Garden Week at Ponshop

"Visit Downtown Fredericksburg" by Laura Craig

PONSHOP's "In Bloom" exhibit corresponds to the annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia, running from April 23-30.  On Tuesday, April 26 from 3-7pm, PONSHOP is one of the participating locations offering a tour of their garden space tucked behind the shop.  The gallery will be offering refreshments and a live painting demonstration by Jenna Anderson. "In Bloom" (April 1-May 1) features Jenna Anderson's work; her paintings incorporate lush floral colors and patterns contrasted with dramatic lighting against bright skin tones creating an intimate and engaging narrative.

In Bloom - April Exhibit

"Violet" by Jenna Anderson

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

Exhibition Dates: April 1- May 1, 2016

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce their April First Friday opening reception of “In Bloom”, a collection spring-inspired work featuring oil paintings by Fredericksburg painter, Jenna Anderson.

Jenna Anderson paints who she is and what she loves.  Her paintings incorporate lush floral colors and patterns contrasted with dramatic lighting against bright skin tones creating an intimate and engaging narrative. Like visual diary entries, she often pulls a female figure into the scene, using cascading flowers, dresses, jewelry, props and other beautiful visual aspects to convey her message. 

The gallery will also include works by local artists Laura Craig and Zach Barbieto.  Laura Craig’s watercolor paintings elevate the everyday and familiar to the painterly and picturesque. Her pieces are snapshots of life: quaint vignettes or narrative portraits that celebrate light, color and a sense of joy, often with an undercurrent of nostalgia and optimism.  Her streetscape watercolor, “Visit Downtown Fredericksburg” is the promotional image for Fredericksburg in this year’s Garden Week Catalog.  Zach Barbieto recently relocated to Fredericksburg after a coast-to-coast road trip with his family.  His paintings are inspired by nature, dramatic landscapes, the material subtleties of reclaimed wood and iconic vintage Volkswagens. 

April’s exhibit corresponds to the annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia, running from April 23-30.  On Tuesday, April 26 from 3-7pm, PONSHOP is one of the participating locations offering a tour of their garden space tucked behind the shop.  The gallery will be offering refreshments and a live painting demonstration by Jenna Anderson.

March DIY Month

Opening Reception:  Friday, March 4, 6-10pm

Terrarium Workshop:  Friday, March 4, arrive between 6-8pm

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce our March “First Friday” reception on March 4, from 6-10pm. Join us in the gallery as we introduce new work as well as two new jewelry artists: Once Again Sam by Sarah Mandell (Greenville, SC) and Karen Smith (Charlotte, NC). March is “Do It Yourself” month at PONSHOP and we will be featuring a D.I.Y. terrarium building workshop that same night, March 4, from 6-8pm. Get your hands dirty and walk out with a completed and one-of-a-kind mini ecosystem. Registration is $40 and includes all materials as well as guided instruction by Scarlett Pons. Students can register online at ponshopstudio.com

Later this month, Gabriel Pons will be hosting a Boundless Brooklyn model workshop, in which students will decorate and build either a New York City water tower or a skateboard ramp. These easy-to-assemble model kits are supplied by New Yorked-based company, Boundless Brooklyn. This two-day workshop takes place on March 10 & 17, from 5-6:30pm. (Ages 6+) Registration is $55 and includes 1 model kit and all painting materials. More information about Art Classes can be found online: www.ponshopstudio.com/classes-page

Boundless Brooklyn is an innovative company established in New York by friends David and Terence. They provide blank model kits--including water towers, skateboard ramps, and more--that allow you to add your own personal flair. Made from 100% recycled material, these towers are great for all ages and fit perfectly on desks and shelves.  

Art Whino Announces "Destroy and Create" Show opening February 20

Gabe is excited to participate in "Destroy and Create" a skateboard ramp-themed group show organized by Art Whino celebrating the release of Boundless Brooklyn's Half Pipe model kit.

