Valentine's Day Gift Ideas from PONSHOP

Believe it or not, Valentine's Day is right around the corner (Next Friday, Feb 14 to be exact) and we wanted to share with you all of our latest jewelry offerings at the shop.  As we mentioned in an earlier post we've added two new jewelers, Elaine B. and Elisa Shere, to our gallery and we've also made new jewelry display  cases to showcase their work!  Pay us a visit and see all the latest gift ideas for your valentine this season.

PONSHOP Welcomes Two New Jewelry Artists for February

PONSHOP 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.

Our Town Series: St. George's Episcopal Church, Fredericksburg

Scarlett has been hard at work in the ceramic studio throughout the month of November and December creating a new line of pieces inspired by St. George's Episcopal church in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  The church sculptures are part of a larger project Scarlett has called "Our Town" - where she chooses iconographic structures in the historic downtown to be recreated as miniatures for the home.  She has recently completed an edition of ten of these illuminated architectural sculptures and is currently available to take orders for more ($395 each).  Inquires can contact us Here.

2013 Jewelry Show (Recap)

Below are pics from our annual Jewelry Show which took place on Friday, November 1, 2013.  We featured the works of Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Matthew Cirello and Jasmine Lee as AMORDIVIN, Jodi Habel, Lisa Latendress, Trish Schornagel, Erica Voss, and Sylvia White.

January "Holiday Hangover Party" Announcement

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce our January “First Friday” Holiday Hangover party.  Why stop the festivities just because the New Year hasarrived?  We invite our fans to visit us and enjoy all of our offerings from local artists.  The gallery will be featuring fine art by Leslie Brier, Cameron Limbrick, Crystal Rodrigue, Nicholas Candela, and James Walker and new ceramics by co-owner Scarlett Pons.  We continue to feature over thirty artists creating everything from fine art and ceramics to jewelry, clothing, and accessories for the home. Join us on Friday, January 3 from 6-10pm for a special evening celebrating the creativity of our local community.

December Small Works Show Announced

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 6, from 6-10pm. This year’s small works show will include new ceramic work by PONSHOP co-owner Scarlett Pons, who has created Fredericksburg themed mugs, Ramen bowls and ceramic ornaments in a variety of colors and patterns. Gabriel Pons will be releasing his latest T-shirt designs: the Octopus (green and white) and the “Hip Hop Origins” Tee.  The gallery is also filled with new work from nine jewelers, four t-shirt vendors as well as handmade home accessories from local artists.  Gift inspirations include limited edition art prints, custom painted skateboards, comic book wallets and plush toys.

The gallery walls will include a group show of small works by featured PONSHOP artists including: Cameron Limbrick, Adam Desio, Steven Graham, Julie Maida, Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue, Stacey Schultze and James Walker.

For our customer’s convenience, PONSHOP will have extended holiday hours Friday and Saturday from 10am–8pm, Sunday noon–5pm, and Monday through Thursday from 10am–6pm.

Exhibition Dates: December 6–31, 2013

Live in Art Show at Amelia Square: Photos

Saturday, November 9 was the opening reception for the "Live in Art" show at Amelia Square.  Below is a photo gallery of the exhibition which will be open through Sunday, December 8.  Thanks to all of our participating artists as well as Simply Home, Coldwell Banker Cyber Elite and Impressions for their contributions in making this event such a success.  View the Artist List and Click Here for more about the Live in Art show.

Live in Art Show at Amelia Square: Opening Reception November 9

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce the “Live in Art” Showcase at Amelia Square (1099 Winchester Street, Fredericksburg).  The opening reception is Saturday, November 9, 2013. This is an exclusive opportunity to view and purchase artwork for the home.  PONSHOP is collaborating with Coldwell Banker Elite and Simply Home Builders, to host an exhibit in one of the recently constructed high-end brownstones at Amelia Square (located on the corner of Amelia and Winchester Street Fredericksburg). A select group of local and regional artists have been invited to participate in this event by contributing work that corresponds with the theme of the show “Live in Art” - reinforcing the residential nature of the project through professionally crafted artwork. Typically, the public views fine art in a gallery or museum setting. In this case, “Live in Art” features locally made fine art, ceramics and furniture where it resides once acquired – in the home. This is an opportunity to view and buy artwork in a comfortable and elegant setting and support the vibrant Fredericksburg art scene.  The selected artwork is decisively contemporary, and includes signature pieces that fit the spirit of these new brownstones constructed in historic Downtown Fredericksburg.

Gabriel Pons will be selling limited edition prints of one of the feature paintings from the show-a map of Fredericksburg that includes the entire historic downtown and the recent inclusion of the Amelia Square project.  Scarlett Pons will be including an eight-piece ceramic dinner set to be included in the dining room.  Local acclaimed furniture designer, Kaleo Kala will be exhibiting a new custom-built coffee table, and the walls of the home will be adorned with paintings from over ten artists.

