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.
Marwen`s 20th Annual Art Fair is Friday, October 23, 2026!
�Art Fair is Marwen`s annual art auction and exhibition that features hundreds of artworks made by students, alumni, teaching artists, and staff. Get your Early Bird Tickets ($40) today to join us on 10/23 for cocktails, hors d`oeuvres, and music as you take in the boundless creativity of the Marwen community and bid on the artworks that inspire you.
Purchase tickets today before the price goes up to $50 on September 1st!
http://artfair.givesmart.com/ (LinkTree in bio)
#marwen #marwenchicago #artfair #marwenartfair #artgallery #artsfundraiser #savethedate
Learn how to sell your artwork and make money at Marwen’s Art Fair! In this workshop, learn how to price your paintings, drawings, photos, and ceramics for Marwen’s annual fundraiser, Art Fair. Explore how artists price their artwork so that you can make money as an artist without selling yourself short. Julia Gonzalez, Marwen’s Senior Manager of Development, and Taj Richardson, Marwen’s Development Coordinator, will be present to answer questions about your participation in the 2026 Art Fair!
This FREE Fall Youth Pathways Workshop is being held at Marwen on Friday, August 7 from 1:00 - 2:30PM. RSVP now for this and other upcoming workshops at: https://tinyurl.com/MarwenYPFall2026 (LinkTree in bio)
Submissions for Marwen Art Fair are open to current Marwen students, Marwen alumni, and current and past Teaching Artists, METAs (Marwen Emerging Teaching Artists), Staff, and Board Members.
#marwen #artfair #artfundraiser #sellyourart #artistworkshop #marwenartfair #youthpathways #cyd #creativeyourdevelopment #freeworkshop
We`ve been busy installing literally hundreds of colorful, inspiring, and unique artworks from our summer term, and here is a glimpse into the studios while young artists were making their pieces. If you want to see what they`ve created, remember to save the date for Marwen`s Summer Exhibition Celebration! We`ll see you on September 26th! 💫
#marwen #chicagoartist #teenartist #summeractivities #artmaking #freeartclasses
✨SELL YOUR ARTWORK✨
Are you a current or past student, Teaching Artist, or Staff Member at Marwen? Then keep reading!
On October 23rd, we’re hosting our annual Art Fair at Marwen – where we’ll be featuring original work from the Marwen community. Art sales are split between the artist (75%) and Marwen (25%).
To submit your work, fill out the form linked in our bio by August 31st.
Do you know a current or past student, staff, or teaching artist at Marwen? Tag them below!
#marwen #chicagoartist #artfair #callforartists #callforsubmissions #artgallery #artfundraiser #artexhibition
“25@833”
Celebrating 25 years at 833 N. Orleans Street
