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.

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.

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.

Stiched, Altered, and Plush Show: Opening Night

Friday, March 1 2013: PONSHOP hosted the opening reception of Stitched, Altered, and Plush. The evening was a great success, featuring quirky creations by local artists Ashleigh Burbidge and Leslie Brier. Check out our photos from the evening below. Stitched, Altered, and Plush runs through March 31.

Stitched, Altered, and Plush Show announced

Ponshop Studio and Gallery is excited to announce Stitched, Altered, and Plush an art exhibition featuring handcrafted objects by Ashleigh Burbidge, Leslie Brier, and Jodie Rackley. These three women work to break the mold of a traditional art gallery setting – they employ media such as colorful felts and fabrics, clay, and found objects to craft whimsical, three-dimensional art that can only be fully appreciated when held in one’s hands. This month’s artists offer a tactile experience, inviting viewers to interact with their quirky creations from plush toys and hand stitched phone cases to steampunk-styled sculptures.  Please join us for the opening reception on Friday, March 1, 6-10pm.  Stitched, Altered, and Plush runs through March 31, 2013.

Ashleigh Burbidge is the founder of the “The Burbs,” a self-run business which includes a wide variety of handcrafted items including plush toys, one of a kind dolls, clay sculptures, fiber art, capes, baby blankets, and aprons. “The Burbs” serves as a creative outlet to share her creations with children all around the globe. Ashleigh can be found regionally at several boutiques in Virginia, Rhode Island, and Ohio.

Leslie Brier is a mixed media artist, jewelry designer, and graphic designer. Leslie works with found objects and items that are no longer considered beautiful, and strives to give them a new identity. She has had several articles published in Cloth, Paper, Scissors, Somerset Studio, and Amy Powers’ Inspired Ideas. She teaches locally at the Ponshop and nationally at Art and Soul Retreats.

Jodie Rackley is a self-taught crafter and designer from Fredericksburg, VA. She is inspired by modern design both old and new, everything vintage, art and history, music, love, and everything handmade. Her work, which consists of felt, fabrics, and hand embroidery, has been featured in Mollie Makes, Craftsy.com, ApartmentTherepy.com, and Martha Stewart.com, among several other magazines. Jodie’s first craft book, Happy Stitch: 30 Felt and Fabric Projects for Everyday, was released in July 2012. She is currently working on a run of patterns for Simplicity to be released soon.

Additionally featured fine artists in the gallery for the month of March will be Julie Maida, Nicholas Candela, Crystal Rodrigue, Jeremy Gann and Gabriel Pons (painting), Stephen Graham and Adam Desio (photography), Scarlett Pons and Daniel Christie (ceramics).

"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.

"On Deck" Skateboard Show Opening Reception

Here are some pics from the opening night of the "On Deck" show at Foundation Gallery and Live Room in Kensington, Maryland on January 11.  Gabe contributed two decks to the show which included over fifty entries.  Thanks to Matt Corrado of Foundation for putting this event together!

"Then, Here, and Now" exhibit at Hill Center Galleries

Gabe is exhibiting a cross section of his mixed media artwork at the Hill Center Galleries in Washington, DC from January 11 through February 24, 2013.  The opening reception for his show, titled "Then, Here, and Now" is Thursday, January 24 from 6-8pm.  For more information, visit the Hill Center website.

Below is Gabe's artist statement for the exhibit:

Although a formal education in Architecture was the starting point of my pursuits in painting and collage,my interests are rooted in creating artwork that speaks to both the past and present tense of our global culture.  Inspiration is pulled from a cross-generational appreciation for the arts – from classical literature and world architecture to youth culture, primarily skateboarding and hip-hop.  These pieces reflect my intention of informing and engaging an audience on cultural and historical issues that affect our world today.

Battleground Art Show: Nov 2-Dec 2, 2012

Friday, November 2 was the opening night for the "Battleground" Art Show at PONSHOP.  "Battleground " featured sixteen local artists' take on the anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg.  You can see the complete exhibition statement here.  Below are some pics from the opening including all work included in the show.  Thanks again to all of our contributing artists for making this such a memorable exhibit.  "Battleground" runs through December 2nd.  Please contact us if interested in purchasing artwork.

Participating artists include:  Kenny Brown, Nicholas Candela, J. Coleman, Adam Desio, Kelley Drake, Elstabo, Jeremy Gann, Bill Harris, Greg Howell, Chance Kenyon, Rob Landeck, Justin Lipuma, Kevin Murphy, Gabriel Pons, Scarlett Pons, and Mike Tschirn.

"Battleground" Art Show Announced

Ponshop Studio and Gallery are excited to announce “Battleground”, an art exhibition dedicated to Fredericksburg’s identity as a historic battlefield site.  Curated by artist J. Coleman, “Battleground” explores the relationship between Fredericksburg’s civil war past and its impact on the present day.  “Battleground” also commemorates the 150-year anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg. All artists participating in the exhibit live in and around the city of Fredericksburg.

Participating artists include:  Kenny Brown, Nicholas Candela, J. Coleman, Adam Desio, Kelley Drake, Elstabo, Jeremy Gann, Bill Harris, Greg Howell, Chance Kenyon, Rob Landeck, Justin Lipuma, Kevin Murphy, Gabriel Pons, Scarlett Pons, Grady Spades, and Mike Tschirn.

Exhibition Statemen­t

150 years ago in 1852, from December 11-15, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War took place in our hometown of Fredericksburg, Virginia.  The battle of Fredericksburg engaged a total of 172,500 soldiers (100,000 Confederate and 72,000 Union) and, at its end, resulted in an estimated 17,500 casualties.  The city was the site of the first urban combat during the Civil War and its buildings and infrastructure were left in ruin.

