Marwen & Griffin MSI Celebrate Black Creativity
Last Fall, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) selected Marwen’s Executive Director, Akilah Halley alongside Chicago designer, Norman Teague, as jurors for their acclaimed Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, which opened in January 2026.
According to the museum’s website, “Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s Black Creativity began in 1970, as a tribute to the culture, heritage and contributions of African Americans. This ongoing program celebrates the history of Black innovation while championing opportunities for today’s youth to explore STE(A)M in service of a more equitable future rooted in community, creativity and discovery.”
This longest continually running exhibition of African American art has been displayed annually at Griffin MSI. The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition features paintings, drawings, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed-media, ceramics and photography by Black Americans, including youth artists between the ages of 14 and 17.
Work was submitted in fall 2025, and Akilah helped select the pieces for exhibition. A youth component also offers opportunities for high school students to submit their work.
In addition to being on the panel of jurors, Marwen also received a generous invitation from Griffin MSI to view Paul Tazewell’s Crafting Character exhibition. On February 21, five Marwen young artists had the opportunity to view the exhibition alongside Tazewell, learn from him through an interactive Q&A, and participate in an artmaking workshop inspired by his design processes.
Griffin MSI is an organizational partner of Marwen’s, and has hosted several Art@Work summer internships in past years. Marwen was one of the few organizations invited to participate in this special event alongside other youth organizations across the city. It was an incredible experience for the students, sparking joy, inspiration, curiosity, and community.
That same evening, Griffin MSI hosted the elegant annual Black Creativity Gala to honor the indispensable and significant contributions of Black creators, innovators and artists. Akilah Halley attended the celebration, which included live musical performances, dancing, a seated dinner, and access to the 2026 Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and more. Black Creativity is open through April 19, 2026.
Photo Gallery
Photos (top left clockwise): Black Creativity promo; Jennifer Hodges, Rachel Gadson, and Akilah Halley at the gala; jurors Norman Teague and Akilah Halley; Paul Tazewell Q&A; Marwen artists Alexa and Via at Tazewell’s artmaking workshop; Marwen artist Janelle at the workshop; Marwen artists Janelle and Elizabeth pose with Paul Tazewell; Marwen artists arrive at Griffin MSI
Header photo: Marwen young artists Elizabeth Herrera-Tlalolini, Janelle Brooks, Amelia Barger, Via McEwen, Alexa Lopez Rivera
