Parents & Families

Inspiring Creativity & Exploration
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Art and Achievement Belong to Everyone

Our mission is to educate and inspire Chicago youth from under-resourced communities and schools through visual arts. By enrolling in Marwen, your student can get exposure to a high-quality arts education, meet like-minded peers, and receive critical college and career prep to reach their full potential. And it’s all completely free.

Marwen is FREE of charge and welcomes students who meet all eligibility requirements. Your student is eligible if they...
1
Are from under-resourced schools and/or communities and your family cannot afford to pay for art courses elsewhere
2
Live within the city limits of Chicago
3
Are in grades 6-12
4
Self-elect to attend and actively participate
5
Can make art independently for up to 3 hours, for 10 classes

Celebrate new student work from Marwen's 2018 Summer Term at our FREE reception on Friday, 9/21, 5-7 pm. LEARN MORE

Benefits of Art Education

Here art is more than pretty pictures. It’s the freedom to try new things. Learn from passionate teaching artists. And dream big.

At Marwen, your student can develop:

Confidence

By learning to speak publicly about their ideas, they’ll gain critical communication skills and increase their self-esteem.

Skills

They’ll have access to new technology and will learn the latest techniques, which will be invaluable in their college and career aspirations.

Community

They’ll have the opportunity to work closely with their fellow peers, teachers and staff, all of who want to see them succeed.

College & Career Support

Beyond studio courses, we provide resources and programs for everyone, including students who are undocumented, studying art, or pursuing studies and work outside the arts.

College and Career

Individual Counseling

  • High School Selection Process
  • College Applications and Financial Aid
  • Portfolio Development
  • Career Support

Workshops and Events

  • College and Career Fairs
  • SAT Practice Tests
  • College Visits
  • Family Workshops

Commissions & Internships

  • Design to Print
  • Special Commission Projects
  • Art at Work
  • Art Institute of Chicago

Alumni Programs

  • College and Career Support
  • Teaching and Exhibiting at Marwen
  • Internships, Residencies, and Special Programs
91% of graduating students were accepted to college
Event
Exhibition Opening Reception | Summer Term 2018
Friday, September 21, 5-7 pm
Marwen, 833 N. Orleans St.
Celebrate new, original student work from Marwen's 2018 Summer Term.
Learn More