We invest in the power of young artists!
Marwen exists to educate and inspire young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community. Our classes and programs are designed to provide a nurturing environment for our students to experiment with new art forms, build new friendships, and craft relationships with caring adults and peers.
Rooted in the core values of creative youth development (youth voice, racial and social justice, collective action) our programs aim to cultivate youth-centered, supportive, and collaborative environments and communities to facilitate relevant visual arts programming with Chicago’s young people.
At Marwen, we believe:
- Young people have critical and vital stories to tell.
- Young people have the power to imagine and create our future.
- Art is a tool for connection, healing, growth, and justice.
- Artists drive and create social change.
- Access to art and creativity is an essential human right and need.
At Marwen, young artists of all experience levels:
- Access leadership and employment opportunities.
- Build a supportive and creative community with other young artists.
- Learn about art as a vehicle for social change.
- Collaborate with teaching artists.
- Explore an array of artistic techniques.
- Access materials and art studio spaces.
At Marwen, we offer:
- No-cost visual arts classes for Chicago 6-12th graders in Photography, Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, Film, Animation, Digital and Game Design, Comics, Illustration, Sculpture, Fashion, Fiber, and more.
- Access to modern artmaking amenities, including 8 studios, 2 labs, 3 galleries, an on-site kiln, and darkroom.
- Free art supplies in every class.
- Hands-on workshops in addition to classes.
- Family-friendly events and 3 term-based exhibition celebrations annually.
- Commissioned based opportunities for 16-18 year old artists.
- Paid summer internship program.
- A city-wide network of artists, arts organizations, creative companies, colleges, and universities.
One of our most incredible opportunities for teen artists is back! Applications are now open for 2026`s Artward Bound cohort!
Artward Bound is a week-long residency program for Marwen students ages 16-18. Young people will take a trip to the Taliesin Preservation in Spring Green, Wisconsin where they will make art in nature and in the spaces where students of architect Frank Lloyd Wright once worked and studied! As with all Marwen programs, this is offered at no cost to participants.
To be a part of this program, teens can apply at the link in our bio.
Applications close April 11th and space is limited, so apply now!
#artistresidency #teenartist #freeartclasses #marwen #chicago #taliesinpreservation #franklloydwright
Look at us grow! 💜✨ We’re more than half way through Spring term at Marwen. Our 6-12th graders are learning new skills, making friends, and honing in on their individual and collective creativity.
Mark your calendar: Sat, May 30, 4-7 pm for our Spring Exhibition Celebration
#marwen #youtharts #cyd #marwenarts #chicagoart
Applications are now open for Art@Work! Get paid this summer while getting real, hands-on experience at one of over a dozen creative organizations around Chicago. This opportunity is open for young people ages 16-18 who have taken at least one Marwen course.
During this creative career internship program, young people will...
👉 Be hired and paid to partake in a 5-week summer creative internship
👉 Be placed in an arts-related organization or business that matches the young person`s interests, strengths, and creative skills
👉 Meet fellow young artists through the program
👉 ...and more!
⚠ DEADLINE: April 11th!
Do you know an educator who works with Chicago teens? Tag them below!
Check out the link in our bio to learn more.
#paidopportunityforyouth #paidsummerjob #paidinternship #teeninternship #artinternship #creativeinternship #chicagointernship
Bring your art portfolio or artwork to Marwen for a professional review! Connect with Sophia Belkin, an admissions rep from the @marylandinstitutecollegeofart (MICA) and receive valuable feedback on your portfolio, ask questions, and prepare yourself for artistic success!
Sign up to join us on Saturday, March 7th, Noon- 1:30pm at the link in our bio
This workshop has limited capacity and is best suited for high schoolers interested in portfolio development. Please note that portfolio review sessions can vary in time, typically 10-15 minutes each.
#Marwen #Chicago #freeworkshop #teenartist #highschoolartist #portfolioreview #artistportfolio #artschool
“25@833”
Celebrating 25 years at 833 N. Orleans Street