“Live in Art” will be featuring work by: Leslie Brier, Daniel Christie, Adam Desio, Ashleigh Dueker, Betsy Glassie, Bill Harris, Kaleo Kala, Rob Landeck, Patte Ormsby, Carol Phifer, Scarlett Pons, Gabriel Pons, Ana Rendich, Crystal Rodrigue, Kevin Rodrigue and James Walker.

Mask and Mirror Workshop Announced

Gabriel Pons will be the guest instructor for a mask-making workshop called, "Mask and Mirror" at the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center in November.  Online Registration is now open!

The "Mask and Mirror"  workshop explores the theme of adornment and how different cultures modify the surface of the body for decorative, aesthetic, and cultural purposes.  This fascination with marking and altering our appearance is evident in contemporary culture exemplified in the cosmetic industry and the mainstream proliferation of the tattoo industry.  Students will create their own mask using a prefabricated blank form and customize it using paper collage techniques, acrylic paint, and colored pencils.  The effort of the exercise will be to encourage students to "look within" themselves and project their passions, interests, and voice on a three dimensional canvas.  Whereas a conventional mask is meant to conceal one's identity, the intent of these masks is to reveal the student's personality and hopefully discover something new along the way.

When: Saturday, November 23, 2013 10am-noon.

Where: Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center (1001 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia)

Ages: 13+

Cost:  $45 per student

Register Here

Call for Commission Work: Ceramics and Painting

Believe it or not, the holidays are right around the corner and Scarlett and I have the perfect solution for gifting that special someone.  We invite you to work with us to create a custom painting (on canvas, skateboard, or 12" vinyl record) or ceramic piece (ranging from yarn bowls to specialty platters, soup bowls and kitchen items).  We are currently taking orders on custom work through November 15, 2013.  To get the ball rolling, simply contact us via email.  For more information, you can view the range of Scarlett's commission work Here and you can view Gabe's most notable commission work Here.

Third Annual Jewelry Show Announced

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery are pleased to announce that they will be hosting the third annual jewelry show for the month of November showcasing the work of nine jewelry artists.  The opening reception is Friday, November First from 6-10pm.  The jewelry exhibit features the works of Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Matthew Cirello and Jasmine Lee as AMORDIVIN, Jodi Habel, Lisa Latendress, Trish Schornagel, Erica Voss, and Sylvia White. In keeping with the gallery’s format, the jewelry works in the exhibition are original pieces handmade by local artists.  The exhibit will feature a wide variety of materials including upcycled items such as silverware and wine bottles, beads, leather, ceramics, sterling silver, copper, brass, hand-colored resin, precious metal clay, as well as sea glass and dichroic glass.

The show will also include other jewelry works by Zakk Davis, Jeff Gulick and Courtney Fishback.  This exhibit will serve as a great “sneak peek” for what PONSHOP will be offering during the holiday season.  The gallery walls will include a group exhibition of featured PONSHOP artists including Nicholas Candela, Stephen Graham, Adam Desio, Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue, Gabriel Pons and more.

The Jewelry Show exhibit runs from November 1 – 30, 2013.

Opening Reception: October Group Show

Friday, October 4 was the opening reception of our Group Show featuring the work of Baltimore-based painter, Ashleigh Dueker.  Below are photos from that evening.  Thanks to all our fans who came out for the night and a big "thank you" to Ashleigh and her family for making the trek down from Baltimore.  October's Group show runs through October 27. Ashleigh's "Windows" series reflects upon her experiences over the past years working as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali, West Africa and her subsequent transition back to life in the United States.  The three works she's contributed to the October show, "An Unfinished Life", "Sojourn", and "Home" explore these recent experiences, touching on themes such as emotional closure, spirituality, and the inherent relationship that we create with our environment.

"Unconditional" Art Show at Foundation Gallery

Friday, September 20 ,2013 was the opening reception for "Unconditional" at Foundation Gallery and Liveroom.  Curated by James Walker, "Unconditional" explores the intimate relationship we have with our companion animals.  A portion of the proceeds from the show go to the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, a non-profit animal rescue organization that saves the lives of thousands of homeless and abandoned pets each year.  Gabriel Pons contributed a mixed media piece (above) in this exclusive group show.

Contributing Artists include:  Sylvia Ortiz, Jonathan Ashe, Keyhan Lee, HKS181, Drew Graham, Jeremy Gann, Malia Rae, Matt Corrado, and James Walker.

