Fredericksburg "First Friday" Art Events

Second Annual Jewelry Show Announced

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery are pleased to announce that they will be hosting the second annual jewelry show for the month of December showcasing the work of eleven jewelry artists.

In keeping with the gallery’s format, all jewelry works on exhibition are original pieces handmade by local artists.  The exhibit will feature a wide variety of materials including upcycled items, beads, leather, ceramics, sterling silver, hand-colored resin, precious metal clay, as well as bullet casings.

The jewelry exhibit features the works of Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Cirello Jewelry, Zakk Davis, Jeff Gulick, Nicole Hart, Lisa Latendress, Susan McLay, Scarlett Pons, Erica Voss and Sylvia White.  The exhibit will offer a wide price range of jewelry starting at twenty dollars.

The opening reception will include live demonstrations by Leslie Brier, Jeff Gulick, Lisa Latendress, and Erica Voss.

The gallery walls will include a group exhibition of featured PONSHOP artists including Nicholas Candela, Stephen Graham, Adam Desio, Jeremy Gann, Bill Harris, Ginger Huebner, Rob Landeck, Scarlett and Gabriel Pons.

"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: 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.

"September Group Show" Announcement

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce the September “First Friday” opening reception.  The gallery will be featuring the latest ceramics by co-owner Scarlett Pons as well new plush creations by PONSHOP’s most recent artist, Ashleigh Burbidge.  PONSHOP is also excited to feature Julie Maida’s hand painted bowls and trivets.  Creating everything from functional home goods to prints and paintings, her use of strong colors and elegant line work are sure to enhance any space.

Held over from August’s “Tailor Made 2” exhibit, PONSHOP boasts a wide array of new t-shirt designs from co-owner Gabriel Pons as well as clothing brands Icy Grape Incident, Nightmare Inc. and Somaphony.  Also in the gallery are recent photographs by Adam DeSio and Stephen Graham. Join us on Friday September 7 from 6-10pm for a special evening celebrating the creativity of our local community.

PONSHOP gallery continues to feature over thirty artists creating everything from fine art and ceramics to jewelry, clothing, and accessories. PONSHOP is offering a unique and fun art curriculum for all ages in their fall workshops including a scholarship opportunity for six students in the “Mapping History” project.  For a current class schedule, visit the PONSHOP online.

Opening Reception:  Friday September 7, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: September 7 - September 30, 2012

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.

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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

"June Group Show" Announcement

PONSHOP is excited to welcome a new-featured artist, Julie Maida, to the gallery.  Creating everything from functional home goods to prints and paintings, her use of strong colors and elegant line work are sure to enhance any space. Also in the gallery are works from owners Scarlett and Gabriel Pons as well as signature paintings by Joshua Barber, Nicholas Candela, Jeremy Gann, and Ginger Huebner. Bringing an original touch to photography, Adam DeSio and Stephen Graham will have their latest images on display. Join us Friday, June 1st from 6-10pm for a special evening of local art and enjoy the company of art lovers alike.

Opening Reception:  Friday, June 1, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: June 1 - July 1, 2012

"The Art of Recovery" Opening Reception: May 4, 2012

"Recovering" by Michael Diehm, Mixed Media on Canvas

The opening reception for "The Art of Recovery" was a huge success this first Friday of May.  This 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. Using Art Therapy to improve and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, we send a special thanks to the artists for sharing their process of recovery with us. And of course, thank you to the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) and all of you who came out to show your support for the opening. "The Art of Recovery" will continue through the 27th of May.

Exhibiting artists include:

Lisa Brintley, Howard Brown, Jeremy Cabrera, Jimmy Clark, Helen Conley, Gloria Cooke, Hiter Davis IV, Michael Diehm, Scott Fowler, James Gibson, Jr., Scott Haugh, Beth Jarvis, Mark Jones, Margi Mallory, Anthony McKenny, James Miller, Heidi Minor, Buddy Morgan, Tom Page, Sandy Alexandra Pappas, Craig Patak, Annette Pride, David Raines, Tracy Ringquist, RR, Oren Rose, Darah Saunders, Kim Stanley, Page Stoner, Gayle M. Tompkins, T.J.W., Connie Wells, Charles Wertime, Richard West, Lloyd Wilson, Gary Yaw, Suzette Young, Doreen Zaccagnino

April Group Show Opening Reception: April 6, 2012

PONSHOP's latest First Friday opening reception was April's Group Show, held on Friday, April 6th.

