Fredericksburg "First Friday" Art Events

11th Annual Art of Recovery Exhibit Announced

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AOR-2015-11x17-web-poster

The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) is pleased to announce the Eleventh Annual “The Art of Recovery” art show opening Friday, May 1, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at PONSHOP Studio and Gallery.  The exhibit features original artwork of adults with mental illness. The 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 locally through May 24, 2015.

“The Art of Recovery” show will feature approximately 50 pieces representing several art mediums. Artwork includes original drawings, paintings, three-dimensional artwork (sculpture), textiles, and mixed media.  All of the pieces will be available for purchase.

To correspond with the First Friday opening on May 1, 2015, there will be spoken word, poetry, and live music in the gallery’s back courtyard at 7:30 p.m.

The Art of Recovery provides a forum for artists living with mental illness to gain confidence in their abilities, address misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and experience community support. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.

April Spring Party and VA Organizing 20-Year Anniversary Event

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VA-Organizing-First-Friday-poster_web-02-02

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce our April “First Friday” event on April 3, from 6-10pm. PONSHOP ushers in spring with an opening art reception featuring fine art and jewelry in the gallery including new ceramic work by Scarlett Pons.  Featured Fine Artists include Ronald Jackson and Brooklyn’s own Elstabo.

That evening, PONSHOP is proud to host Virginia Organizing in our garden space to celebrate their twenty-year anniversary. Virginia Organizing is an association dedicated to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives. The “Latin Dance Night” fundraiser will feature salsa lessons, music and refreshments. ($20 donation).  Click Here for Tickets.

March is D.I.Y Month at PONSHOP

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FirstFriday_image_web1

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce our March “First Friday” event rescheduled for March 13, from 6-10pm.  PONSHOP has designated March to be Do It Yourself month by introducing two new products to the shop: D.I.Y moss terrarium kits by Twig Terrariums and customizable miniature water tower replicas by Boundless Brooklyn.

“Get Dirty” Terrarium Party: Get your hands dirty this First Friday and build your own terrarium at Ponshop Studio and Gallery on Friday, March 6 (6-8pm), using D.I.Y. kits by Twig Terrariums. Choose between the Jurassic World terrarium (including toy dinosaurs) or the Enchanted Moss terrarium (including glow-in-the-dark butterflies) and walk out with a completed and one-of-a-kind mini mossy world. $39 includes the terrarium kit as well as quick, guided assembly. Green thumb not required.

Twig Terrariums is a Brooklyn-based studio and shop founded by artists Michelle Incinarrano and Katy Maslow, which houses a variety of made terrariums and do-it-yourself kits. Their D.I.Y. kits allow you to create your own mossy world with the provided earthly elements and easy to follow assembly and care instructions.

Boundless Brooklyn is another innovative company established in New York by friends David and Terence. They provide easy-to-assemble model water towers that allow you to add your own personal flair. Made out of 100% recycled material, these towers are great for all ages and fit perfectly on desks and shelves.

Gabriel Pons will be hosting a build-your-own Brooklyn water tower workshop on Saturday, March 21 (1-3pm).  Students will construct and paint a 10-inch tall cardboard replica of New York City’s most iconic structures. (Ages 9+)  $35 includes (1) mini tower kit and all painting materials. More about Art Classes can be found HERE.

February First Friday Opening Reception

Opening Reception:PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce our February “First Friday” event on February 6, from 6-10pm.  We are proud to introduce the addition of two new jewelers to our shop: Anné Harrill of Océanne Jewelry Designs and Fredericksburg native, Devin Ashton Designs. February features a wide selection of artisan jewelry in anticipation for Valentine’s Day, with works from over a dozen jewelers in a variety of materials.  Lisa Latendress created a Valentine-themed charmed necklace incorporating semi precious stones.  Leslie Brier fashioned “Lover’s Eye Tokens”  - a modern day take on an 18th century accessory celebrating mystery and romance.

