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.
Are you an exceptional practicing artist? Do you have a great idea for a Middle School or High School art class? Course proposals for Marwen`s Spring 2027 term is now OPEN!
Marwen is looking for experienced Teaching Artists (TAs) with active practices aligned with the core values of creative youth development: youth voice, collective action, and social justice.
We welcome proposals in all mediums, particularly ceramics, digital media, video, photography, fashion, painting, and comics. The deadline for Spring 2027 proposals is September 25th!
Submit your course proposal now at the LinkTree in our bio
#teachingartist #paidartopportunities #artisticpractice #teachingpractice #paidopportunity #paidartopportunity #artteacher #artclass
Getting ready for life after high school? Come to Marwen College Fair on Saturday, October 17 from 12-2pm and meet representatives from local and regional art schools, universities, community colleges, and scholarship programs...all in one place! This is a unique and FREE opportunity for all Chicago high schoolers and their families as well as gap year and recent graduates to explore multiple pathways to college, ask financial and academic related questions, and learn about the admissions process.
We will be hosting guests from:
🎓 Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago @arrupe_chicago
🎓 Columbia College Chicago @columbiachi
🎓 Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) @isacfinaid
🎓 Kennedy-King College @kennedyking6301
🎓 Malcolm X College @mxcollege
🎓 North Park University @npuchicago
🎓 Northeastern Illinois University Art + Design Department @neiulife
🎓 Northern Illinois University - School of Art and Design @niu_school_art_design
🎓 Stamps School of Art & Design, University of Michigan @umstamps
🎓 Truman College @truman.college
🎓 The Chicago Academy for the Arts @chicagoacademyadmissions
🎓 UIC College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts @uic_cada
🎓 University of Illinois Urbana @illinois_class2030 i
🎓 Wilbur Wright College @wright_college
To RSVP for this free event, visit https://tinyurl.com/MarwenCollegeFair26
#marwen #chicago #collegefair #creativeyouthdevelopment
If you know, you know... 😎
The snack bowl may be empty, but that`s only because the studios are FULL as Marwen kicks off our Fall Term of FREE art classes! Welcome to all of the new and familiar faces joining us to create their works of art- We are so excited to see what you make with us!
#marwen #chicago #freeartclasses #iykyk
💫We are excited to announce the 2026-2027 META (Marwen Emerging Teaching Artist) Cohort! 💫.
The crew came together last week for their orientation and to get ready for Marwen`s Fall term of free art courses. There was a mix of nerves and excitement, but we can already tell from their enthusiasm that they`re going to be a great group! We are looking forward to them working with young people and growing as teaching artists. 🙌
Help us give a warm Marwen welcome to Diego, Naomi, Safiyat, Ashe, Jace, Andrea, Asia, Messejah, Abby, and Winnie, as well as Marwen LAB METAs Thomas, Frank, and Dasha!
“25@833”
Celebrating 25 years at 833 N. Orleans Street
