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Blog
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How to choose a gift
There is a recent opinion piece in the New York Times that relies on research to help people choose gifts that recipients will appreciate. It is entitled You’re choosing a gift—here’s what not to do, by Daniel T. Willingham, a psychologist at the University of Virginia. We agree with its research-based conclusions, because we often hear similar things from people who have received one of our pieces as a gift. We recommend that you check out the article, but here are its main conclusions:
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The season for entertaining
The season for entertaining is upon us, and while this year’s traditional celebrations may be more intimate, they can still be festive. These occasions are easier when you have the right stuff, and they are more festive when you have hand-made items crafted right here in Key West.
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An award for "Stepping out into sea spray (Ballerina)"
My photograph "Stepping out into sea spray (Ballerina)" has been awarded Honorable Mention from International Photography Awards 2020 competition. There were 13,000 entries from 120 countries in this competition. Earlier this year, this photo was also chosen to be showcased in Culture Magazine 2021, published by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts.
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Mod pottery
Mark has been creating many new items with fun mid-century modern glaze designs. We've given these new designs the name Mod, which joins our Fleming, Duval, Mallory, and Key West lines. Mark's mod pottery is distinguished by colorful designs and patterns that are reminiscent of the 1960's.
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How to support artists and the arts virtually
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
– Dr. Seuss
When someone asks how they can support artists and the arts, the pat answer is often “Buy their art.” As usual the pat answer fails to take into account the financial and physical constraints of the current moment. To help those who care a whole awful lot about supporting artists and the arts, we have gathered some suggestions that work virtually to make things better for artists.
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Adapting and experimenting
In the five months since we learned that COVID-19 was going to affect all our lives in both major and minor ways, we’ve adapted as best we can. We’ve learned to appreciate our time together more, learned to enjoy the little moments of simple grace and beauty in every day, and started to adapt our business to the new realities.
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Food tastes better on nice dinnerware
If you’re like us you may be giving your dinnerware an intense workout these days by eating more meals at home. Why not give your meals a boost and make them taste even better by replacing tired dinnerware that you may have purchased years or even decades ago?
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Wine and art pairing 2
Our second Wine and Art Pairing features the photo “Diesel Rust” and G.D. Vajra Nebbiolo wine. Please join us online Saturday, July 11 at 4:00 PM eastern (1:00 PM Pacific). You can watch the video on Facebook Live or here on our website. Cheers!
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Wine and art pairing
Have you ever wondered why wine and art seem to go together so naturally? Or why a certain piece of art seems to pair well with a certain wine? Please join us as we explore these questions on Saturday, June 27 at 4:00 pm during a Facebook Live event. Angela WineGoddess, a wine educator and the inventor of the Kinky Wine Rubber, will join Sarah to talk about pairing a stunning photo with a delicious wine.
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Maintaining a safe environment in our gallery
As the Florida Keys prepare to re-open on June 1st, we would like to let you know what we’re doing to maintain a safe environment in our gallery. We re-opened the gallery a couple weeks ago for locals and online sales, and we’ve put a number of measures in place to help everyone feel comfortable in our space.
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Giving back to the community
Because the current need is great, Mark and Sarah of Shade Ceramics and Shutter Photography pledge to give 20% of our sales revenue from now until the end of June to charitable organizations that provide food and shelter assistance, like SOS Foundation of Key West and Sister Season. If you would prefer that the donation associated with your purchase go to a different charity, just let us know your choice.
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Key West trays
“When everything seems to be in disarray, it is a sign that something small and wonderful is trying to be born, and it needs us to be distracted so that it has room to grow” — paraphrase of a Buddhist wisdom saying.
In times like these, creativity may bloom and allow unlikely combinations to develop into something wonderful. Such is the case with our new Key West trays.
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"What day is it?" asked Winnie-the-Pooh
“What day is it?” asked Winnie the Pooh. “I believe that it is today,” squeaked Piglet. “My favorite day,” said Pooh. – paraphrased from A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh.
In these days of information overload, pain, confusion, and anxiety, we hope that you are able to stay focused on the present moment and maintain a sense of humanity and humor. An appreciation of the essentials that bind us will help us all get through. Simple pleasures like a smile from a friend, your first cup of coffee in the morning, or a glance at a print on your wall make all the difference when you are spending more time at home.
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The story behind the photograph "Diesel Rust"
Along with many beautiful artworks from local artists, my photograph “Diesel Rust” is currently on display at the Key West Art and Historical Society’s exhibition “From a Woman’s Hand”. A detail from the photo is displayed in the exhibition’s advertising as well. The photo itself depicts a close-up of a piece of rusted machinery in the Diesel Power Plant on Angela Street in Key West. Here is the story behind the image.
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First anniversary of Shade Ceramics and Shutter Photography
As the first anniversary of Shade & Shutter approaches, Mark and I have been reflecting on our first year in business here in Key West. We’ve come a long way since we first opened our doors at 1102 White Street, and we are grateful for the support of our friends, customers, and the Key West arts community.
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The story behind the photograph "Stepping out into sea spray (Ballerina)"
I usually let an image gestate for a while before I decide to print it. However, I knew as soon as I opened the file on my computer that this one was special, and I rushed an order for a 36”x24” print that arrived at the gallery this morning. I think that it is stunning and I’d love you to see the print in person. Here is the story behind the photograph.
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The season for entertaining
The season for entertaining is upon us, bringing fun parties, lavish dinners, casual get-togethers, and traditional celebrations. These occasions are easier when you have the right stuff, and they are more festive when you have hand-made items crafted right here in Key West.
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Preparing for the season
The holidays and busy season are rapidly approaching, and we are preparing lots of items that are perfect for gifting and for helping you prepare for your holidays.