If you’ve spent any time on Crystal Beach, chances are you’ve seen him — the man in the giant Mad Hatter hat, surrounded by shells, shark teeth, and sea glass creations. His name is Gary Marks, and his beachside shop, G’s Imaginarium, is one of the peninsula’s most colorful attractions.
Where Imagination Meets the Sand
The name “G’s Imaginarium” was born from inspiration — and a movie. Gary credits the whimsical 2009 film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (Heath Ledger’s final project) for sparking the idea. Originally toying with names like “The Imaginarium of Mr. G,” he finally landed on the simpler, punchier “G’s Imaginarium.” With a DBA, a tax ID, and a mind full of creative ideas, the dream officially took root.
From Deep Ellum to Crystal Beach
Originally from Mesquite, Texas, Gary spent 15 years in Deep Ellum, the art and entertainment district of downtown Dallas. There, he lived as a true street vendor, peddling handmade jewelry from a medieval-style wooden cart he built himself. With incense smoke swirling and LED lights flashing, Gary became known as “The Mad Hatter,” both for his over-the-top salesmanship and his signature towering hat.
It was an adventurous spirit — and a love of crystals — that eventually led Gary to discover Crystal Beach. After one fateful camping trip six years ago (and finding two shark teeth on the shore), he knew he had found his new home.
Turning Life’s Twists into Triumphs
Gary’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. A battle with prostate cancer cost him his traditional job, but it also pushed him fully into his art. Armed with creativity, determination, and a hand-sketched plan on a bar napkin, he built his Deep Ellum street cart and began selling his jewelry full-time — and never looked back.
On Crystal Beach, Gary’s artistry shines. Using shells, bones, teeth, sea glass, and anything else the tide brings in, he crafts unique necklaces and anklets, right there on the sand. Men usually want teeth; women love sea glass. These days, a large part of his business comes from locals and tourists bringing him their own treasures to transform into keepsakes.
The Power of the Big Hat (and a Big Personality)
That Mad Hatter hat? It’s more than just a fashion choice — it’s marketing genius. Gary learned early on that standing out gets people to stop, look, and buy. Behind the giant hat and lively setup is a lesson for every would-be entrepreneur: don’t sit behind a table — become a show.
A Life Less Ordinary
Gary’s path to Crystal Beach has been full of wild experiences — from surviving muggings in Deep Ellum to being fed homemade gumbo by generous locals on his first beach trip. After losing his father and his beloved Boston Terrier, Badger, Gary fully embraced his free-spirited lifestyle.
Now, Gary lives life his own way, encouraging others — especially the young dreamers who visit him on the beach — to chase what they love.
“Don’t wait until you’re 50 to start living the life you want,” he says. “Start now. Follow your heart. If you do what you love, you’ll never really work a day in your life.”
Where to Find Him
You can find Gary and G’s Imaginarium most days between 11 am and dusk on Crystal Beach, around barrel 88 near the iconic Texas flag. Look for the big hat, the bigger smile, and tables full of handmade coastal treasures.
In Gary’s world, the tide brings more than seashells — it brings inspiration, connection, and proof that sometimes, the best life is the one you dare to imagine.
J. Lee Austin
April 29, 2025 at 10:55 amNice profile, Tom!
Johny
April 29, 2025 at 1:02 pmGary has truly been a blessing to so many people he just don’t see it he is a good hearted soul like no one else