The show featured work from Gabriel and Scarlett Pons, Stephen Graham, Joshua Barber, Nicholas Candela, Jeremy Gann, and Adam Desio. The PONSHOP gallery continued to display works from Jack Brown's tattooists Kenny Brown, Chance Kenyon, Grady Spades, Mike Tschirn and Fredericksburg local Elstabo.

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

Eighth Annual "The Art of Recovery" Show Announced

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce the Eighth 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 4, 2012 from 5-9 p.m.

“The Art of Recovery” show will feature approximately 50 pieces representing several art mediums created by adults with mental illness. This annual art show is organized by members of Kenmore Club, a psychosocial rehabilitation program operated by RACSB. The exhibit coincides with National Mental Health Month and will be on display through May 27, 2012.

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.

"April Group Show" Announcement

For the month of April, PONSHOP Studio and Gallery will be featuring the work of a select collection of gallery artists.  The opening reception will be held on “First Friday” April 6, from 6-9pm.

PONSHOP’s gallery will be displaying the latest work of owners, Scarlett and Gabriel Pons. Also included in this month’s exhibition are signature paintings by Joshua Barber, Nicholas Candela, and Jeremy Gann. Local photographers, Adam Desio and Stephen Graham complement the show with their images. And once more, Kenny Brown, Chance Kenyon, Grady Spades, Mike Tschirn and Elstabo adorn the walls with their New Brow inspired works.

Opening Reception:  Friday, April 6, 6-9pm

Exhibition Dates: April 6th – 29th, 2012

"Indelible" Opening Reception: March 2, 2012

The opening reception of “Indelible” was a huge success. Thank you to all the participating artists and to those who came out to show their support.  Below are photos from this evening’s event. Participating artists include:  Kenny Brown, Kelley Drake, Chance Kenyon, Grady Spades, and Mike Tschirn, Elstabo, and Adam DeSio

The show will run through April 1, 2012.

"Indelible" Art Show Announcement

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery are pleased to announce “Indelible,” a group show featuring seven of the areas talented and bold contemporary artists. The opening reception will be held on “First Friday” March 2, from 6-10pm. PONSHOP will feature the work of Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival artists Kenny Brown, Kelley Drake, Chance Kenyon, Grady Spades, and Mike Tschirn. The range of their media includes ink on paper to oil on canvas. Their latest pieces incorporate vibrant colors, surreal images, and bold lines.   Elstabo, a 2011 Urban Decay II featured artist and recent resident talent, is also contributing to the collection with his vivid and graphic paintings on canvas. The show will also include photographs of Jack Brown’s artists taken by Adam Desio.

As a child growing up in central Pennsylvania, Kenny Brown wanted to be a comic book illustrator. Later, he embarked on the path to become a tattoo artist under the tutelage of Dixon Keller. Brown has been plying his trade for nineteen years. He currently owns Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival with fellow tattoo artist Chance Kenyon in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Brown lives with his wife and two dogs and enjoys making music and painting.

Chance Kenyon, co-owner and tattoo artist at Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival, became interested in tattooing at age fifteen. Under the influence of his older brother Grady Spades, Scott Junkins, and current business partner Kenny Brown, Kenyon learned to tattoo. Most recently, Kenyon opened Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival with friend and fellow tattooer Kenny Brown. Outside of the shop, Kenyon is devoted to his daughter, family, and friends.

As a young artist, Kelley Drake realized he had learned more about art from his parents, grandparents, and high school art teachers than in school at the Maryland Institute of College of Arts. After a few years, he dropped out and became the apprentice of tattoo artist Kenny Brown. Drake now tattoos for a living and has been working at Jack Brown’s for five years.

Grady Spades is the older brother of Jack Brown’s co-owner Chance Kenyon. Spades’ influence led Kenyon to pursue tattooing. He now works as a tattoo artist at Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival.

