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.
On Friday, October 23, 2026, Marwen hosted its 20th annual Art Fair. Over 450 pieces of artwork by over 100 members of our community were curated and installed for this exhibition, the most-attended Art Fair in Marwen`s history!
See the full gallery of images from this incredible night at https://www.marwen.org/student-art/marwen-art-fair-2026/ (link in bio)
One thing that sets Marwen Art Fair apart from other art galleries and fundraisers is that dozens of the artists are right there to talk about their work! Hear from just a few of the artists about their artwork, their process, and their inspiration.
And to see more of their work, read artist bios, or even buy unsold work, go to https://artfair.givesmart.com/ (LinkTree in bio)
#marwen #marwenarts #nonprofitchicago #artfair #fundraiser #artfundraiser #artauction #chicagoartgallery #artnotforprofit
Join us in thanking a few of our generous sponsors for Art Fair 2026! With their support, we welcomed more guests than any Art Fair in the event’s 20 year history!
Thank you to our friends at @blickartmaterials, @comcastuniversal, @skylineconst, and @limelightcatering for helping us to make this event possible.
#marwen #marwenarts #nonprofitchicago #artfair #fundraiser #artfundraiser #artauction #chicagoartgallery #artnotforprofit
Last night, Marwen was packed wall to wall with artists, supporters, families, art collectors, and the people who help make us who we are as an organization. But if you weren`t able to attend, don`t worry!
Not only is there still artwork available for sale through November 1st, but we also are holding post-event Community Viewing Hours from Noon-6pm on October 28-30. Come and tour the building`s installation of over 400 pieces from over 150 artists in our amazing Marwen community!
For more information on Marwen Art Fair, and to buy the artwork that catches your eye, go to artfair.givesmart.com today. (LinkTree in bio)
#marwen #notforprofit #artfair #fundraiser #artfundraiser #artauction #chicagoartgallergy #artnotforprofit #artgallery #artshow
“25@833”
Celebrating 25 years at 833 N. Orleans Street
