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 Stories

Meet Angelise Zayas: LAB and Commissions Artist

Marwen's Young Artist Spotlight featuring 9th grader Siyana!
Marwen Stories

Meet Siyana Rahaman: Community-Focused Photographer

Portrait of Ava, a Marwen Middle School artist, in front of one of her colorful drawings.
Marwen Stories

Meet Ava Vanegas: Multi-Media Maker

Upcoming Events

Young artists in Marwen LAB's 2025 cohort discuss the experience in front of an audience of peers and other community members.
Saturday. May 30, 2026 4:00 pm–7:00 pm

MARWEN SPRING 2026 Exhibition Celebration + LAB TALK

Saturday. August 22, 2026 11:00 am–12:30 pm

Marwen New Student Open House [FALL 2026]

Two women in a studio adjust a tablet mounted on a tripod for a photo shoot, with cameras around their necks nearby.
Saturday. August 22, 2026 1:30 pm–3:00 pm

Marwen New Student Open House [FALL 2026]

Saturday. August 29, 2026 11:00 am–12:30 pm

Marwen New Student Open House [FALL 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.