKS181, Drew Graham, Jeremy Gann, Malia Rae, Matt Corrado, and James Walker.

"Toast of the Town": A Benefit for Rob Grogan

On Sunday, September 22nd, we are taking part in hosting Toast of the Town Auction Benefit, a live and silent auction cocktail party at the Olde Silk Mill from 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.  to benefit Rob Grogan.  Rob Grogan is editor of the  Front Porch Magazine, and has been diagnosed with Carcinoid Cancer. It is a rare form of cancer with lengthy and expensive treatment options. Since this spring, “Rob's Army” has been raising funds to help offset these costs not covered by insurance.

Artist Betsy Glassie (by donating her painting "Perhaps Bonnard Will Come" 40x30 oil on canvas, for the Live Auction), and The Olde Silk Mill Inn owners, Ed & Anna Whelan (by donating their facility), have kicked off what promises to be the most exciting, fun, and must-attend event of the season.  As of this Press Release, the event boasts over eighty pieces of fine art for auction from area artists and over ninety additional items for auction donated by local business and individuals.

You may purchase tickets online, by check at Beck's antique shop, by check or cash at the PONSHOP art studio and gallery, or at the door.

Make a Donation Here or Get Your Tickets now!

Visit our website: www.robstoastofthetown.eventbrite.com

Purchase Tickets at a storefront:

Beck's 708 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401  open noon-5pm seven days a week  (540)-371-1766

Bistro Bethem  309 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401  (540)-371-9999

PONSHOP Art Studio and Gallery  712 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 open Mon-Sat 10-6pm and Sun noon-5pm

Second Annual Art Attack Fredericksburg Event Announced

On Saturday, September 14, 2013 the Second Annual Art Attack Fredericksburg artists take to the streets of the historic downtown for a day-long live art demonstrations. (10am-4pm).  Art Attack is a grassroots event organized by local artists to encourage the exposure and celebration of the region's vibrant art community.  For one day, participating artists (aka recruits) will turn their studios inside out, ambushing the public streets with live art demonstrations.

Art demonstrations will take place primarily on the Caroline and William Street corridors in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia.  Visit Art Attack Fredericksburg on Facebook for more.

August 2013 Opening: Tailor Made 3

Friday August 2nd marked the third annual "Tailor Made" show at PONSHOP featuring the latest t-shirt designs by Icy Grape Incident, Nightmare Inc., Out of Step Arts, and PONSHOP.  That evening, Scarlett executed the "pop up lawn" project in front of the shop.  Inspired by parklet designs seen on the west coast, we utilized the sidewalk space in front of the shop to transform it into an outdoor living room for our guests.  Thanks to all the fans that came out for the evening.  "Tailor Made 3" runs through August 31.

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!

Tailor Made 3: T-Shirt Showcase Announced

PONSHOP is hosting the popular annual T-Shirt Showcase “Tailor-Made 3” this August with new designs by their gallery artists.  The opening reception will be held during “First Friday” August 2 (6-10pm). This exhibition will feature screen-printed shirt designs from PONSHOP, Nightmare Inc., Icy Grape Incident Clothing and Out of Step Arts.

PONSHOP offers house brand art tees screen-printed with signature graphics derived from the original paintings of owner, Gabriel Pons. PONSHOP will be premiering a handful of new t-shirt designs for men and women.

Nightmare Inc. Apparel is a clothing company based in Fredericksburg and established in 2008 by Massaponax High School graduate, Ryan Payne. With inspiration rooted in horror flicks and bedtime terrors, you'll be daydreaming of ways to get this brand.

Icy Grape Incident Clothing brings original graffiti inspired artworks to high quality t-shirts. Owner, Tony Sementelli joined a few of his fellow local artists 3 years ago on a journey to launch their own clothing line and never looked back.

Neil Bramlette started Out of Step Arts as a means to engage and promote emerging and established artists who are not only interested in working in comics, but also have interests in other art cultures (custom vinyl, graffiti, gig posters, tattoo design, pin-ups, etc.) as well.  Earlier this year, Out of Step Arts releases two limited edition tees for men and women, featuring the artwork of comic illustrators Liz Suburbia and Toby Cypress.

Join us on Friday, August 2 for this exciting show!