PONSHOP is offering a range of art classes for kids and adults throughout the month.  Scarlett Pons is holding a “Couple’s Clay Class” on Valentine’s Day as a special event for sweethearts willing to get their hands dirty and have fun.  There is also the return of the PONSHOP Academy for kids as well as a Vintage Floral Resin Pendant Workshop taught by Leslie Brier.  Click Here for the complete class schedule.

December Holiday Show: Introducing The Fredericksburg City Hall Ceramic Lantern

City-Hall-Lantern02_web Our First Friday Holiday Show will include new ceramic work by PONSHOP co-owner Scarlett Pons, who will debut her "City Hall" illuminated lantern, the second in her "Fredericksburg Skyline" series - a scale miniature of Fredericksburg's original City Hall building at Market Square, currently occupied by the Fredericksburg Area Museum. This series is limited to 10 editions and available exclusively at PONSHOP ($399).  Join Us, Friday December 5 (6-10pm).

Fourth Annual PONSHOP Jewelry Show

2014 Jewelry Show Sneak Peek and DIY Jewelry Workshop:  Thursday, November 6, 6-8pm

Opening Reception:  Friday, November 7, 6-10pm

Weekend Trunk Show: Friday Through Sunday, November 9

Exhibition Dates: November 6 – 30, 2014

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce that they will be hosting the fourth annual jewelry show for the month of November showcasing the work of eleven jewelry artists.  The opening reception is scheduled for Friday, November 7 from 6-10pm.

The jewelry exhibit features the works from our favorite local jewelers: Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Jodi Habel, K Tuna Creations, Lisa Latendress, and Trish Schornagel. In addition, the show includes regional and national artists Elaine B, Lawrence Butler, Matthew Cirello and Jasmine Lee as AMORDIVIN, Marstinia Enamel Designs and Daphne Olive.

Get a jump on your holiday shopping!  Bring a friend and enjoy an intimate evening with refreshments at PONSHOP during their “Sneak Peek” jewelry event on Thursday, November 6 from 6-8pm.  The first ten shoppers to purchase $40 or more will receive a complimentary ceramic jewelry dish made by Scarlett Pons.  In addition, Charlottesville jeweler Elaine B will be hosting a Do-It–Yourself Jewelry design workshop.  Fashion your own necklace using her signature geometric shapes and a variety of semi precious stones collected locally and abroad. This workshop is casual and open to all interested. RSVP is requested, not required – email shop@ponshopstudio.com. ($50 fee)

The evening of First Friday will kick off a special “Weekend Trunk Show” featuring Daphne Olive (Maryland) and Elaine B (Charlottesville, VA) with light food and refreshments and music provided by Mike DJ.  To celebrate Fredericksburg’s Holiday Open House event that weekend, the trunk show will run through Sunday, November 9.

The gallery walls will include a group exhibition of featured PONSHOP artists including Nicholas Candela, Adam Desio, Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue, Gabriel Pons and more.

PONSHOP is a multifaceted storefront: an artist studio, gallery, retail store, and classroom.  The vision of the owners, Scarlett and Gabriel Pons, is to provide a place that embodies what they love: art, design, and creative education.  The gallery/shop features a variety of work from artists both near and far.  Their studio also doubles as a classroom, providing workshops for students interested in everything from painting, ceramics, and architecture to street art and skateboarding.  “We Don’t Buy Gold or Guns, We Sell Art.”

The Art Attack Show: Juried Exhibit

Art-Attack-Show-Logo-2014_webPONSHOP is excited to announce The Art Attack Show – a juried exhibit featuring artists that are taking part in the third annual “Art Attack” event taking place on Saturday, September 13 2014 from 10am-4pm on Caroline Street in Fredericksburg’s historic district. “Art Attack” is a grassroots event organized by local artists to encourage the exposure, promotion, and celebration of Fredericksburg’s vibrant art community. The effort of The Art Attack Show is to highlight those artists who have volunteered to participate in the 2014 Art Attack event by exhibiting their work in the PONSHOP Gallery throughout the entire month.

