In 2000, I made an entrepreneurial decision to actually take my right brain and left hand to a place it had not gone before. I wanted and needed a business of my own: to create and sell my art. This was not a whimsical decision. My background, independent personality and experiences made me do it and prepared me well.

I am, and always have been, a "creative type." Being creative is a blessing and a curse when it comes to employment. I spent a majority of my professional life (15+ years) in media and advertising production and communications. It was fun, challenging, exciting and unstable. I ventured twice into semi-corporate environs, seeking some stability, only to politely be told that 'I was a great person in the wrong environment, I belonged in a creative field' and was let go. I didn't disagree. I took my severance and licks and became.....frighteningly wiser.

"There is no security in life, only opportunity." Mark Twain
"You should never confuse your career with your life." Dave Barry

Let the creative and entrepreneurial process begin. I reinvented how I thought and saw myself several layers at a time. I mustered the courage, determination, HUMOR, perseverance and audacity to see and call myself "Artist," as I am primarily self-taught. I read, took related jobs, attended workshops, researched and observed A LOT.

I worked at the Chicago Merchandise Mart in the Gift and Home Market Show for a brief time to travel and learn shows; worked retail to learn merchandising and observe what sold (my work included), and attended lots of art shows and fairs, which I had always done. After graduating from my all my research, I returned to the restaurant and hospitality industry for flexibility and a paycheck with benefits to pursue my passion and mission, and where I still am today.

At the onset, I decided ALL my mixed media creations would be individually hand painted and guaranteed one-of-a-kind. Some would be inspirational, incorporating quotes. They would be eclectic,colorful, FUN, "feel good" and functional. I started painting wood boxes, wood utensils and bowls of all shapes and sizes. My target and focus was on the gift market. I did not want to be massed produced.

I began marketing and selling my work to eclectic art galleries, boutiques in and around Chicago and some stores across the country. I received some press. My best sellers were my Take-Out Menu and Tea boxes, and my "Friends" boxes not far behind. Those boxes are in homes putting smiles on peoples faces around the country and in Europe.

I proudly returned to the Mart in 2007 and 2008 to participate as an exhibitor in the juried One of a Kind Show Chicago. A wonderful experience!

Throughout, I practiced and studied yoga, Eastern philosophy and culture, and spirituality. I found and gathered inspiration from quotes, philosophers, lyrics, books, workshops, music, all the arts and other artists. ALL OF THIS prepared me well for my new path. Still does... always will. I need it. It is all reflected and incorporated in my work in some way.

Alas, all good things must change and do.

I took 2010 off to regain my passion and excitement about my work. Not a fun process at all but a necessary one. What had once been a growing business was starting to progressively decline. Many of the stores I was in had closed. I no longer enjoyed what I was making and it showed. On the verge of looking like a hobby according to the IRS, I did not want to be the artist formerly known as "hobby." I needed "new", to think and grow beyond the box, and time to figure it out. I believe I am now on my way.

So here I am...embarking on my eleventh hour, correction- year. It's Spring 2011. I have a new website and new creations while leaving some of the past and boxes behind. My artistic passion has been restored. The creative process has really challenged me and I hope it continues to do so. I have no doubt it will! I have reconnected with my art and Muse on a new level. New materials. New ideas. More of me unleashed. Very exciting. A little scary. Here's to getting back out there. I hope my creations can and will connect with you.

Commission and custom pieces welcome and accepted.

"Art is the illusion of spontaneity." Japanese Proverb
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Marilyn Grad was born in Cincinnati and resides in Chicago. A self-taught artist, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.A. degree in Communication Arts-Television and Film Production. She successfully survived her mid-life crisis, giving her the courage and wisdom to express her eclectic individuality to the fullest.

* SHOWS 2011*

October

Ravenswood Artwalk
October 1st and 2nd
More details to come

June

Espresso Thy Art
4019 North Damen
Chicago, IL
8:30am-1:00pm


February

House Beautiful/Ravenswood Pink Walk
Blackbird Framing and Gallery
4428 N. Ravenswood
Chicago, IL
February 5 10-5

2010

December

Ravenswood Artwalk Artists
Fine Arts Building Holiday Show
410 S. Michigan Ave. Suite 802
Chicago, IL
Friday, December 10 5:00-10:00pm

November

Women's Club of Evanston
2010 Cornucopia Gift Fair
1720 Chicago Avenue
Evanston, IL
November 19, 20, 21

October

Ravenswood Artwalk
1806 W. Cuyler 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL
October 2 & 3 10:00-5:00pm

2009

December

Architectural Artifact Holiday Show
4325 N. Ravenswood C
Chicago, Il
10:00-5:00

STORES

Flourish Studios
3020 North Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
http://www.icanflourish.com

Chiaroscuro
Water Tower Place
820 N. Michigan Avenue 2nd Floor
Chicago, Il 60610
312-988-9253
http://www.chiaroart.com

"To own an original piece of jewelry or box by Chicago artist Marilyn Grad is to own a truly fine work of art; a treasure for all seasons.
Janet Diehl

"Marilyn Grad's original functional art and designs have delighted me, my friends and family for years. Her bracelets and boxes are my favorite "go-to" gifts, and of course I have quite a collection of my own. She has done a number of custom pieces for me. Whether you want cute or sophisticated, she creates pieces that keeps me coming for more. Marianne Spinner


"I was drawn to one of Marilyn's famous Buddha boxes. It was very beautiful and now occupies a place of honor on my desk. I love the imagination in her work."
Terri Gorman


"I sent one of your bracelets to my friend in Granada, Spain. She REALLY liked it and said 'I'm going to Paris and this bracelet is perfect to take with me."
Patricia Corado

SHOP IT. Special occasions deserve special gifts, says Chicago artist Marilyn Grad, whose answer to that is to design hand-painted gift boxes tailored to the individual, featuring time-honored wisdom. Her "quotation" boxes and "Buddha" boxes are small works of art.....

Mary Daniels
H&G TO DO LIST
Home & Garden Section
Chicago Tribune, May 20, 2007


WRAP UP YOUR DREAMS IN A BOX

Do you have a drawer for your take-out menus? And maybe your tea hides in your pantry....Chicago artist Marilyn Grad wants to remedy this for you or maybe a friend...Besides colorful wooden boxes for carry out and tea, Buddha boxes are popular too, with a Zen quote inside. FUNCTIONAL ART IS HARD TO BEAT."

INSIDE & OUT
What's New For Your Nest
Daily Herald, Sunday May 6, 2007


...the best bridal gift in the city has to be wooden take-out menus, painted in an Asian theme by local artist Marilyn Grad. Don't forget to stuff them with take-out menus."

-The Chicago Collection, Spring/Summer 2006


TEN THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND

"Shop from Unique So Chique's Semi-Annual Sidewalk Jewelry Trunk Show...Marilyn Grad's hand-painted jewelry boxes and other works...."

- Crains Chicago Business May 2005