July 2013 First Friday Reception: Crystal Rodrigue

Below are some pics taken during the opening reception for artist Crystal Rodrigue during "First Friday" July 5th.  Crystal creates compelling pieces using transparent film, silver/copper/gold leaf and corroded steel panels.  Thanks to all of our fans for coming to the opening of Crystal's show!  For more about her work visit her website 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.

Artful Contribution to Healing Garden

Hospice Support Care (HSC) of Fredericksburg, VA has created a Healing Garden for bereaved families receiving grief services from HSC at the Harbor House Bereavement and Training Center located at 2103 Washington Avenue in Fredericksburg, VA. On Thursday June 27th, HSC will host the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This event sponsored by Blue and Gray Brewery, The Copper Fox Distillery, Lifepoint and the Fredericksburg Jazz Collective serves as the unveiling of the Healing Garden.  The Healing Garden was built with funds provided by the Duff McDuff Green Jr, Fund of the Community Foundation and in-kind donations from local contractors and volunteers.

Local artists Scarlett Pons of Ponshop and Kevin Rodrigue of Rodrigue Studios contributed their creative services to Fredericksburg’s local Hospice Support Care’s Healing Garden Project. Pons created ceramic blossoms to be mounted on steel trees created by Rodrigue. Two separate metal tree forms are installed in the Healing Garden. The first tree is known as the memorial tree. It supports ceramic blossoms with either a name and/or a message for a lost loved-one inscribed. The second tree known as the sponsor tree, holds blossoms inscribed with the names of those generous organizations willing to sponsor the opening of the Healing Garden.

The Healing Garden has a waterfall and a pond surrounded by stone seating walls and patios. The tranquil atmosphere is designed to provide respite to those who are grieving a serious illness or significant loss. The setting is designed with horticultural elements which will positively influence visiting families and individuals who will attend support groups. The idea is that these visitors will be able to express their grief in a halcyon environment. The idea for the Healing Garden was conceptualized by a grieving child who drew a picture of the place she wished she could go whenever she felt sad about the loss of her father.

Since 1981,  the Hospice Support Center has been providing non-medical support, without charge, to families and individuals experiencing the impact of a life altering or terminal illness. Their trained volunteers provide respite care and other services weekly to over 80 patients in the Fredericksburg region.

July Featured Artist Show: Crystal Rodrigue

Crystal Rodrigue "Yesterday/ Today" image overlay on 23.5 K Gold leaf on rusted steel sheet

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce our “First Friday” Opening Reception on July 5, 2013. The Gallery will be featuring the work of Crystal Rodrigue throughout the month of July. The Gallery will be open on First Friday from 6 to 10pm.

Crystal Rodrigue is a mixed media artist living in Spotsylvania, Virginia. She employs an intensive process of overlaying photos on gilded metallic backgrounds. Rodrigue creates an emphasis on the gilding process by placing photographs on raw steel in order to create a neutral background and, in effect, shifting the viewer’s focus to the gilded images. The images of architecture and power lines (man made constructs) are gilded with metal in order to further equalize their relationship to each other. The gilding beneath the images elevates the status of the raw photograph, inspiring their status and helping the viewer see the contrast between the image and the background. Rodrigue is dedicated to traditional film and photography. She accredits her technical influence to these sources. By the use of vintage cameras, unique films, and an endless curiosity of developing techniques, she is able to present the viewer with an interpretation of a private and vulnerable world that she experiences. Her work reinvents for the viewer a journey; a place in time; and objects overlooked or forgotten.

Crystal Rodrigue has been participating with PONSHOP as a contributing artist for over a year. During that time, she has exhibited her fine art as well as small works including: small scale image overlays on steel plates, Polaroids, vinyl albums, as well as two vinyl albums in the current “Remixed” Vinyl Album Show.

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.

"Remixed" Vinyl Art Show Announcement

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce their fourth community art exhibition in June of 2013.  “Remixed” features original artwork using vinyl record albums.  The exhibit includes thirty-six local and regional artists all working in this non-traditional medium.  The opening reception for "Remixed" is Friday, June 7 from 6-10pm. The exhibition runs through June 30.

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.  Both Scarlett and Gabriel Pons are excited to see how each artist treats this design challenge.

The opening reception will include music provided by DJ Climax, spinning on the turntables.