Boundless Brooklyn is a New York-based company that creates miniature cardboard models of the urban environment's most iconic structures.  The Brooklyn Water Tower model has been a popular teaching tool for kids and adults who enjoy constructing and adorning the city's architectural icons.  PONSHOP is proud to carry Boundless Brooklyn kits and will be offering a model workshop in March.

The opening reception for "Destroy and Create" is Saturday, February 20 (8-11pm) at Blind Whino SW Arts Club, 700 Delaware Avenue, SW Washington, DC. For more information, visit Blind Whino.

Clay with Me: February First Friday Event

Opening Reception:  Friday, February 5, 6-10pm

First Friday Couples Clay Class: 6-8pm     (registration required)

Valentine’s Couples Clay Class: Saturday, Feb 13, 10am-noon     (registration required)

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce our “Clay with Me” workshop kicking off February’s First Friday event on February 5 (6-8pm).  Couples are invited to get creative in clay with their sweetheart by exploring hand-building techniques with PONSHOP owner, Scarlett Pons.  Space is limited and registration is $90 per couple. To enroll, simply visit our website: www.ponshopstudio.com/classes/

In the gallery, we will feature a wide selection of artisan jewelry in anticipation for Valentine’s Day introducing two new jewelers: Karen Smith (Charlotte, NC) making bright enamel jewelry, and Justine Vannucci (Philadelphia, PA) specializing in semi-precious briolettes and metals with high quality gemstones. We also will be stocked with new jewelry arrivals from Daphne Olive (Maryland), Anne Harrill (Ohio), and many more. 

PONSHOP is offering a range of art classes for kids and adults throughout the winter months.  Scarlett Pons is hosting an additional  “Couples Clay Class” on Valentine’s Day weekend and Leslie Brier will be hosting a “Fairy House and Gnome Home” workshop for kids on Saturday, February 6 from 1-2:30pm ($45). Gabriel Pons is holding a “Heroes and Villains” Comic Book workshop and a “Kid’s Drawing” class kicking off in February. Our complete art class schedule can be found online: www.ponshopstudio.com/classes/

2016 Holiday Hangover Party

Opening Reception:  Friday, January 8, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: January 8–31, 2015

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce that our January “First Friday” Event is actually on the second Friday of the month. Why stop the festivities just because the New Year has arrived?  We invite our fans and friends to visit us and enjoy all of our creative offerings.  The gallery will be featuring fine art by Gabriel Pons, Maddie Huddle, and Sarah Lapp with ceramics by co-owner Scarlett Pons.

PONSHOP features over thirty artists locally and nationally creating fine art and ceramics to jewelry, clothing, and accessories. Join us on Friday, January 8 from 6-10pm for a special evening celebrating the creativity of our community.

PONSHOP will be launching three Art Workshops in the New Year with Kid’s Drawing (January 7), PONSHOP Academy (January 12) and Leslie Brier’s Steampunk Jewelry Workshop (January 16.)  View our entire winter class listing online.

PONSHOP Holiday Show

Opening Reception:  Friday, December 4, 6-10pm

Exhibition Dates: December 4–31, 2014

PONSHOP is excited to celebrate the holidays with their annual holiday show in December.  The opening party will be “First Friday” December 4, from 6-10pm.

The gallery features new ceramic work by PONSHOP co-owner Scarlett Pons, who will debut her latest illuminated ceramic lantern.  The third in her “Fredericksburg icons” series, she created a series of scale miniatures one of the city’s beloved vehicles – the downtown trolley. 

PONSHOP released four new Art Tees this year, including the “Fredericksburg Map” tee shirt, a punk rock cat tee, a koi fish tee, and a new color way of their popular “Octopus” design.  The gallery walls feature a selection of Gabriel Pons’s signature custom spray painted skateboard decks for riders and collectors alike.  Small works include paintings by Maddie Huddle, Sarah Lapp and Julie Maida.

The gallery is filled with new work from a dozen jewelers ranging from local to national acclaim in a variety of styles and materials.  Gift inspirations include ceramics for the home, upcycled tote bags, hand blown glass ornaments, indy comic books, and limited edition artist prints.

