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.
Last week, a small group of dedicated teen artists got to participate in an incredible artistic experience! Returning to Frank Lloyd Wright`s @taliesinwi for the second year, our Artward Bound program brought artists into nature and a historical site in order to more deeply connect with their art.
Printmaking and natural textile dyes met skipping stones and stargazing as young artists took a step back from screens, forming new friendships, delving into new art forms, and discovering how environment can impact practice.
We are so proud of all of the hard work our students, Marwen staff, and the crew at Taliesin put into the experience!
#marwen #chicago #teenartist #artistresidency #frankloydwright #taliesin #artimakinginnature
Applications are now open for Marwen Lab! Open to young artists who will be in 10-12th grade in the 2026-2027 school year, Marwen Lab is an opportunity for young people to access Marwen`s professional equipment to create the artwork they`ve always wanted to make!
Marwen Lab is a year-long program where you can join a teen artist residency and expand your art skills in:
🏺 ceramics
🎨 painting
✏ drawing
📸 photography
🪡 fashion
🎥 film-making and animation
💻 digital art and more!
Applications are due August 1st and you can get started with the application at https://forms.monday.com/forms/09346d9af0bd599057a741206cbb631f?r=use1 (LinkTree in bio)
#teenartist #teenartistresidency #chicagoartist #marwen
Did you know that Marwen was founded in 1987? 👀 What was it like in those early days? We asked Steve and Wendy to share their memories...and some laughs.
Want to hear more Marwen stories from our founder, young people, board members, alumni, parents, and more community members? Watch the full video on YouTube [link in bio] and share some laughs and fun memories with us. 💜
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Help us create even more memories for Chicago`s young people by making a donation in any amount at marwen.org/donate
Now THAT`S what we call an incredible outdoor studio!
Greetings from Governor Dodge State Park where our Artward Bound young artists hiked down steep stone steps to paint the landscape using watercolors. 🖼
Stay tuned to see more of their adventures this week!
“25@833”
Celebrating 25 years at 833 N. Orleans Street
