We’re Making a Difference: Our Mission in Numbers

78%

Percentage of young people are from low-income families

88%

Percentage of young people identify as BIPOC

100%

Percentage of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods served

Become a Marwen Student and Ignite Your Creativity

New Student Open House & Registration

Learn about Marwen, tour the studios, meet staff, and register for free art classes.

Close up of a young artist drawing comic book panels.

See What Marwen is All About

See an overview of our courses and programs throughout the year.

Choose a Course That Inspires You

Explore a wide variety of free, visual arts courses taught by Chicago artists.

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Student Work

Latest Updates

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Meet Basil

Executive Director Akilah Halley standing on a podium holding a mic speaking to crowd at Art Fair 2025
Latest News

Letter from Our Executive Director

Latest News

Spring 2026 Registration Is Open!

Upcoming Events

Saturday. January 10, 2026 11:00 am–12:30 pm

Marwen New Student Open House [Spring 2026]

Saturday. January 10, 2026 1:30 pm–3:00 pm

Marwen New Student Open House [Spring 2026]

Thursday. May 7, 2026 6:00 pm–11:00 pm

Paint Brush Ball [2026]

Stories

“I’m writing a story in Marwen’s comic class now. Then I’m going to make my characters come to life in the 3-D printing class. Next term, I’ll take filmmaking to animate the whole thing. I have plans. I can do everything here.”

Marwen Student, Middle School

Support What We Do

What began as a one-room art studio in 1987 now serves more than 1,000 young people each year. This work is made possible by our community of supporters including alumni, families, and friends. We hope you will join us and consider making a gift of any amount to ensure we can continue our work for the next generation.