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, Nina Angelini Young

Participating Artists (as of this press release) 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, Andrew Quarles, Joshua K Rama, Mark Eyestone, Kelly Penick, Mark Manjarrez, Sean Woodard, Elizabeth Carter, Frank Woodley, Josie Yorgeson, Ed King, and Jurgen Brat

Urban Decay 4 Exhibition Announced

We are excited to announce that Urban Decay will be entering its fourth year of exhibition at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia.  Urban Decay 4 celebrates low brow and contemporary art and music.  Emerging talents are showcased alongside accomplished artists with a special focus on the Vinyl toy scene.  PONSHOP will be one of the sponsors in this 2-month long exhibit and we look forward to celebrating with you all during the opening event on Saturday, June 8 from 7-11pm.

Urban Decay 4 also has a call for artists for customized vinyl toy submissions.  Entries are due May 25-26, 2013.  Click Here for a complete prospectus.

Gabriel Pons will be one of the many featured artists on exhibit and will take part in a panel discussion with Kenny Wells and Jack Labadie about the influence of Hip-Hop music on contemporary art (Sat. June 8 at 5pm).  The grounds of the Workhouse will also be the site of a day-long mural demonstration by HKS181, Kevin Rodrigue, and Jeremy Gann.

Thanks to Deb Yarrington and her crew at Urban Art Syndicate for curating and coordinating this year's show.

Urban Decay 4 will include the work of:  Carlos Aguilar, Kevin Bednarz, Kenny Brown, Bryan A. Collins, Matt Corrado, Gregg Deal, ElStabo, James Fuller, Jeremy Gann, Drew Storm Graham, Kevin Gosselin, HKS181, Bill Hewitt, Tim Knouff, Jack Labadie, Justin Lipuma, Kevin Murphy, Sylvia Ortiz, Scott Olive, Michael Owen, Gabriel Pons, RSIN, JC Rivera,, Kevin Rodrigue, David Ten, James Walker and Asad ULTRA Walker.

Performances during the opening reception include: Thrive, Kenny Wells, Expansion Radio and Lightspeed Rescue

Click Here to view the history of  the Urban Decay exhibition series via the PONSHOP Blog.

"The Art of Recovery" 2013 Opening Reception

"Untitled #1" by Karen Rees, Acrylic on Canvas, $300

The  opening reception for the ninth annual "The Art of Recovery" exhibit was held on Friday May 3, 2013.  The exhibit was organized by the staff of the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board and Kenmore Club - a psychosocial organization that provides rehabilitation service for adults with severe and persistent mental illness.  We had a great turnout with over three-hundred visitors throughout the course of the evening.  This annual show provides a forum for artists living with mental illness to gain confidence in their abilities, address misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and experience community support.  Thanks once again to all participating artists and the staff of RACSB for their hard work.  "The Art of Recovery" is on exhibit through May 26, 2013.

2013 Summer Classes Announced

We are excited to announce our 2013 summer class schedule. Between three artists (Gabriel Pons, Scarlett Pons, and Leslie Brier) teaching in a wide variety of media, we offer so much more than a conventional art class. In a series of three 1-1.5 hour long sessions we expand outside of “traditional” artwork, focusing on working with a wide range of media from clay to spray paint to recycled everyday objects. Students can explore their creativity while creating a unique work of art and getting to know other students who share their interests. Each series of classes is priced at $100 or less and includes the materials students will need.  View our current class schedule Here.  Below is a sample of some classes offered:

Adult Clay Class (Instructor: Scarlett Pons) Students use a variety of hand building techniques for sculptural or functional pieces.

Children's Clay Class (Instructor: Scarlett Pons) Kid's learn a variety of hand-building techniques with clay.

Children's Drawing Workshop (Instructor: Gabriel Pons) Using pencils, markers, and more, kid's explore drawing as a way of seeing their world.

Skate to Create (Instructor: Gabriel Pons) Design and Paint your own skateboard deck using stencils and spray paint.

Intro to Street Art (Instructor: Gabriel Pons)  Students create large format graphics using stencils, spray paint, markers and more.

Adult Stencil and Mixed Media (Instructor: Gabriel Pons) learn a variety of media techniques using collage, acrylic and paper stencils.

My Recycled Room (Instructor: Leslie Brier): Students can transform excess junk and clutter into fun works of art to decorate their own space.

Creature Feature (Instructor: Leslie Brier): Applying collage techniques to found objects allows students to create a creature sculpture that expresses their style and creativity.