The show will feature artwork from: Amy Bayne, Elena Broach, Collette Caprara, James Clark, Beverly Coates, Carol Coffman, Laura Craig, Mary Lou Cramer, Charles Fromer, Tanya Green, Iryna Hamill, Bill Harris, Newell Jones, Eric May, Judy Lowman, Lorie McCown, Sam McCown, Elizabeth Seaver, and Wendy Atwell-Vasey.  Join us on the “First Friday” of September for the opening reception of The Art Attack Show to view the breadth of work contributed by this year’s Art Attack artists.

Call for Artists: “The Art Attack Show” Juried Art Exhibit

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Statement

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to host “The Art Attack Show”, a juried art exhibition featuring artists participating in the 2014 Art Attack Event on September 13, 2014.

Eligibility

This exhibit is open to all two-dimensional artists in the Virginia Region who have registered as participating artists with the 2014 Art Attack Event by August 22, 2014.  “Two dimensional” artwork is inclusive of mediums including but not limited to: painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, digital graphics, textiles, screen print and lithography.

Submission Requirements

All submitted works are to conform to the following Dimensional and Design Parameters: Frame dimensions ranging in size no smaller than 8” and no larger than 24” in width, no smaller than 10” and no larger than 30” in length (intermediate dimensions are acceptable).  All work must be for sale. All entries must be original creations of the artist – no reproductions of others artwork.

Entry Specifications

The theme of “The Art Attack Show” is to celebrate the diverse styles and talents of the region’s visual artists taking part in this year’s Art Attack event.  There are no thematic requirements in terms of the content of the artwork, although we ask that you submit work that best represents your style.  PONSHOP offers their gallery as

All pieces are to be framed appropriately for gallery display: no gallery clips or saw tooth hangers.  Canvas pieces, unless “gallery wrapped” must include a frame.  All work must be equipped with hanging wire adequate to support the painting.  Textiles intended for wall hanging must include a hanging system.  Wet or unprofessionally presented artwork will be rejected.

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: $10 flat fee for up to (3) digital submissions.

Step 1: Register as an Art Attack Recruit by emailing artattackfred@gmail.com with ‘2014 recruit’ in the subject line.

Step 2: Entry fee payment to be made at PONSHOP (cash/check/charge) prior to Friday, August 22.

Step 3: Email JPEG Submissions to: submissions@ponshopstudio.com with ‘Art Attack Show  Submission’ in the subject line.

JPEG files to be at least 1000 pixels in the longest dimension and may not exceed 3MB each.

File name to include artist’s last name and title (ex. Smith_Red Apples).

Include Artist Name, Title, Medium, Dimensions (including frame) and Retail Price in body of email.

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 Registering as a ‘Recruit’ with Art Attack Fredericksburg for eligibility in “The Art Attack Show”: Friday, August 22.

Deadline for Digital Submissions: Friday, August 22 (6pm)

Notification of Acceptance: Tuesday, August 26 (6pm)

Deliver Accepted Work to PONSHOP: Monday, September 1 (10am-6pm)

Opening Reception: Friday, September 5 (6-10pm)

Exhibition Dates: September 5-28, 2014

Pick up of Work: Monday, September 29 (10am-6pm)

“Remixed 2” Vinyl Album Art Exhibit

Remixed-2-promo_02_web-02 Exhibition Dates: August 1-30

Opening Reception: Friday, August 1 (6-10pm)

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce their fifth community art exhibition in August of 2014.  “Remixed 2” features original artwork using vinyl record albums.  The exhibit includes thirty-five participants and ten featured artists (as of this press release).  The opening reception for “Remixed 2” will be Friday, August 1 (6-10pm).

Last year’s event was met with great enthusiasm from the arts community. The show boasted over 60 entries from over twenty-five local and regional artists.

Gallery owner Gabriel Pons has been using 12” vinyl records as his canvas for four 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 Mike DJ, with desserts by Morsels & Moonshine and refreshments by Creative Juices.

