Marwen

Great program with lots of opportunity for artistic growth and great classes. This is amazing program to attend. I cannot recommend it enough. They have great studios each more unique than the next

First time going and it was great. COVID test and vaccination cards are required. All the art was wonderful and it was flying off the walls and shelves. Artists were mingling and ready to chat. There were hors d'oeuvres and adult beverages. Upscale and children friendly. Wouldn't mind paying to come to another event in the future.

Great place for young artist. My son goes to Marwen and he loves it. This summer they completed a mural.

I love this place! I have had three children registered here over the years and I recommend any parent to enroll their children. Marwen has free summer and spring art programs. The classes are taught by professionals and former students.This place is safe and the many students love it. More support for this program is definitely need!

This place is great. Kids get to start and hone their natural abilities or be taught how to do something they already love. It opens a child's eyes to everything the world of art has to offer. Hands down the best art program in Chicago.

I'm a student there and I, honestly, never felt so safe while I'm in class. Everyone is so friendly and loving. My teacher is really cool and she's the best. Most of my life, I spend half of my time looking for a place that supports my photography and my self being and Marwen is the place. Highly recommend this place ❤

I LOVE Marwen! My 13 year old niece is a student in the arts program and our family went to see her showcase last weekend. I would recommend Marwen for any kid or student who has artistic interests. My niece loves it (and she doesn't like much of anything or anyone at this point in her life) and always has good things to say about her teachers. Her drawing skills have progressed impressively and when I saw the extent of the projects/resources made available to young artists for free, I couldn't believe it. love! love! love!

Marwen is an Art School for students 6th-grade to 12th-grade. My daughter has been a student for 2 years. She loves it! Her artistic skills have increased significantly! She took a photography class and was able to profit from the sale of one of her photos. This school is an excellent free extra-curriculum program for any aspiring artists who meet the criteria.

For years I've passed Marwen by train or bus on my way to/from the Loop. For years I wondered what Marwen was, but was never curious enough (read too lazy) to find out. At some point I decided that Marwen must be the corporate headquarters of some outdoorsy clothing brand because the name reminded me of Erehwon, the mountain outfitter. Well, mountain outfitter it's not; this is what Marwen is all about (from their website): "Marwen was founded to provide Chicago's youth with stimulating and diverse opportunities to channel their adolescent energy into personally rewarding and developmentally appropriate outlets. Chicago is a city rich in history, architecture, art, and culture, and it is Marwen's intent to leverage these resources, providing our students with an out-of-school program that provides access to opportunity, while remaining highly relevant to their individual and collective experiences." The fabulous Kelly S told me about "Show Me Marwen" which gave me a chance to check the place out, for free to boot! The event was really cool, but a little crowded. I liked that they asked attendees to not only wear name tags, but add color-coded stickers to show how they were affiliated with Marwen (student, alumni, parent, friend, etc.), it really gave it a community feel. The alumni and student artwork on display was amazing and ranged from photographs to paintings to pottery to claymation videos. I was in awe of all of the creativity in the room. The only downside was that when I left Marwen I felt about as creative as a cucumber.

Marwen is a non-profit that educates and inspires under-served youth (grades 6 -12) through the visual arts. It offers art classes and professional development to kids who could not otherwise afford art lessons. The coursework is serious, and all students must be able to independently create art for a duration of 3 hours. Marwen occupies three floors in a building just North of Chicago Ave on Orleans St. The first floor houses the reception area, administrative offices, and art gallery. The upper floors are classrooms and studios where the art classes take place. A photography studio is located on the lower level. I was amazed at how modern, bright, and clean the building is. It is JUST the type of environment that creative brains, like me, thrive in. The art gallery showcases the work of the students that has been completed that term. So, it changes out 3 or 4 times a year. From what I understand, the gallery is open to the public. The second floor displays work that has been completed by the graduates. If you are looking for volunteer opportunities and you have experience or interest in the arts, Marwen could be your perfect match. I got the impression that everyone who works here is completely devoted to the cause and the kids. I look forward to volunteering and serving Marwen in the future.

Fab non-profit art education opportunity for under-served kids in Chicago...serious coursework in studio and visual arts. Just LOVE this place - want a good volunteer experience ? Marwen works with exceptional volunteers - if you have a child 6th grade or older, check this place out. The gallery sells student works too!

This place is fantastic! I was fortunate to meet a very helpful employee Melissa who informed me on all the excellent art classes they have for children grades 6-12. I had the pleasure of attending an opening house and seeing all of their kid's artwork. Everything I saw was breathtaking. It is quite clear that the children are being supported and educated in the right direction to be successful artists.

This place is completely wonderful. I have taken a couple of classes here and they have been topnotch. The instructors are very knowledgeable and have fantastic ideas. Marwen is great both for students (art classes!!!) and for teachers across all curriculum. Marge Kelly is super sweet and incredibly helpful. If you are related to the arts in Chicago, you must know about this great place.

This place has taught me so much. I am so grateful for these free classes. I learned valuable art techniques not offered in Chicago public school. Thank you marwen for the many years I was able to freely express my creativity guided by constructive teachers.