Save The Date May 6, 2014: The Community GIVE

PONSHOP encourages you to "Give" to The Fredericksburg Main Street Initiative on May 6, 2014 (midnight-11:59pm)! Go to TheCommunityGive.org, to donate to Fredericksburg Main Street Initiative whose mission is to promote, preserve and enhance our Downtown through education, promotion and organization, in accordance with the practices of the National Trust's Main Street Program. View Fredericksburg's Community Give promotional video below.  Dollars raised go towards building a better downtown.  Thanks in advance for your support! Please share with your family and friends who value our historic city.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NoJg_W7DuM&feature=youtu.be

April First Friday Recap: Elaine B. Jewelry Trunk Show

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

The 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.

Register Now for Spring and Summer Classes at PONSHOP

This spring and summer, PONSHOP is offering workshops for children and adults in: Ceramics, Skateboard Graphics, Street Art, Collage and more!  We now offer classes in Video and Film Making, Jewelry Design, and Stitching plush toys! New this season is a Clay and Paint Combo Workshop on April 22 and August 18. Get the best of both Art Worlds with PONSHOP owners Scarlett and Gabriel Pons in this exclusive double-header class. If you've already taken a series of classes with us and want to continue your project, simply take an additional class and pay per session.

Our Summer Camp Format of consecutive daily classes begins June 24 with Skate to Create.  Below are examples from our student workshops.

Children learn the basics of hand-building techniques in Children's Clay taught by PONSHOP owner, Scarlett Pons ($75 for three 1-hour sessions)

Creature Feature, taught by Leslie Brier, incorporates collage techniques and found objects  create a creature sculpture that expresses their style.

Skate to Create is one of the most popular classes and with good reason - where else can you custom paint your own skateboard deck? ($100 for three 1.5-hour sessions)

Make your own "Snuggle Monster" with Ashleigh Burbidge this spring and summer.  Students learn basic needle threading and stitching to make their own cute creature ($30 for one 1.5 hour session).

You don't have to have any experience for our Adult Stencil and Mixed Media Class.  Students learn collage and stencil techniques in casual evening sessions ($90 for three 1.5 hour classes)

You can view more photos from our past Summer Class Sessions Here.

Click Here for our full schedule and Registration Form.

April Trunk Show Featuring Elaine B. Jewelry

PONSHOP 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. 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.

Cherry Blast Event at Blind Whino, Saturday March 29 (7-midnight)

Saturday, March 29 kicks off the sixth annual Cherry Blast: Art + Music Dance Party at BLIND WHINO: SW Arts Club, a dedicated art space in Southwest Washington, DC (734 1st Street, SW) from 7-midnight.  Gabriel Pons and many lowbrow and contemporary artists from around the nation are contributing to this Cherry Blossom themed art show organized by Art Whino.

Blind Whino, formerly a church, is now a contemporary dedicated art space - the perfect setting for this multimedia, multisensory event.  The National Cherry Blossom Festival partners with Art Whino for visual programming throughout the night. Art Whino curates a massive group art show featuring over 300 cherry blossom-inspired pieces, all available for purchase. A special Washington Project for the Arts exhibit showcases work inspired by the Festival. The microWave project curates 3-D art installations artists throughout the space. Performance artists, bands, and DJs keep the party going into the night.

Tickets:

$15 in advance for this 21-and-over event, and $20 at the door.  Tickets on sale HERE

Exhibition Hours:

Sundays 11am-4pm April 6th - April 20th

Click Here for the Cherry Blast Event Page.

"Facades" Art Exhibit Announced

Gabriel 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

Student Work 2013: Kids Collage and Mixed Media

Do not believe the misconception that if you cannot draw, then you are not artistic! In three 1.5 hour classes, students were introduced to various techniques, including collage, stenciling, ink, and more. From developing beginning ideas to executing mixed media artwork, instructor Gabriel Pons, guided students in strengthening the connection between the creative mind and hand. Students completed this course with a finished piece on canvas.

Come join us at the PONSHOP with your ideas and we will supply all materials and instruction. Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact PONSHOP.

Student Work 2013: Intro to Street Art

Students honed their stenciling and spray-painting skills in this series of three 1.5 hour workshops. Instructor Gabriel Pons lead the class in developing their designs, cutting paper stencils, and perfecting their spray-painting.  Working on various media, including wood panels and vinyl records, students leave the course with a work of art and the knowledge to continue making on their own.  Below is a selection of photos from our 2013 series of "Intro to Street Art" classes:

Want to be introduced to the street art? Come join us at PONSHOP with your ideas and we will supply all materials, instruction, and history of street art.  Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact PONSHOP.

Student Work 2013: Leslie Brier Workshops

 

Local mixed media artist Leslie Brier has offered many workshops here at PONSHOP ranging from jewelry making, robot building, and assemblage art. By checking out the photo gallery below, you can see what happened last year including zen tangle drawings and recycled arts. In 2014, Brier has already shared her expertise on collage and assemblage techniques. Coming up in March are her jewelry courses on creating rolled paper beads and earring construction.

Brier's courses are perfect for students of all skill levels interested in a one-hour workshop.  Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact PONSHOP. Cost includes all materials and you leave with your own one-of-a-kind art piece!

Adult Collage and Mixed Media 2013

There is a misconception that if you cannot draw well, then you are not artistic. In three 1.5 hour classes, adult students of all skill levels sharpened their skills in collage, stenciling, acrylic painting, and more. Instructor Gabriel Pons lead students from developing beginning ideas to executing mixed media artwork. Pulling imagery from magazines and cutting stencils are few of the techniques used in this class to create with. Students leave this class with a finished piece on canvas.

Want to expand upon your art-making skills or simply have fun creating something new? Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact PONSHOP.

Student Work 2013: Skate to Create

In this series of three 1.5 hour workshops, students of all skill levels designed and painted their own skateboard deck using stencil and spray paint techniques.  Instructor Gabriel Pons guided them from initial brainstorming through developing their illustrations into a layered stencil design.  After refining their designs, students chose their color palette, cut their stencils, and spray-painted their own boards.  Below is a selection of photos from 2013's Skate to Create workshops.

You leave this class, Skate to Create, with a one-of-a-kind art deck of your own design and the knowledge to make many more! To create a custom skateboard, bring your ideas and PONSHOP will supply all materials and stenciling/spray painting instruction. Click Here to view our current class schedule.  For further questions, contact the PONSHOP.

February First Friday Opening Reception

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

Fredericksburg, 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.

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