PONSHOP will have extended holiday hours through the holidays: Friday and Saturday from 10am–8pm, Sunday noon–5pm, and Monday through Thursday from 10am–6pm.

Small Business Saturday

Shop small with PONSHOP Studio and Gallery November 28 for Small Business Saturday. Sponsored by American Express, Small Business Saturday takes place once a year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to support small, local businesses. 

Looking for Early Bird Promotions? Shop from 8am-10am at businesses featuring red carpets and balloons. PONSHOP will be open from 8am-8pm and the first 25 customers will receive a free ceramic ornament with their purchase.

Fifth Annual Jewelry Show

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

Weekend Trunk Show: Saturday and Sunday, November 14-15

Exhibition Dates: November 6 – 29, 2015

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce that they will be hosting the fifth annual jewelry show for the month of November showcasing the work of ten jewelry artists.  Each artist is unique to their own style using sterling silver, semi-precious stones, stainless steel, brass, wood and recycled materials. The opening reception is Friday, November 6 from 6-10pm.

The jewelry exhibit features the works from our favorite local jewelers: Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Haylee Hill, Lisa Latendress, and Trish Schornagel. In addition, the show includes regional and national artists Elaine B, Anne Harrill, Forestique, Daphne Olive, and Voz Collective.

Saturday, November 14 kicks off a special “Jewelry Trunk Show” celebrating Fredericksburg’s Holiday Open House event that weekend.  The trunk show will run through Sunday, November 15.  

Point of Entry: The Artwork of Maddie Huddle

Exhibition Dates: October 2-31, 2015
Opening Reception: Friday, October 2 (6-10pm)
 

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is pleased to announce their October exhibition introducing the artworks of Maddie Huddle.  Featuring a selection of oil paintings, her work transforms the ordinary into the unusual and invites viewers to reevaluate their perceptions of fine art. While named “Point of Entry” because it is her debut into the professional art world, the exhibition also acts as a gateway into the imagination of the artist herself. 

Maddie is a local artist and recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Communication Arts department. More of her work can be displayed at www.maddiehuddleart.com. 

2015 G40 Event Announced

Saturday, September 12 kicks off the sixth annual G40 Summit at WHINO on H St (700 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002) from 8-midnight.  Gabriel Pons and many lowbrow and contemporary artists from around the nation are contributing to this "installation" themed art show organized by Art Whino.  The image below is Gabriel's work featured in the artist Group Show.  Titled "Fate and Fortune #2", his piece exemplifies his use of collage, mixed media and stencils in his signature work.

The G40 Exhibition runs from September 12-26, 2015.  Click Here for the complete schedule of events.

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Currents: Rappahannock Ceramic Exhibition

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Exhibition Dates: September 4-27, 2015
Opening Reception: Friday, September 4 (6-10pm)

PONSHOP owner Scarlett Pons will be exhibiting a series of custom ceramic plates inspired by “Rappahannock”, the 2014 film by Bayley Sillek.  The film inspired Pons to create artwork that raises awareness of our local river and the wildlife that depend upon it.  Scarlett designed a variety of fish-shaped plates glazed in bold speckled patterns that are both functional and decorative.

Throughout the month of September, and in conjunction with the Rappahannock RiverFest Fundraiser on September 19, the artist will be donating 20% of all ceramic fish plate sales to the Friends of the Rappahannock, a local non-profit dedicated to the health and vitality of the Rappahannock River.

From the Friends of the Rappahannock website:

Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) was formed in 1985 as a non-profit, grassroots conservation organization.  We are citizens from all walks of life, whose common goal is to maintain the water quality, living resources, and scenic beauty of the Rappahannock River and its tributaries.  We work with a wide variety of stakeholders, from local governments to elementary students, to educate about the river and to advocate for actions and policies that will protect and restore the values that make the Rappahannock River so special.  Learn more at www.riverfriends.org

“Remixed 3” Vinyl Album Art Exhibit

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Exhibition Dates: August 7-30 Opening Reception: Friday, August 7 (6-10pm)

PONSHOP Studio is pleased to announce their sixth community art exhibition in August of 2015.  “Remixed 3” features original artwork using 12” vinyl record albums.  The exhibit includes over fifty participating artists working on this eccentric canvas.  The opening reception for “Remixed 3” will be Friday, August 7 (6-10pm).  In keeping with the show’s theme, DJ Moog will be spinning on the turntables in the garden space of the gallery.

