WATSONTOWN is home to a remarkable new business - Rise and Design Art Studio. This private pottery space is the realization of owner Sabrina Shankar's lifelong love for the creative fine arts. Growing up on Long Island, N.Y., she started working with pottery at the tender age of 10, crafting animal sculptures, tea kettles, and pinch pots. Her early artistic inclination led her to Savannah (Ga.) College of Art and Design. After obtaining degrees, she was hired by Bucknell University, where for the past six years, she managed a studio-maker space at one of the university's fine arts studios. Here, she taught students about the joy of clay and other studio materials, allowing them to work on both personal and academic projects. In September of this year, Shankar made the decision to transition full-time to her own business. She had been selling self-made art objects at craft fairs in the region for about two and a half years. Once she had access to a pottery wheel, her passion for ceramics grew, and she began making a large number of pieces, which she sold in local boutique shops in Central Pa. She reached a point where she felt ready to pursue this full-time. With the acquisition of casting equipment and molds, she can now mass produce pottery and other ceramic art pieces. The studio's main idea is to provide a space where she can conduct adult and kids classes. It is not just about creating one-of-a-kind pieces; it's about bringing the community together through these classes. Shankar is the sole owner of the business, and currently, it operates as a home studio in Watsontown. For her pottery classes, she has been collaborating with local organizations like Riverwoods, conducting classes once a month for seniors. She also participates in children's camps, presenting fun and stress-free activities. In the New Year, she hopes to expand and conduct more classes at different venues in the area and also organize birthday parties. The business has two aspects: selling one-of-a-kind pieces or taking on commission work. A business might request her to make custom mugs for an event. The other side of her business is the pottery class experience, where she brings the pieces to an event for a class or group to paint. For more information, visit riseanddesignartstudio.com. She is also active on Facebook and Instagram under her name.

Unique Artistic Beginnings

Sabrina Shankar's artistic journey began at a young age. Growing up on Long Island, N.Y., she was drawn to the world of pottery. At just 10 years old, she started creating various pottery items such as animal sculptures, tea kettles, and pinch pots. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future in the creative arts. Her talent and passion led her to pursue further education at Savannah (Ga.) College of Art and Design. After graduating, she was hired by Bucknell University, where she played a crucial role in running a studio-maker space. Here, she had the opportunity to share her love for clay and other studio materials with students, inspiring them to explore their own creative potential.

Transition to Full-Time Business

In September of this year, Sabrina Shankar took a significant step in her career. She decided to transition full-time to her own business. For about two and a half years, she had been selling self-made art objects at craft fairs in the region. However, when she gained access to a pottery wheel, her love for ceramics deepened, and she started producing a large number of pieces. These pieces found their way into local boutique shops in Central Pa., and she reached a point where she was confident enough to pursue her business full-time. With the acquisition of casting equipment and molds, she now has the ability to mass produce pottery and other ceramic art pieces, expanding her business opportunities.

Bringing the Community Together

The heart of Rise and Design Art Studio lies in its mission to bring the community together through pottery classes. Shankar is the sole owner of the business, and currently, it operates as a home studio in Watsontown. However, she has been actively collaborating with local organizations like Riverwoods to conduct classes once a month for seniors. These classes provide a fun and stress-free environment for participants to explore the world of pottery. Additionally, she participates in children's camps, introducing them to the joys of pottery at an early age. In the New Year, she hopes to expand these classes to different venues in the area and also organize birthday parties. By offering these experiences, she aims to create a sense of community and shared creativity.

Diverse Business Aspects

Rise and Design Art Studio has two distinct aspects. On one hand, there are the one-of-a-kind pieces for sale. These unique creations showcase Shankar's artistic talent and attention to detail. On the other hand, the business takes on commission work. Businesses might approach her to make custom mugs for an event, allowing them to have a personalized touch. The second side of her business is the pottery class experience. She brings the pieces to an event where a class or group can paint the pieces, adding a personal touch and creating a memorable experience. Both aspects of the business contribute to its success and allow Shankar to share her love for pottery with others.