"Vivify" Mural Commission - Photos

Below is a chronology of the outdoor mural commission I completed for Vivify Burger & Lounge in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  I worked with the clients (who also own Bistro Bethem across the street) to produce a custom painting that embodied the charge of the new eatery. The concept sketch basically sent me on the path of formalizing my idea for Vivify.  "Vivify" means to bring movement and life to something.  The owners' goal is to host a space that pulses with the energy of the city's downtown, and that is also reflected by the tastes and smells from the eatery and lounge.  What better way  to express the vibrance of the lounge than  in a colorful "canopy" of words.  The piece turned into a family crest of sorts and incorporated the Bethem's names around the center.

The rear of the restaurant opens up to a two-story patio space with stairs leading to a roof deck which provides a great view of the city.  I was excited to work on such rich and fun project this summer.  Thanks to the Bethem family for the opportunity and thanks to my assistant, Jeff Gulick, for his consistent help throughout.

Fredericksburg's Second Annual Art Attack Event

Saturday September 14, 2013 marked the second annual “Art Attack” event in Downtown Fredericksburg.  Organized by Gabriel Pons and Bill Harris, "Art Attack" is a grass roots public art event open to any "recruits" that are willing to demonstrate their art for one day on the city streets.  The historic downtown was filled with  approximately eighty local and regional artists creating original artwork for all to see. The public witnessed a wide range of mediums from paintings and sculptures to drawings. Fine artists were not the only ones to come out and showcase their talents. Live performers such as belly dancers and musicians participated in the "Attack" also. At the end of day, all participants were invited to a picnic hosted by PONSHOP in the backyard of their gallery.  For more about Art Attack Fredericksburg, visit their Facebook Page.

2013 G40 Opening Weekend Photos

Below are some pics from the opening weekend of the 2013 G40 Summit hosted by Art Whino.  This year's event site repurposed a formerly abandoned church in Southwest DC and transformed it into a venue for music, fine art, and performance.  Additionally, Art Whino has founded Blind Whino, a non-profit organization with events programming based in the arts and culture of DC.  For more about this year's G40 and the current schedule of events, Click Here.

September Group Show Opening Reception

September 6, 2013 marked PONSHOP Studio and Gallery’s “First Friday” opening reception. The gallery featured the latest works by PONSHOP artists Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue, Nicholas Candela, Jeremy Gann, Adam DeSio and Gabriel Pons.  The gallery also exhibited photographs by Stephen Graham, ceramics by Scarlett Pons, the latest cute plush creations by Ashleigh Burbidge and mixed media creations by Leslie Brier. Below are some photographs from the evening.

October Art Exhibit featuring Ashleigh Dueker

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery announces their October “First Friday” opening reception on October 4, 2013 (6-10pm). The gallery will be premiering the artwork of Maryland-based artist, Ashleigh Dueker. Ashleigh Dueker is a painter who draws creative inspiration from life experiences.  She has lived in several countries in West Africa for two and a half years focusing on health and development work.  Most of her recent work comes from the hardships faced from the famine, coups, and evacuation endured in Mali as recent as 2012.  Her main goal when creating paintings is to inspire the viewer and encourage them to see their life in a different light.

Additional fine artists on exhibit include Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue, Nicholas Candela, Jeremy Gann, Adam DeSio and Gabriel Pons. In addition the gallery will be exhibiting photographs by Stephen Graham, ceramics by Scarlett Pons as well as the latest plush creations from Ashleigh Burbidge and mixed media assemblages by Leslie Brier.

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.

Exhibition Dates: October 4-27, 2013

2013 G40 Art Summit: September 13-October 6

Friday, September 13th kicks off a month-long series of art events for the 2013 G40 Art Summit in Washington, DC (734 1st St SW 20024).  Gabriel Pons joins hundreds of other lowbrow and contemporary artists from around the nation in this annual event organized by Art Whino.  Art Whino will be teaming up with Suite Nation to present a month-long, multi-experiential Art Summit with musical performances and large scale murals in DC.  This year’s theme is the “Art of Transformation” and the exploration of reclaimed spaces and objects.  The location of this year’s summit is in a nineteenth-century church which has been vacant for twenty years.  The site will be an all encompassing art experience with every inch of the space covered with works of art. For a complete list of events, visit the Art Whino website

Gabe's piece for the show, titled "Una Barca", was constructed from sheets of plywood recovered from their former "stage" at PONSHOP built for the Public/Private group show in 2011.  The original inspiration for the piece came from the biblical story of Moses who, as a baby, was placed in a raft and sent adrift on the Nile to escape the wrath of the Egyptian Pharaoh who ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be killed.  This narrative sparked an interest in creating a piece that spoke to the present day condition of refugees around the world and the quiet potential of a child.

"Una Barca" , mixed media on wood, 16"x42"

"Unconditional" Art Exhibit Announced

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

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