Steampunk Art Doll (Instructor: Leslie Brier): Use a wooden drawing model and some found objects or hardware to create an artistic steampunk styled figure.

Ninth Annual Art of Recovery Exhibit Announced

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce that we will be hosting the Ninth Annual “The Art of Recovery” art show organized by The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB). The opening reception will be held on “First Friday” May 3, 2013 from 5-9 p.m.

This year’s exhibit includes over fifty works of art contributed by forty-eight artists from around the state.  “The Art of Recovery” features original artwork created by adults with mental illness and ranges in media including painting, drawing, mixed media and more.  This annual art show is organized by members of Kenmore Club, a psychosocial rehabilitation program operated by RACSB.

Founded in 1970, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) provides public mental health, intellectual disability, substance abuse, and prevention/early intervention services to the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.Programs of RACSB include Kenmore Club, Rappahannock Adult Activities, Inc., Project LINK, Program for Teen Parents, Rappahannock Area Kids on the Block, DARE To Be You – Rappahannock Area, Second Step, Too Good for Drugs, and Healthy Families – Rappahannock Area. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.

The exhibit coincides with National Mental Health Month and will be on display through May 26, 2013.

Call For Artists: Remixed Vinyl Album Art Show

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery will be hosting its fourth community art exhibition in June of 2013. 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.

Click Here for the Complete Prospectus and Entry Form.

Spinning at 33 1/3 rpm

Here’s how the show works: once you pay an entry fee and 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 June 2 to turn your Jane Fonda Workout album into a work of art, which will be exhibited until June 30. 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 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. Artwork not retrieved after show closing will incur a storage fee of $10 per day

Calendar

Deadline for Submissions: Saturday, June 1 (10-6pm) Sunday, June 2 (noon-5pm).

Pick Up of Unaccepted Work: Tuesday, June 3 (10-6pm)

Opening Reception: Friday, June 7 (6-10pm)

Exhibition Dates: June 7-30

Pick up of Work: Sunday, July 1 (10-6pm)

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

Ushering in Spring: April 2013 Group Show

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce the April “First Friday” opening reception on April 5, 2013 from 6pm-10pm. The evening will include a DJ set by longtime PONSHOP friend, DJ Climax. The gallery will be featuring the latest works by our artists including Julie Maida, Crystal Rodrigue, Nicholas Candela, co-owner Gabriel Pons, recent photographs by Stephen Graham, ceramics by co-owner Scarlett Pons, and handmade jewelry by newly featured artist Caitlin Emison, who specializes in creating earrings incorporating feathers and stone. The exhibit will also continue to feature artwork from Leslie Brier and Ashleigh Burbidge, featured artists from March’s exhibit.

PONSHOP gallery continues to feature over fourteen jewelers and artists who create fun personal accessories and over twenty other artists creating everything from fine art and ceramics to plush toys, clothing, and accessories for the home. Join PONSHOP, as well as the 16 other local businesses in the downtown area that participate in First Fridays on Friday, April 5 from 6-10pm for a special evening celebrating the creativity of our local community.

Scarlett's Custom Dinnerware Sets

Scarlett designed an everyday, no fuss set of plates for you and your family. This is a very versatile set perfect for any meal of the day and even makes great serving platters. The set includes a 9 1/2" square dinner plate, a 7 1/2" square sandwich plate and 5" by 1 1/2" deep bowl.  All the pieces in the set are dishwasher and microwave safe.

There are seven colors available to choose from. View the photo above for color samples:

1. Periwinkle- light blue with hints of lavender

2. Plum-deep magenta with warm grey highlights

3. Eggshell- soft cream with amber highlights

4. Floating Blue- deep brown with denim blue highlights

5. Orb Green- rich glossy green

6. Glossy Black- Deep black and very Obsidian like

7. Satin White- Classical white soft semi-glossy.

Dinner sets are made to order.  Please allow 4-6 weeks for completion. We will be sure to let you know as soon as we finish and ship your set.

Want to know why it takes 4-6 weeks? Be sure to check our Policy Page on Etsy and learn a little about the ceramic process!

Visit our Etsy Site to select your color and place your order.

Gabriel Pons at Hill Center Galleries

Gabe is exhibiting a cross section of his mixed media artwork at the Hill Center Galleries in Washington, DC from March 2 through April 28, 2013.  The opening reception for his show is Wednesday, March 20 from 6-8pm.  For more information, visit the Hill Center website.