The Sketchbook Project: Limited Edition Progress part 2

Here is an update for my contribution to The Sketchbook Project Limited Edition Vol. 1.  Organized by the Art House Co-op, The Sketchbook Project is a collaborative collection of art books by thousands of artists throughout the world.  Once complete, (the deadline is April 30, 2012) the books are archived and displayed to the public at the Brooklyn Art Library.  Below are some progress photos of my book. You can view my earlier progress post here.

"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

Student Show Part 2

Here is a selection of the student work from our Second Annual Student Art Show. Thanks once again to all the students who have participated. PONSHOP offers classes in painting, mixed media, skateboard graphics, ceramics, as well as, photography and jewelry design. Click here for a current class schedule.

"Illumination" Video Sequence

httpv://youtu.be/G7VEy9G81Z0

Here's the follow up to the photos posted last month while I was working on this commissioned painting for Hartwood Presbyterian Church.  The piece, titled "Illumination" now hangs in the Fellowship Hall of the church.  Thanks Hartwood Presbyterian Church for the opportunity and thanks to my assistant, Jeff Gulick for helping me install the three panels.  Special Thanks to our Spring 2012 intern, Chris Stuart, for editing the video footage.

"Student Show" Opening Reception: February 3, 2012

The "First" Friday of February marked the opening reception of PONSHOP's second annual student show.  This year, we had a total of 23 students participating in this month-long exhibition.  In addition that evening, we hosted the Massaponax High School Art students in our studio for their NYC  fund raiser.  Students raised over $300 to put towards their  field trip to New York City this spring to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art, MoMA, and the Guggenheim Museum.  Below are some snapshots from the evening.  Thanks to all the participating PONSHOP students and their families for their involvement.

 

New PONSHOP Spring Classes

In addition to ceramic, painting, and mixed media classes taught by Scarlett and Gabriel Pons, PONSHOP will be offering new classes in jewelry design and photography this spring. Jewelry classes, taught by Leslie Brier, include a Resin Pendant class and a Salt Shaker Pendent class. Both classes will incorporate the use of upcycled materials to create unique pieces of jewelry. Photographer Stephen Graham will also be teaching two classes in digital photography for novice and advanced photography students. Check out our spring class schedule for more information.

2012 Sketchbook Project Progress

Gabe is currently working on his submission for The Sketchbook Project Limited Edition Vol. 1.  Organized by the Art House Co-op, The Sketchbook Project is a collaborative collection of art books by thousands of artists throughout the world.  Once complete, (the deadline is April 30, 2012) the books are archived and displayed to the public at the Brooklyn Art Library.  Below are some initial progress snapshots of Gabe's sketchbook.  The book is 32 pages and approximately 10"x7" (open).

Couples Ceramics Class

Celebrate this Valentine’s season with your sweetheart with PONSHOP’s Couples Clay Class. Together, you and your date will create kissing bowls using hand-building techniques taught by Scarlett Pons. Gift Certificates are available for the perfect Valentine’s Day date. Couples can register using our current class registration form. Please keep in mind that space is limited. Visit PONSHOP today to register.

Second Annual PONSHOP Student Show Announcement

PONSHOP will be hosting their second annual Student Art Show in February 2012. Educating as many 98 students in 2011, the gallery will exhibit a cross section of paintings and ceramics completed by PONSHOP students over the past year. Student work will include all Adult and Youth Mixed Media and Ceramics, Intro to Street Art, Skate to Create, Adult Drawing, and Through an Architect’s Eyes workshops as well as many private sessions.  The exhibit is a means of encouraging students to continue to participate in the city’s art community, allowing their work to take center stage.  PONSHOP owners Scarlett and Gabriel Pons feel that it is important to continue to mentor students on the process of presenting their artwork in a gallery setting.

In addition, PONSHOP is offering its gallery during First Friday’s opening to host a fundraiser to benefit Massaponax High School art students planning a three-day Art-based field trip to New York City this spring.  That evening, MHS students will be selling their original artwork and baked goods to raise money for their trip.  Sponsored by Massaponax High School art teacher Patricia Atkinson and organized through EF Tours and the Smithsonian Institute, the trip will include visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, The MOMA, and the Guggenheim Museum.

Participating PONSHOP students include:  Barbara Deal, Jack Weisenberger, Hannah Mann, Jeff Gulick, Sidney Mullis, Terry Pitzel, Tara and Maran Lee and many more.  PONSHOP is genuinely excited to feature the work of their students and hope that you can join us for this exclusive event.

Opening Reception:  Friday, February 3 (6-10pm)

Exhibition Dates:  Friday, February 3 to Sunday, February 26

Into the New Year: Commission Project

We're hitting the ground running at the shop for 2012.  Scarlett and I are busy planning our calendar for this year and getting back into the studio after a holiday break.  Below is a sequence of a commissioned piece I'm working on for Hartwood Presbyterian Church.  This 12-foot long triptych will be installed in their  fellowship hall.  I'm taking advantage of the sunny mild days of January to push it to completion...

PONSOP offers the service of custom commissioned work in painting and ceramics.  Contact us if interested in collaborating with us for your next project.

Call For Artists: Second Annual PONSHOP Student Show

We are excited to announce our second annual PONSHOP Student Show this February and invite all students who participated in a PONSHOP workshop over the past year of 2011 to contribute to the exhibition. If you would like to exhibit the student work that you've done with teachers Gabriel and Scarlett Pons, simply RSVP back to us and let us know.