Featured Artists for the “Remixed 2” Show are:

Matt Corrado, Rob Landeck, Jack Labadie, Crystal Rodrigue, Kevin Rodrigue, Bengi (Nati513) Baker, Elstabo, Jeff Gulick, James Walker, and Leslie Brier

Participating Artists (as of this press release) include:

Kelly Fortuna, Sharon Blancard, Sidney Mullis, Elizabeth Carter, Alicia Hurst, Kelly Penick, Perri Chuska, Maddie Huddle, Deb Yarrington, Meredith Lackie, Robert Wayne Luther, Maie Makin, Morgan Buenos, Curtis Cataldo, Erica Anderson, Jake Argarin, Stacey M Schultze, Martin Reamy, Mirinda Reynolds, Carol Coffman, Sam McCown, Sue Connors, Caroline Connors, Jürgen Brat, Hannah Doepp, Brooke Kingsley, Lauren Horton, Adam DeSio, Mika Zink, Tanya Green, Diego Pons, Gabriel Pons and Rebecca Maurer.

Exhibition Dates: August 1-30

Opening Reception: Friday, August 1 (6-10pm)

2014 Art Of Recovery Opening Reception

AOR-Opening201410 The opening reception for The Art of Recovery exhibit was on Friday May 2, 2014.  This was a very special event since it also marked the ten year anniversary for this annual exhibit in Fredericksburg.  The month-long exhibition showcased thirty artists and over sixty pieces of artwork.  The opening reception also included musical and spoken word performances.  Below are some snapshots from the evening.  PONSHOP would like to congratulate all participating artists and performers for their contributions in making the 2014 Art of Recovery show a success.

The Art of Recovery provides a forum for artists living with mental illness to gain confidence in their abilities, address misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and experience community support. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.

July Exhibit: Fredericksburg-All Around the Town by Kathleen Walsh

Rappahannock-Blue_web PONSHOP studio is pleased to present Fredericksburg-All Around the Town a solo exhibition of works by local artist Kathleen Walsh.  From July 11 – July 31 Walsh’s oil paintings will be on view at PONSHOP studio with an opening reception on July 11 from 6-10 pm.

Walsh’s works reveal a dialogue between an artist and her surroundings. Her instinctual layering of paint and gestural marks portray a poetic back-and-forth with nature. Whether Walsh paints plein air or in-studio, her works emphasize an immediacy or nowness, which furthermore describes her way for life. With this body of work, viewers witness an indulgence of the moment.

Exhibition Dates: July 11-31, 2014

Opening Reception: Friday, July 11 from 6-10pm

Call for Artists: "Remixed 2" Vinyl Album Art Show

Remixed-2-promo_01_webPONSHOP Studio and Gallery will be hosting its fifth community art exhibition in August of 2014. 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.  "Remixed 2" is a follow up to our "Remixed" Vinyl Album Art Show in June of 2013 which included over sixty vinyl albums from over 25 participating artists. Click Here for the Complete Prospectus and Entry Form.

Spinning at 33 1/3 rpm

Here’s how the show works: once you pay the entry fee, 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 July 27 to turn your Jane Fonda Workout album into a work of art, which will be exhibited throughout the month of August. 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/DC/Maryland 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. Please keep in mind that during the summer months, vinyl records will warp if stored in a parked automobile! Artwork not retrieved after show closing will incur a storage fee of $10 per day

Calendar

Deadline for Submissions: Saturday, July 26 (10-6pm) Sunday, July 27 (noon-5pm).  *Please Deliver ONLY  between Friday July 25 and Sunday the 27th.

Pick Up of Unaccepted Work: Tuesday, July 29 (10-6pm)

Opening Reception: Friday, August 1 (6-10pm)

Exhibition Dates: August 1-30, 2014

Pick up of Work: Sunday, August 31 (noon-5pm)

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

Tailor-Made 4 T-Shirt Showcase Announced

Tailor_Made4-promo_webWe are hosting our annual T-Shirt Showcase “Tailor-Made 4” with new tee shirt designs by Icy Grape Incident and PONSHOP.  The opening reception will be held during “First Friday” on June 6 with music provided by Mike DJ. In addition to the new screen-printed designs, this exhibition will feature recent work from gallery artists. PONSHOP offers house brand art tees screen-printed with signature graphics derived from the original paintings of co-owner, Gabriel Pons. PONSHOP will be premiering their new “slogan” t-shirt design for the show featuring a hand-drawn rendition of their catch –phrase “We Don’t Buy Gold or Guns, We Sell Art.”