This is the third year of the “Remixed” vinyl-themed show and PONSHOP has received an overwhelming response from local artists.  As of this press release, the gallery has issued over 85 albums to be adorned.  This community art show has proven to be a great addition to the gallery’s exhibition schedule, involving artists of all backgrounds and also boasting affordable artworks for the home or office ranging from $25-$200.  “Remixed 3” will be curated by gallery owners Scarlett and Gabriel Pons.

July Exhibition: Ceramics by Daniel Christie

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PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is excited to announce their July exhibition featuring new ceramic work by local potter Daniel Christie. The gallery will be filled with a wide array of Christie’s signature work – from large vases to his popular “wiggle” mugs.  This exhibition promises to entice pottery lovers who enjoy collecting handcrafted pieces from the region’s talent. In addition, the artist will be giving an exclusive wheel throwing demonstration to guests in front of the gallery on the opening night.

Daniel Christie received his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2005 and participated as a work-study student at Penland School of Craft in North Carolina.  Since relocating to Fredericksburg in 2006, he has worked in numerous art studios and has exhibited his work in juried art shows and festivals throughout the East Coast.  Daniel now resides in King George, Virginia with his wife and two children, firing his pottery in a 100 cubic foot propane-fueled brick downdraft kiln.

PONSHOP invites the public to visit the gallery during July’s “First Friday” opening on July 3 from 6-10pm.

Find 5 Fred Scavenger Hunt: June 5-30

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As a way of celebrating our Five-Year Anniversary, PONSHOP is holding a Scavenger Hunt commencing June 5 and continuing weekly throughout the month.  Called “Find Five in Fred”, PONSHOP will be hiding 5 art prizes in the historic downtown for our fans to seek out:

How to Participate:

1. Follow PONSHOP on our Social Media for the first clue announcement beginning June 5:

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The remaining 4 Scavenger Hunt Clues for Prizes will be announced once a week until June 30.

2. Hunt throughout the city and find our hidden treasure using the clue.  All hidden treasures will be accessible to the public – meaning that there is no need to enter a business or building to locate treasure.  Finders Keepers! Snap a pic of yourself with the prize, post to PONSHOP using #find5fred and enjoy!

Five "High Fives": A Public Thank You

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1. Thanks to our fans and clients who we have worked with over the years.  You help us to continue to innovate in our mediums and challenge us to raise the bar each and every time we take on a new project.

2. Thanks to all of the Artists that have contributed to our shop throughout the past five years.  We value the dedication and the caliber of work that we show here and we are proud to showcase your work as representative of our area’s rich culture.

3. High Fives to our past PONSHOP Students and Student Interns!  We’ve taught over 200 Art Classes in the past five years and it has been a rewarding experience to know that we’ve impacted so many kids and adults with our class programs.  The most gratifying aspect of teaching is watching our students mature and continue their trajectory in life with their creative interests.  Also, we value the collaborations we’ve shared with our local schools, churches and universities throughout the years.

4. Thanks to our fellow downtown business owners.  We’re confident that our city’s historic downtown is on an upward trajectory and will continue to inspire entrepreneurs and small business owners to follow their dreams in this city.  Our neighbors have become not only close friends, but colleagues and mentors alike.  We are grateful to open our doors next to such a motivated and driven individuals.

5. Finally ‘Gracias’ to our family, who have been a generous source of support from the day we arrived in Fredericksburg back in 2005.  Thank You for helping us literally build our business brick by brick.

Call for Artists: "Remixed 3" Vinyl Album Art Show

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery will be hosting the third annual "Remixed" Vinyl Album Art Show in August 2015. 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.

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 31 to turn your 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: Friday, July 31 (10am-6pm).  *Please Deliver ONLY  between Monday July 27 and Friday July 31.