Mike Tschirn attended Virginia Commonwealth University to study art. He later learned to tattoo and now works at Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival. Tschirn’s tattoos generally feature bold, graphic designs. When not tattooing, Tschirn enjoys painting works that reflect his love for magical and beautiful things.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Elstabo has earned a BFA from The Fashion Institute of Technology and since 2006 has been living in Northern Virginia working as a commercial and fine artist.  His work pulls inspiration from many genres including comic book illustrations, erotic art and fantasy.

Fredericksburg artist Adam DeSio works with oil and acrylic painting, photography, digital art, and print making.  His work finds new ways of looking at the things all around us while creatively interpreting his experiences. “My goal is to create a piece of art every day, find new ways of looking at things, capture the things I see and experience around me in a unique way.  Adam’s contribution to “Indelible” show includes photographs of Jack Brown’s Tattoo Revival artists.

Opening Reception:  Friday, March 2, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: March 2 – April 1, 2012

"Small Works Show" Opening Reception: December 2, 2011

Our latest First Friday opening reception for the annual Small Works Show was held on December 2. This month's reception was a holiday celebration, which included new work by Scarlett Pons, Gabriel Pons, and many featured PONSHOP artists. The show displayed one of a kind holiday gifts from PONSHOP's November Jewelry Show, our newest T-Shirt designs, and hand-knit winter accessories. Check out more pics below. A big thanks to all who came out for the event! Remember to "Give from the He(art)" by supporting local artists and designers this holiday season.

Notice the big "Yeti" in the window?  We're happy to be participating in "Window Wonderland", a city-wide contest featuring the downtown storefronts decorated for the holidays.  Guess the riddle posted in each shop window and have a chance to win up to $1,000.  Click Here for an entry form and don't forget to vote for your favorite window decoration too!

December Small Works Show

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to celebrate the holidays with their annual small works show in December.  The opening reception will be “First Friday” December 2, from 6-10pm. This year’s small works show will include new ceramic work by PONSHOP co-owner Scarlett Pons who has been creating serving and dinner plates using a clay stencil technique, which results in striking patterns and geometries.  Gabriel Pons is exhibiting his signature skateboard deck designs, spray painted vinyl records, as well as his “mini” series of stencil designs on wood blocks.

PONSHOP’s Jewelry Show for November will be held over into December, highlighting six local jeweler’s work ranging in media from upcycled materials, beads, leather, sterling silver, and precious metal clay.

The clothing racks are full of the most recent T-Shirt designs by local brands including PONSHOP, Icy Grape Incident, Nightmare Inc., and Somaphony.  The shop also includes hand-knit “button” scarves, crotchet hats and accessories.

The gallery walls will include a group exhibition of featured PONSHOP artists including Joshua Barber, Nicholas Candela, Adam Desio, Bill Harris, Ginger Huebner, Rob Landeck, and Nathan Webster.

PONSHOP encourages the community to “Give from the He(art)” by supporting local artists and designers who have invested their talents in creating one of a kind gifts for this holiday season.

Opening Reception:  Friday, December 2, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: December 2 – 31, 2011

"Jewelry Show" Opening Reception, November 4 2011

Our First Friday opening reception for the Jewelry Show was held on November 4.  The reception included a live demonstration by metalsmith jeweler, Jasmine Lee and a brief gallery talk by PONSHOP owner Scarlett Pons.  Featured jewelry artists include: Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Zakk Davis, Lisa Latendress, Jasmine Lee and Sylvia White.  Below are more pics from the evening.  Thank You to all the fans and enthusiasts that came out for the opening!  The Jewelry Show runs through November 27.

"City Colors" Opening Reception: Friday September 2, 2011

Below are some pics from the opening reception for the "City Colors" invitational art exhibit which features eighteen local artists who will be participating in the upcoming Via Colori street painting event in Fredericksburg on September 24 and 25, 2011.  Congratulations to all participating "City Colors" artists.  The exhibit runs until October 2.

"Tailor-Made: T-Shirt Showcase" Opening Night

Below are some pics from the "Tailor-Made: T-Shirt Showcase" Opening Reception on Friday August 5, 2011.  PONSHOP released our fall line of art tees and featured new clothing from Virginia-based brands Icy Grape Incident and Nightmare Inc.  Thanks to all the friends and fans that made it out for the evening.  "Tailor-Made" will be on exhibit through August 28.