Obituary
Arlene Marks, 89, passed away of November 1, 2023. Arlene was born on the North-side of Chicago in 1934. Arlene belongs to the great artistic Chicago tradition. Her taste for meticulous patterns, and a hyper-realistic quality are trademarks of the late 60's and 70's Chicago School, heralded by well-known Chicago artist Ed Paschke, with whom Arlene studied. Arlene's art reflects her passion for the city of Chicago and for life. For many years she has developed what she described as her "Dottism" technique, a kind of "Pointillism" borrowed from the French Impressionists and adapted to her particular purpose. Arlene gained recognition in Illinois with the creation of "Wrigley Field In The Round," a 36 panel panoramic mural considered to be her major achievement. Arlene's other Chicago Centric accomplishments include "Milwaukee Avenue Series" , "Chicago Heads", "Riverview Park" and the Graceland Cemetery Series." Her work demonstrates that Arlene is far from being only a painter - she is an urban poet.
Arlene was an avid advocate for social justice. She was once honored as Volunteer of the Year by the Howard Brown Clinic. She was married to Chicago Attorney the late Jerome Marks for 37 years. The loving mother of Suzan Schmetterer, David (Nancy), Ilyse (Michael) Kelly, and Laurence; cherished grandmother of Sam (Beth), Max and Jacob Schmetterer, Hannah, Sydney, and the late Gardner Marks; Emma (Michael Elgart) Kelly-Elgart and Michael Kelly; Ian, Noah, Mia and Jonah Marks; much loved great grandma of Juliet and Audrey Schmetterer and Julia Beth Kelly-Elgart; dear sister of Eleanor (Cy) Wax. Memorial donations in her honor can be made to The Gardner Marks Foundation c/o Daniel Thau 220 Dean Street Brooklyn, NY 11217. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. Chapel service, Sunday, November 5, 2023; 2 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL. For the link to view the service, shiva information and to leave condolences: www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.