Pick Up of Unaccepted Work: Monday, August 3 (10-6pm)

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

Exhibition Dates: August 7-30, 2015

Pick up of Work: Monday, August 31 (10-6pm)

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@ponshopstudio.com

PONSHOP Five Year Anniversary Celebration

Opening Reception:  Friday, June 5, 6-10pm PONSHOP Studio and Gallery celebrates their Five-Year Anniversary On “First Friday” June 5, 2015. Gallery Owners Scarlett and Gabriel Pons will be showcasing their latest work in the gallery including ceramics, fine art and two new t-shirt designs. The garden space of the gallery is where the party will be staged: DJ Moog will be spinning on the turntables with refreshments catered by Caroline Street’s newest coffee shop, Agora Downtown.

PONSHOP has built their business around the central philosophy of community engagement and promoting the value of growing a local economy through creativity and culture. The majority of their shop has always been stocked with ceramics, jewelry, accessories and fine art from Fredericksburg and the surrounding regions. In keeping with the entrepreneurial history of downtown Fredericksburg, the owners feel it is important that local artists have a space to hone their craft and also market their products. Since opening in the spring of 2010, PONSHOP has hosted over sixty consecutive First Friday Art Openings including over a dozen juried and community art exhibits including The Art of Recovery and the Remixed Vinyl RecordShow. Each of these events builds upon the sense of pride for the downtown and offers a venue for artists and the public to connect. Art classes have also been an integral part of PONSHOP with Scarlett and Gabriel, as well as local artists, Leslie Brier and Ashleigh Burbidge teaching workshops throughout the year. Art Workshops enrich the lives of both children and adults and create an environment for artists to build confidence in their skills and meet other like-minded individuals. Scarlett and Gabriel Pons cordially invite you in celebrating their Five-Year Anniversary this “First Friday” in June.

"The Art of Recovery" Artist Spotlight: Gayle Tompkins

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Gayle Tompkins has been a contributing artist to The Art of Recovery for several years.  Below is a brief statement from Gayle about her work and motivations to create art:

"My name is Gayle Tompkins and I am an artist with mental illness. I entered 2 paintings in this year’s Art of Recovery Show."

"The first [piece] was completed in 2010. Titled, 'Different Roads', it was painted at a time when I was still going in and out of the hospital. I was at a cross roads at the time and I was searching for something. I had many different paths I could choose from.  The path I choose the next year was to join a fellowship. With the help of the fellowship and the friends I made there, I was able to turn my life around."

"It has been over two years now since I was last hospitalized. The second painting was done a year ago. It is called Gayle’s Living Room. I have always had a fascination with furniture and rooms. I have done rooms (bedrooms, kitchens and staircases) in different media. There is a lot of detail and a lot more organization. There is also a picture on the wall of the living room called baby kaleidoscope with is a signature of mine."

"The Art of Recovery" Artist Spotlight: Oren Rose

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Oren Rose is a Northern Virginia potter and has been a participant in "The Art of Recovery" exhibits for the past five years.  His imaginative sculptural work includes giant spiders, true to life natural forms, and of course the popular "Monday Mug" in stock at PONSHOP.  He works out of Manassas Clay in Northern Virginia.

What three words would you use to describe you as an artist? Funny, Different, Real

How did you get involved in art? I started painting when I was young in 4th grade. Took some college classes. Started doing pottery in 2008. Now sculpting is what I have been doing the most. My parents and friends supported me.

How would you describe your artistic process? I am inspired by science fiction, fantasy, horror, the unknown creatures in my dreams. I like to make things just to see if I can do it. I like to be different big orsmall. I make [my art] look as real as I can. Detail is very important to me. In my head I always have a story behind [a piece], making it come to life for me.

Why are you participating in "The Art of Recovery?" I love to show my artwork. I would love to make money with my art. It makes me feel better also.

Why should the community support "The Art of Recovery?" To help others feel better about themselves. Give others a way to make some money.

Click Here to learn more about the annual "The Art of Recovery" exhibit organized by the RACSB.