Icy Grape Incident Clothing brings original, graffiti-inspired artworks to high quality t-shirts. Owner Tony Sementelli takes great pride in creating fashionable tees with innovative artwork.

Exclusively for the weekend of June 6-8, the PONSHOP will have a sale of 50% off select tees by PONSHOP, Nightmare,Inc., Icy Grape Incident, Somaphony, and Out of Step Arts.  A sale on all previous styles will continue through the end of the month.

Additionally, the gallery will be exhibiting artwork by gallery artists Nicholas Candela , Adam DeSio, Crystal Rodrigue, Julie Maida, Stacey Schultze and Ronald Jackson with new ceramics by co-owner Scarlett Pons.

Opening Reception:  Friday June 6, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: June 6-30, 2014

April First Friday Recap: Elaine B. Jewelry Trunk Show

PONSHOP_April First Fri11_web We were excited to host our first jewelry trunk show for the First Friday of April featuring the unique and elegant work of Elaine B. Her handmade jewelry is lightweight, geometrically inspired, and effortlessly striking. We had a blast with Elaine B. here in the shop that evening as she displayed and sold her exquisitely designed pieces. Below are more pics from the evening.  Stop by the shop to browse our selection of one of a kind handmade jewelry by artists like Elaine B. and many others.

Tenth Annual Art of Recovery Exhibit Announced

Recovery-2014_web-03The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) is pleased to announce the Tenth Annual “The Art of Recovery” art show opening Friday, May 2, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at PONSHOP Studio and Gallery located at 712 Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg. The exhibit features original artwork of adults with mental illness. The 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 26, 2014. “The Art of Recovery” show will feature approximately 60 pieces representing several art mediums. Artwork includes original drawings, paintings, three-dimensional artwork (ceramics), textiles, and mixed media.  All of the pieces will be available for purchase.

To correspond with the First Friday opening on May 2, 2014, there will be spoken word, poetry, and live music in the gallery’s rear courtyard at 7:00 p.m.

The Art of Recovery provides a forum for artists living with mental illness to gain confidence in their abilities, address misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and experience community support. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us.

April Trunk Show Featuring Elaine B. Jewelry

Elaine_B_final_webPONSHOP Studio and Gallery invites the public to its first trunk show featuring Elaine B. Jewelry. During PONSHOP’s First Friday reception on April 4 from 6-10pm, indulge in the elegant, handmade Elaine B. Jewelry. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a "Ladies' Night Out" and find beautiful jewelry to compliment your spring wardrobe.  Due to its popularity, we will also be extending our most recent exhibit Facades: New Work by Gabriel Pons throughout the month of April. Elaine B.

Elaine B. Jewelry (Charlottesville, VA) approaches her wearable art with a strong design aesthetic and attention to detail producing chic jewelry fitting for every occasion. Her jewelry is lightweight, geometry-inspired and from recycled metals perfect to be worn daily or for a special event. Elaine admits, “[my] favorite objects are airy and simple, yet thoughtful. I find this especially important when it comes to things that I wear. I create tiny sculptural worlds using traditional jewelry materials and incorporate geometric elements to make objects that are physically light, yet have weighty presence.” With Elaine’s consideration for the wearer and any occasion she may attend, her jewelry is effortlessly striking.

We take pride in showcasing one-of-a-kind jewelry created with genuine heart and soul by artisan hands with a sensibility for comfort, design, and aesthetics. Visit the PONSHOP to see additional jewelry from artists Terresa Buelow, Matthew Cirello, Lisa Latendress, Jodi Habel, Erica Voss, Trish Schornagel, Leslie Brier, Elisa Shere, Silvia White, Gilhousen Studio, Jasmine Lee and Daphne Olive, as well as brand new ceramic work from Scarlett Suhy-Pons.

