Explore cultures from around the world right here in Madison at Art Gecko, where visitors are sure to find treasures with a story. Since 1998, Art Gecko has been a fixture on State Street, offering unique items that showcase diverse cultural backgrounds. We recently spoke with Nosheen Ajmal, the owner of the State Street location, as she and her team prepare for the Madison Night Market and the back-to-school season.
Art Gecko's journey began with Nosheen's travels around the world. Artists would ask her to sell their work back in Wisconsin, leading to lasting relationships. As the business grew, Nosheen realized she needed a central space, and Art Gecko found its home on State Street. Today, Nosheen handles the buying, merchandising, and staff management, ensuring that each item in the store represents a different culture and story.
The store's mission is to offer unique items that visitors can't find anywhere else, from clothing and jewelry to home decor. By continuously sourcing new items, Art Gecko supports both local business and global artists. What sets Art Gecko apart from other stores in downtown Madison is their commitment to quality and inclusivity. Unlike "fast fashion," their handmade items are built to last. The store caters to various age groups and budgets while celebrating different cultures.
Located on State Street, Art Gecko attracts a diverse range of customers, including students, tourists, families, and local workers. The store is known for its creative variety, with each item telling a different story from a different culture. Nosheen explains that their focus on diversity and inclusiveness in both their customers and products makes them stand out among other downtown stores.
Art Gecko offers weekly specials, such as the "Stone of the Week" with a 20% discount, and features monthly birthstones. As the back-to-school season approaches, popular items include tapestries, small lamps, furniture, notebooks, curtains, and floor pillows – perfect for students decorating their dorms and apartments.
Nosheen's love for travel and fabrics has inspired her business. Some of her favorite destinations include India, Thailand, and Indonesia. She values the cultural significance of each item in her store and takes pride in sharing these treasures with the local community.
Over time, Art Gecko has grown thanks to a strong, supportive staff. The team, many of whom have been with the store for years, contributes ideas and helps keep up with current trends. This has created a family-like environment within the business.
Nosheen is proud of how the community has embraced Art Gecko. Even as downtown Madison grows, the store remains a beloved fixture. It's especially heartwarming when alumni return, reminiscing about their college days spent exploring the shop.
As Art Gecko prepares for the Madison Night Market and the influx of UW-Madison students, Nosheen hopes to continue bringing diverse cultures to Madison. Her goal is to maintain the store's mission of offering unique, culturally rich items that visitors can't find anywhere else.
Stop by Art Gecko's State Street location to discover unique treasures from around the world. Experience the joy of finding items that not only decorate your space but also tell stories from across the globe, all while supporting both small businesses and global artists.