An iridescent stuffed pheasant… a comfy armchair slipcovered in monogrammed French linen… a mahogany English sideboard… a burled pecan mirror with beveled glass… a 19th-century French hand-tinted print of a farmyard sheep. These are just a sampling of the uncommon, eclectic finds at one of Tucson’s most unique shopping experiences, appropriately named “Gather: A Vintage Market.” Gather is more than an antique sale – it’s a local happening. Each month for four days, the sixteen talented vendors at Gather transform a local warehouse into a themed event, and collectors from all over the community flock to experience the fun, interesting vignettes they create – and hopefully to take home a treasure or two.
Launched in January 2013, Gather is the “passionate hobby”-turned-business of Simone and Tray Gers, who had a vision for a monthly market where Tucsonans could gather for home and garden inspiration – and purchase reasonably-priced vintage finds acquired from around the U.S. and Europe. When the Gers stumbled upon the old Arizona Door and Sash warehouse on St. Mary’s Road, they were immediately enamored with its crusty galvanized tin walls, its cavernous proportions, its worn wooden floors – and its palpable sense of local history. Now, customers eagerly line up outside each month before an opening, anticipating a fresh, completely redesigned and themed floor plan filled with artfully-styled compositions and scenes. One room chocked with curated collectibles unfolds into the next, and Tray and the other vendors are always on hand to interact with customers and offer decorating tips.
My wife and her friends look forward to a Gather event each month, when seasonal themes have included “The Art of the Mix” and “All Things Summer – Caliente!” One of my wife’s recent finds was a unique architectural element – a corbel salvaged from a South Carolina home. That same day, our friend purchased six silver-plated mint julep cups, an antique Limoges platter, and a funky, faded vintage velvet chair. On a given market day, there are chalk paints and teaspoons, chandeliers and garden fountains. And the vendors bring out more treasures each of the four days the market is in business.
This month’s theme is “The French Connection,” and the market will be open Thursday through Sunday, September 8th through 11th, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. through Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. The warehouse is located at 657 W. St. Mary’s Rd., just east of I-10. Get there early to find the best deals, and then stay to enjoy the fun atmosphere and hang out with Gather’s friendly customers from all over the community. For more information and to preview market highlights, check out Gather’s website at http://www.gatheravintagemarket.com, or follow them on Facebook.