"Facades" Art Exhibit Announced

Facades_web01Gabriel Pons will be premiering his latest work in March at PONSHOP Studio and Gallery. Titled Facades, this mixed media series on custom-shaped wood panels are evocative of architectural forms that have been pervasive in his work throughout the years.  Incorporating paper collage, acrylic paint and spray paint, Pons reflects upon his experiences living in New York City as well as traveling throughout Europe. His work combines the formal sensibility of architectural structures with spontaneous and gestural painterly actions emulative of what he has observed in city streets, layering found imagery, text, and handwritten prose.  “The city has a way of looking back at you sometimes and speaking to you – that’s the inspiration for this current series”, Pons remarked.

Join us March 7 from 6-10pm for the opening reception of Facades to view Pons’ latest mixed media pieces. In addition, visit PONSHOP to see new ceramic work from Scarlett Suhy-Pons, jewelry from Elaine B., Elisa Shere and many others as well as fine art from contributing regional artists.

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

Exhibition Dates: March 7-28 2014

February First Friday Opening Reception

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Friday, February 7 was the opening reception of our February First Friday exhibit featuring new artists, Elisa Shere and Elaine B.  Below are photos from the opening night.  Thank You to all of our fans for braving the weather to pay us a visit!

 

RACSB Releases Call to Artists: Tenth Annual "The Art of Recovery" Exhibit

RACSB_Poster_WebFredericksburg, Virginia – Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) is currently seeking entries for the Tenth Annual “The Art of Recovery” exhibit. The art show features original artwork by adults with mental illness. The show is organized by members of Kenmore Club, RACSBs psychosocial clubhouse for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. The exhibit will open Friday, May 2, 2014 at The PONSHOP Studio and Gallery on Caroline Street in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The opening corresponds with ‘First Fridays.’ The exhibit runs through May 31, 2014 and coincides with National Mental Health Month. The Art of Recovery provides a forum for artists living with mental illness to gain confidence in their abilities, address misconceptions surrounding mental illness, and experience community support.  Below is a cross section of photos from the past ten years of "The Art of Recovery" exhibits.

The RACSB is accepting original drawings, paintings, sculpture, textiles, prints, mixed media, and ceramics. Individuals wishing to submit their work have until April 1, 2014 to contact Helen Conley. Submissions may be in the form of photographs. Visit www.racsb.state.va.us for an entry form and display instructions.

Entries must be accompanied by a completed entry form with the following requested information: name of the artist; year of completion (if known); locale of the artist; dimensions; medium; and sale price. The PONSHOP will apply a reasonable commission on all artwork sold. Selections will be made by April 11, 2014.

To submit artwork or to learn more, contact Helen Conley at 540-373-7737 or artofrecovery@racsb.state.va.us. Submissions may also be mailed to RACSB, attn: Art of Recovery, 600 Jackson St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401.

PONSHOP Welcomes Two New Jewelry Artists for February

Elaine_B-earrings_webPONSHOP Studio and Gallery cordially invites the public to our First Friday Opening for the month of February on Friday, February 7 from 6-10pm.  Just in time for the Valentine’s Day Holiday, PONSHOP has expanded our line of jewelry artists with the addition of Elisa Shere and Elaine B Jewelry: Elisa Shere (Seattle, WA) creates handmade pieces using recycled materials using traditional metalsmithing techniques, such as piercing, soldering and riveting. Her work is inspired by the textures, colors and shapes encountered in the Pacific Northwest.

Elaine B Jewelry (Charlottesville, VA) enjoys creating functional art with interesting details that compliment elegant design.  Her lightweight, geometry-inspired pieces are meant to be worn everyday.

We take pride in showcasing original handmade jewelry made with genuine heart and soul by artisan hands with a sensibility for comfort, design, and aesthetics.   In addition, PONSHOP features jewelry by Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Matthew Cirello and Jasmine Lee as AMORDIVIN, Jodi Habel, Jeff Gulick, Lisa Latendress, Trish Schornagel, Erica Voss, and Sylvia White.

The gallery will also be exhibiting artwork by gallery artists Adam DeSio, Cameron Limbrick, Crystal Rodrigue, Kevin Rodrigue and Nicholas Candela with new ceramics by co-owner Scarlett Pons.