Frequently Asked Questions
Shade Ceramics and Shutter Photography is a pottery and fine-art photography gallery and working studio at 1102 White Street in Key West, Florida. Mark makes handmade stoneware pottery on-site, and Sarah creates fine-art photographs of Key West. Here are answers to the questions we hear most.
Visiting the gallery
Where is your gallery in Key West? We're at 1102 White Street, Key West, FL 33040, in the White Street Gallery District across from Fausto's. There's easy street parking right outside.
What are your hours? We're open Monday through Saturday, 11am to 5pm, and until 8pm on Third Thursdays for Walk on White. We're closed on Sundays.
Can I watch the potter at work? Often, yes. Our gallery is also a working studio, so you'll frequently find Mark at his potter's wheel throwing mugs, bowls and serving pieces while you browse. Sarah also edits photos and shoots portraits in the studio.
Is the gallery accessible? Yes. Our entrance is wheelchair accessible, and we're family-friendly.
Who owns Shade Ceramics and Shutter Photography? We're a women-owned and LGBTQ+ owned business run by two artists: Mark, a ceramic artist, and Sarah, a photographer. We opened our Key West gallery in January 2019.
Pottery
Where can I buy handmade pottery in Key West? Right here at Shade Ceramics and Shutter Photography at 1102 White Street. Every piece of pottery in our gallery is handmade in our Key West studio by Mark, an award-winning ceramic artist. You can also shop online at shadeandshutterkeywest.com/shop.
What kinds of pottery do you make? Mark makes functional stoneware: dinnerware sets, mugs, bowls, serving bowls, platters, pasta sets, teapots, pitchers, butter dishes, cruets, vases, wine chillers and demitasse espresso cups. He also makes one-of-a-kind pieces and our popular ceramic camper trailers.
What does Mark's pottery look like? Simple, strong forms in denim blues, wrought-iron blacks, sea foam and coastal whites. Mark describes the style as boho elegance with soul, influenced by Asian pottery, mid-century modern design and a rustic sensibility. He works in small batches, so each piece is a little different.
Is your pottery dishwasher, microwave and oven safe? Yes. Mark's stoneware can go in the dishwasher, microwave and oven. To make it last, avoid sudden temperature changes: put baking dishes in the oven before preheating, and avoid microwaving food that gets very hot in the middle while the plate's edges stay cool.
Is the pottery made in Key West? Yes. Mark makes every piece in our studio on White Street. Many visitors watch him at the wheel while they shop.
Photography and photo shoots
What kind of photography do you sell? Sarah's fine-art photographs capture Key West's birds, seascapes and quiet island scenes, many taken at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Popular images include Happy Bird, Stepping Out into Sea Spray (Ballerina), Diesel Rust and Shadows on the Wing.
What are metal prints? Sarah prints her photographs on recycled aluminum using an archival dye-sublimation process, which infuses the image into the metal. The result is a frameless print with deep color, fine detail and excellent durability.
Can metal prints hang outdoors? Yes. Prints can have a special coating for outdoor display. Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent fading, and clean them gently with a microfiber cloth.
Do you have smaller or less expensive prints? Yes. Our matted prints come on archival paper in 11" x 14" mats, ready for standard frames, for $100.
Do you offer photo shoots in Key West? Yes. Sarah offers portrait, headshot and product photography starting at $150 for a 30-minute session. Shoot in our studio or anywhere in Key West, and receive a selection of high-quality digital images. Longer sessions, framed prints and photo restoration are also available.
Has Sarah's photography won awards? Yes. Stepping Out into Sea Spray (Ballerina) received an Honorable Mention in the 2020 International Photography Awards, chosen from over 13,000 entries in 120 countries. She has also won Honorable Mention at the Key West Art and Historical Society’s Shadow and Light exhibition.
Custom orders, shipping and returns
Do you take custom pottery orders? Yes. Mark has made custom dinnerware sets, specially sized plates and bowls, platters, salad sets, cream and sugar sets, planters, table lamps, large fountain basins and pieces for wedding registries. Contact us to talk through your idea.
How long does a custom order take? It depends on the size and complexity of the piece, how many orders are ahead of yours and supplier lead times. We'll give you an estimate when you order. Summer is the quickest time to order; during high season (December to April) it can take a few weeks before we start.
Can I order a custom-size photo print? Yes. Sarah makes aluminum prints of her photographs in any size from 8" x 10" up to 45" x 60", with an optional coating for outdoor display. She also has a large portfolio of images that aren't on the gallery walls.
Do you ship? Yes, within the USA. Pottery usually ships within 2 business days by USPS Priority or Ground. Photographs are printed and shipped within 10 business days by FedEx Ground or UPS Ground. Allow 3 to 14 business days for delivery. We pack with environmentally friendly materials whenever possible.
Do you ship internationally? No. We currently ship only to addresses in the USA.
Can you ship something I buy in the gallery? Yes. If you'd rather not carry it home in your suitcase, we can ship your purchase for you.
What is your return policy? We offer free returns. If there's a problem with your order, contact us and we'll do whatever we can to make it right.
Gifts and community
What are good Key West gifts to bring home? Our Key West gifts are made right here on White Street and small enough to tuck in a suitcase. Most are under $100. Favorites include demitasse espresso cups, matted photo prints, Happy Bird T-shirts and Key West mugs. Some are only available in the gallery.
Do you take part in Walk on White? Yes. Walk on White is a gallery stroll along Key West's White Street, and we stay open until 8pm on Third Thursdays.
How do you give back to Key West? We pledge at least 10% of our sales revenue to local charities and arts organizations. We've sponsored The Studios of Key West, the Key West Art and Historical Society, the Florida Keys Council of the Arts and the Key West Photography Festival, and we're members of the Key West Business Guild.
How can I contact you? Call 305-767-3769, email sarah@shadeandshutterkeywest.com, or stop by the gallery at 1102 White Street. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @shadeandshutterkeywest.