Gary Marks is an aspiring matchmaker, aiming to link consumers who want something special for their homes with the works of craftsmen and artists.
”I`ve gathered a collection of people that can make anything you can draw a picture of,” says Marks of the dozen or so artisans who make the eclectic array of custom-designed home goods and clothing in his high-ceiled store at 1528 N. Milwaukee Ave.
”Here you can find talents and abilities for all sorts of needs. I`ve got people who can make metal tables or comb Peru and Bolivia for fabrics. One guy is gold-leafing things.
Until early this year, Marks` emporium was best known for its antiques and vintage finds. It was a regular stop for set designers looking for props for movies filmed in Chicago.
”I used to be a furniture dealer,” says Marks. ”Bedroom and dining room sets were the the bulk of my business.”
One of the frustrations of working with antiques, however, is the inability to meet a customer`s need.
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”They would come in and say `I love that bed, but I don`t want a full-size, do you have it in a queen-size?` ” says Marks. ”Now I can say,
`Yeah, we can do it in queen-size.` ”
Marks` shop still has the occasional vintage find, but browsers also will stumble upon the custom-designed metal coffee table from a Missouri artist, the console by an architect who chucked drafting for furniture design and leather and fabric bags imported by a Chicago couple with wanderlust.
”I`ve always enjoyed a variety of periods and people,” says Marks.
”Now I have the chance to put them together.”
Gary Marks Antiques & Contemporary is open noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Phone 312-342-7990.