If you have alternate or additional artwork you’d like to exhibit, (and it is inspired by a PONSHOP Workshop) please contact us at your earliest convenience and we’ll review the work in person for consideration.

Below are some instructions and a schedule for all participating artists:

Eligibility

All PONSHOP Students from 2011 including all Adult and Youth Ceramics, Mixed Media, Intro to Street Art, Skate to Create, Adult Drawing, and Through an Architect’s Eyes workshops as well as any private or group sessions.  Artwork entries into the exhibit is FREE for all our students.

Schedule

Drop Off Artwork for Exhibit:     Saturday, January 28 (10am-6pm) & Sun (noon-5pm) January 29

Free Workshop for Preparing Artwork:     Saturday, January 28 (1:00-2:30pm)

Exhibition Dates:    Friday, February 3 – Sunday February 26

Opening Reception:    Friday, February 3 (6-10pm)

Pick up of Artwork:     Monday, February 27 (10am-6pm)

Requirements

All two dimensional work is to be equipped with a hanging wire adequate to support the painting when hung on a wall. No gallery clips or saw tooth hangers are to be used (Please see our Guidelines for Art Submissions). If you need help preparing artwork for exhibition, we will be holding an exclusive workshop on Saturday January 28 from 1:00-2:30pm. Gabe can help mount and prepare the 2’x4’ and 2’x2’ “Street Art” panels as well as give students instruction on threading wire for all “Skate to Create” decks. This workshop is free for our students, but any donations to cover the cost of materials is appreciated. Please let us know if you plan on attending. 

We ask that you and your family and friends join us for the “First Friday“ opening reception on Friday, February 3 from 6-10pm.

Work may be priced for sale (or not). PONSHOP retains 40% of all sales and reimburses the artists within 30 days of exhibition closing.

Scarlett and I are truly excited to be offering our gallery as a venue for our students and encourage your participation. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions.

2011: Year in Photos

August 2011: PONSHOP Shareholders relax aboard their 500-foot yacht...

2011 marked the first full (12-month) year for PONSHOP.  On behalf of Scarlett and I, thank you to all of our artists, clients, family, friends and fans.  It's been a fulfilling experience owning a gallery in downtown Fredericksburg and we look forward to making the arts community stronger in 2012.  Here's a cross section of last year's notable events:

February 2011: First Annual PONSHOP Student Show

April 2011: "Public/Private" Juried Exhibit Opening Night with The Undeniably Adjacent improv group

May 2011: Scarlett and Diego at G40 Uncapped Live Show in Washington DC

May 2011: Gabe and Scarlett collaborate on "Ai Wei Wei: 21st Century Revolutionary" installation at G40

May 2011: PONSHOP hosts "The Art of Recovery" exhibit featuring RACSB artists.

June 2011: Intern Katy Wiedemann  joins PONSHOP for the summer.

June 2011: Gabe participates in the Urban Decay II Show at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA

August 2011: "Tailor Made" T-Shirt Exhibition
August 2011: Storefront Display for Rappahannock Independent Film Festival contest
September 2011: Scarlett and Gabe collaborate on "Miss You, Love You NYC" installation at Fredericksburg Area Museum.
September 2011: "Miss You, Love NYC" installation commemorates 10-year anniversary of 9-11
September 2011: PONSHOP hosts "City Colors" Juried Exhibit
November 2011: PONSHOP Artist Jasmine Lee demonstrates during the Jewelry Show opening reception
December 2011: gallery intern Adriana Christesen joins us for the fall/spring semester.

A Few Of Our Favorite Things

December 19, 2011: It has been an exciting couple of weeks here at the shop.  We had a visit from the Claus family recently, popping in to spread some holiday cheer (and exchange some trade secrets).  Below are some of the latest items in the gallery - check 'em out:

 Comic Book Wallets by Leslie Brier, $18 each

Limited Edition Block Prints by Bill Harris, $75 each

PONSHOP iPhone Cases (4s/4), $42 each

Ceramic Snowflake Votives by Scarlett Pons, $12 each

Fiber Art Bracelets by Nicole Hart, $25 each

"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!

PONSHOP Designs at RedBubble.com

For those of you far and away from our "Brick and Mortar" shop in Virginia, we offer up the PONSHOP Online Store hosted by our friends at RedBubble.com.  Here you can get fine art prints, clothing, iPhone cases and more - all with original designs by PONSHOP.

Octopus Graphic by PONSHOP

Select from over a dozen Original T-Shirt Designs by Gabriel Pons. Choose a graphic, specify a shirt color and size and it arrives at your doorstep.  All graphics are garment printed on American Apparel Clothing for the ultimate in comfort and style.

If you're looking for unique gifts for family and friends, give the gift of art.  Browse through the PONSHOP Painting Portfolio and order art prints ranging in size from a greeting card to a large format poster.

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

New Ceramic Work

Scarlett has been hard at work in the studio making a new series of stenciled ceramic work.  Below are some pictures of the most recent pieces to come out of the kiln.  This process of making stencils allows her the ability to experiment with geometric and organic patterns on the clay surface.

Grasshopper Watering Jug by Scarlett Pons, $98

Quilt Serving Platter (Large) by Scarlett Pons, $58

Flower Serving Platter (Large) by Scarlett Pons, $58

PONSHOP Student Work: Kids' Mixed Media

Below is a selection of pics from the "Mixing the Media" workshops held this year.  In this workshop, students are encouraged to explore a variety of media including collage, acrylic paint, drawing, writing, as well as stenciling.  These students had alot of fun creating vibrant and colorful work - congratulations!