Art Fair 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Brandon Hayes
312.944.2418 ext. 236
bhayes@marwen.org
(Media inquiries only)

MARWEN'S ART FAIR-ITS FOURTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION AND SALE-BOASTS WORK BY STUDENTS, TEACHING ARTISTS, ALUMNI AND STAFF

***Proceeds benefit Marwen's programs for under-served Chicago youth***

(Chicago, IL - October 13, 2009) Marwen announces its fourth annual Art Fair, an exhibition and sale featuring the work of Marwen students as well as dozens of emerging and established Chicago artists. The opening celebration is an evening of food, drink, and music, and engagement with artists who will be present to discuss their work. Approximately 130 works created by Marwen students, alumni, staff, and teaching artists-reflecting a range of styles and media-will be on display and for sale. Half the proceeds of the sale of each work benefit Marwen and half benefit the artist.

Opening Night of Art Fair is Friday, November 6, 2009 from 6:30-10pm in Marwen's River North gallery space at 833 North Orleans Street. A suggested donation of $20 is requested at the door. The Art Fair exhibition continues from November 6 through November 13. Hours are Saturday, November 7, 12 noon - 6pm and Monday through Friday, 9am- 6pm.

"Art Fair is a signature Marwen event," said Executive Director Antonia Contro. "The entire exhibition-particularly opening night-is at the core of what Marwen does because it celebrates the art created by our students, alumni, teaching artists, and staff; it exemplifies our motto, ‘Art First.' Art Fair is an opportunity to support our programs, our students, and the amazing teaching artists who provide the foundation for everything we do."

Lowry Hill is the presenting sponsor of Art Fair. Since 1986, Lowry Hill has managed the financial affairs of wealthy families and foundations. Today the firm manages approximately $5 billion in assets for almost 300 families and foundations in 41 states from offices in Minneapolis, Chicago, Naples and Scottsdale.

"Lowry Hill is pleased to support Marwen's Art Fair," said Investment Principal Laura J. Clark. "At Lowry Hill we take seriously the responsibility to be of service to our communities as well as to our clients. Our investment in Marwen's visual art programs for under-served students nurtures the creative, productive spark that we all need to achieve and excel."

The Host Committee for Art Fair includes Douglas Gourley, Anna Meyer, Richard Norton, Lizzy Scheinfeld, and Elizabeth Spenko.

About Marwen

Founded in 1987, Marwen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the development of Chicago's under-served youth in grades 6-12 through free visual arts, college planning, and career preparation programs. In a typical year, students from 54 of the city's 57 zip codes and from more than 220 schools travel to Marwen, where they work under the guidance of professional teaching artists to build high-level technical, creative, and communication skills. Marwen offers a regular roster of college preparation courses and workshops, an intensive pre-college summer program, study trips to college campuses across the country, and unlimited individualized counseling sessions. Other opportunities for Marwen students include art-based career planning courses and workshops, paid employment opportunities, an internship program that provides on-the-job training, and an annual career day during which students meet professionals from a broad spectrum of fields, including architecture, graphic design, arts education, and filmmaking. Marwen is located at 833 North Orleans Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610. The phone number for general inquiries is 312.944.2418. Marwen is on the Internet at www.marwen.org.

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Artwork (top to bottom) by Hilesh Patel, Maria Gaspar, Gonzalo Reyes, and Kathryn Rodrigues