We’re Making a Difference: Our Mission in Numbers

78%

Percentage of young people are from low-income families

88%

Percentage of young people identify as BIPOC

100%

Percentage of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods served

Become a Marwen Student and Ignite Your Creativity

New Student Open House & Registration

Learn about Marwen, tour the studios, meet staff, and register for free art classes.

Close up of a young artist drawing comic book panels.

See What Marwen is All About

See an overview of our courses and programs throughout the year.

Choose a Course That Inspires You

Explore a wide variety of free, visual arts courses taught by Chicago artists.

Explore
Student Work

Latest Updates

Marwen Young Artist Spotlight featuring Mia Perilla
Marwen Stories

Meet Mia Perilla: Mixed Media Explorer

Watch Marwen on Daytime Chicago
Latest News

Watch Marwen Young Artist Via McEwen and Executive Director Akilah Halley on Daytime Chicago

Young Artist Spotlight Series - 2026 - Anthony Cline poses with a sculptural self-portrait in unglazed clay
Marwen Stories

Meet Anthony Cline: Meditative Ceramicist

Upcoming Events

Thursday. May 7, 2026 6:00 pm–11:00 pm

Paint Brush Ball [2026]

Stories

“I’m writing a story in Marwen’s comic class now. Then I’m going to make my characters come to life in the 3-D printing class. Next term, I’ll take filmmaking to animate the whole thing. I have plans. I can do everything here.”

Marwen Student, Middle School

Support What We Do

What began as a one-room art studio in 1987 now serves more than 1,000 young people each year. This work is made possible by our community of supporters including alumni, families, and friends. We hope you will join us and consider making a gift of any amount to ensure we can continue our work for the next generation.