Since then Fredericksburg has persevered as a humble but vibrant commercial and cultural core to the region, transforming from a sleepy southern town to a commuter hub that is both rooted in nostalgia of the past and facing the challenges of present day.  For this exhibit, contemporary artists reflect on their experiences living and working in a city where its architecture, landscape, and monuments are a constant reminder of the conflict that took place one hundred and fifty years ago.

Please join us on Friday November 2 from 6-10pm for this exciting show.

Elstabo's Erotic Works: Opening Night

October 5, 2012: PONSHOP hosted an exclusive book signing and art show of Brooklyn-born Elstabo's erotic work.  The show featured fifteen original paintings on canvas as well as featured his recently published collection of erotic art: Elstabo Erotic Works.  Below are some pictures from the evening.  On behalf of Scarlett and I thanks to all the fans that came out to the show that evening and thanks to Elstabo for doing what he does best!  Elstabo's Erotic Works book and select paintings are on exhibit at PONSHOP through October 30.

Elstabo's Erotic Works: Art Show and Book Signing Announced

Opening Reception and Book Signing (one night only):  Friday, October 5, 6-10pm.  Adults 18 and over please.

PONSHOP will be hosting an exclusive one-night only art show and book signing of Brooklyn-born artist Elstabo’s latest book, Elstabo’s Erotic Works.  Elstabo is a versatile painter and graphic designer who attained his bachelor’s degree in fine art from the Fashion Institute of Technology.  His career strikes a balance between Fine Art, Illustration and Commercial Arts – exploring themes ranging from fantasy to erotica.

Erotic Works is the second self-published book by the artist.  The images selected for the book were selected from exhibitions he has participated in over the past six years across the United States as well as Canada and Europe.  Elstabo’s entrepreneurial spirit coupled with his graphic design background enabled him to design and create his own compilation of erotic artwork – specifically targeted for the fans of the genre.

Now a resident of Stafford, Virginia, Elstabo continues to be a prolific and active artist, taking on commissioned work from private clients.  His most recent exhibit was at ArteRotica Season IV in Brooklyn, New York this past August. He is currently affiliated Art Whino Gallery (National Harbor, Maryland) and has been exhibiting work at PONSHOP since March of this year. His published works can be found in “Aphrodisia: Art of the Female Form book” (Aristata Publishing), The World's Greatest Erotic Art of Today" by Erotic Signature.  His first self-published book, "Elstabo's Spanish Fly Series" can be found on Blurb.com.

Tailor Made 2: Opening Reception

August 3rd was the opening reception for "Tailor-Made 2" featuring the T-shirt designs of PONSHOP, Icy Grape Incident, Nightmare Inc. and Somaphony. The opening night included music by DJ Climaxx on the turntables in our garden space as well as a raffle of Icy Grape Incident t-shirts.  Thanks to all our "First Friday" fans for heading out for the evening.  Below are pics from the opening (and the ever-so-popular after party).  "Tailor-Made 2" runs through the September 2.

"Tailor Made 2: T-Shirt Showcase" Announcement

PONSHOP will be bringing back the much anticipated T-Shirt Showcase as “Tailor-Made 2” this August with new designs and artists.  The opening reception will be held during “First Friday” August 3. This exhibition will feature screen-printed shirt designs from PONSHOP, Nightmare Inc., Icy Grape Incident Clothing and Somaphony. This is a unique opportunity to see the original graphics adorning the walls of the gallery.

PONSHOP offers house brand art tees screen-printed with signature graphics derived from the original paintings of owner, Gabriel Pons. They 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 strong ties to horror 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 2 years ago on a journey to launch their own clothing line and never looked back.

Somaphony joins us from Washington, D.C. with artist Nate Lewis as the leading contributor. Inspired by the Greek words “Soma” and “Phony”, meaning body and sound, his designs fuse human anatomy and musical instruments as wearable art.

Opening Reception:  Friday August 3, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: August 3 - September 2, 2012

"July Summer Exhibition" Opening Reception: July 6, 2012

On July 6, 2012, the First Friday show included some new work by Gabe and Scarlett Pons, and Stephen Graham.  More new pieces were added to the shop by Julie Maida, plus jewelry by Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, and Zakk Davis.

httpv://youtu.be/77KKs54BVDw

Thanks to all participating artists and everyone who came out to support the show! Check out some pictures from the night below.

"July Summer Exhibition" Announcement

PONSHOP celebrates summer by opening their outdoor “garden space” to the public. This “First Friday” of July from 6-10pm will be the kick-off of the Summer Exhibition.  July’s show will include the latest paintings and skateboard designs by Gabriel Pons as well as recent ceramics work by Scarlett Pons.  Featured artists for the month include painters Julie Maida, Nicholas Candela, and Jeremy Gann as well as photographs by Adam DeSio and Stephen Graham. The gallery also features fresh work from local jewelers Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Lisa Latendress, Jasmine, Susan McLay and more.

PONSHOP will open their backyard as an event space with DJ Max spinning some artfully choreographed tracks throughout the evening.  There will also be a live painting demonstration by Gabriel Pons in the garden.

July also ushers in a new series of art classes ranging from ceramics and painting to architectural drawing, photography, recycled crafts and jewelry design to name a view.  For a current class schedule, visit the PONSHOP online.

Opening Reception:  Friday, July 6, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: July 6-29, 2012