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MARWEN HOSTS A RECORD-BREAKING ART AUCTION
(Chicago, IL – September 2024) Marwen is thrilled to host its 18th Annual Art Fair: an exhibition, art auction, and fundraiser, on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 6:30 - 9:30 pm at Marwen (833 N. Orleans Street). The fair features a record-breaking 449 original artworks from 118 Marwen students, alumni, teaching artists, and staff. Art Fair 2024 is hosted by the Marwen Associate Board.
Guests will enjoy three floors of art, hors d'oeuvres, and open bars while bidding on work via their phones. The auction will showcase original artwork, including photography, painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, home decor, fashion, and more. All proceeds are split and support the artists (75%) as well as Marwen's no-cost arts programming for Chicago youth (25%). The event directly supports Marwen's mission to educate and inspire young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community.
For many of the young people enrolled in our studio courses, Art Fair is their first opportunity to exhibit and sell art. All proceeds directly support the artists and Marwen's no-cost programming. Art Fair is where all facets of Marwen come together to showcase what we believe in: the power of art and community to nurture phenomenal human beings.
TICKETS
Guests can purchase tickets to attend and bid on artwork at artfair.givesmart.com. A limited number of Artist tickets are available for $30 and Individual tickets for $50. Tickets at the door will be $60.
ART FAIR 2024 SPONSORS
ABOUT MARWEN
Marwen educates and inspires young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community. Founded in 1987, Marwen has supported more than 14,000 young people through our no-cost studio arts courses, academic counseling, and professional development programs. Our programs are especially crucial to Chicago's low-income communities of color, who face systemic barriers to accessing high-quality arts education and pathways to creative careers. Marwen's programming nurtures young people's creative expression, affirms their identities and choices, and builds their connections to peers and mentors. The skills, confidence, and relationships that begin at Marwen open doors to futures filled with possibilities. Marwen relies on support from generous donors to sustain our robust programming and to keep all our programs at no cost to young people and their families.
Follow Marwen on social: TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
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MARWEN HOSTS A RECORD-BREAKING ART AUCTION
(Chicago, IL – September 2024) Marwen is thrilled to host its 18th Annual Art Fair: an exhibition, art auction, and fundraiser, on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 6:30 - 9:30 pm at Marwen (833 N. Orleans Street). The fair features a record-breaking 449 original artworks from 118 Marwen students, alumni, teaching artists, and staff. Art Fair 2024 is hosted by the Marwen Associate Board.
Guests will enjoy three floors of art, hors d'oeuvres, and open bars while bidding on work via their phones. The auction will showcase original artwork, including photography, painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, home decor, fashion, and more. All proceeds are split and support the artists (75%) as well as Marwen's no-cost arts programming for Chicago youth (25%). The event directly supports Marwen's mission to educate and inspire young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community.
For many of the young people enrolled in our studio courses, Art Fair is their first opportunity to exhibit and sell art. All proceeds directly support the artists and Marwen's no-cost programming. Art Fair is where all facets of Marwen come together to showcase what we believe in: the power of art and community to nurture phenomenal human beings.
TICKETS
Guests can purchase tickets to attend and bid on artwork at artfair.givesmart.com. A limited number of Artist tickets are available for $30 and Individual tickets for $50. Tickets at the door will be $60.
ART FAIR 2024 SPONSORS
ABOUT MARWEN
Marwen educates and inspires young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community. Founded in 1987, Marwen has supported more than 14,000 young people through our no-cost studio arts courses, academic counseling, and professional development programs. Our programs are especially crucial to Chicago's low-income communities of color, who face systemic barriers to accessing high-quality arts education and pathways to creative careers. Marwen's programming nurtures young people's creative expression, affirms their identities and choices, and builds their connections to peers and mentors. The skills, confidence, and relationships that begin at Marwen open doors to futures filled with possibilities. Marwen relies on support from generous donors to sustain our robust programming and to keep all our programs at no cost to young people and their families.
Follow Marwen on social: TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
# # #
MARWEN LAUNCHES ASSOCIATE BOARD
(Chicago, IL – June 2024) Marwen is pleased to announce the launch of an Associate Board, composed of corporate, nonprofit, and civic leaders – three of whom are Marwen Alumni – with members being appointed by Marwen’s Board of Directors. The first cohort of 13 members includes Stephanie Adams (Publicis Groupe), Roshi Ahmadian (JP Morgan Chase), Alexandra Bishop (Murmur Ring), Jarius Brookins (Allstate, Marwen Alum), Natasha Cooper (Merrill Lynch), Emily Krupnick (The Krupnick Approach), Whitney LaMora (Drinking Policy), Mayra Palafox (Marwen Alum), Caroline Quazzo-Elnick (Camber), Alexis Smyser-DeLeon (26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, Marwen Alum), Daphne Stratta (Constellation Brands), Elijah Teague (Gensler), and Dana Treglia (Feeding America). Individual bios are listed below.
The Associate Board will actively support Marwen’s mission through community building and fundraising while fostering personal and professional growth among its members. Their main objectives are to expand upon the success of Marwen’s Art Fair through fundraising and outreach, and to provide a pathway for emerging leaders to become trustees of the organization.
Stephanie Adams is an Art Director at Publicis Groupe with 5 years’ experience in the graphic design field. She sits on the Global Business Development team at Publicis, specializing in designing and executing global new business pitches. Prior to finding her niche in New Business, Stephanie worked in healthcare marketing designing recruitment campaigns, printed collateral, and landing pages for over 25 clients in the healthcare sector. She is a member of She Runs It and AIGA.
Roshi Ahmadian is currently the Senior Associate for Global Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase, where she supports the firm’s grantmaking in the US central region. Her work helps drive toward the $30 billion commitment to address systemic barriers and build a more equitable economy. Roshi holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, an MA in art history and museum studies from Case Western Reserve University. Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Roshi is a fluent Farsi speaker who enjoys photography, graphic design, painting, and traveling.
Alexandra Bishop is an artist whose career began as a Curatorial Assistant and Collections Manager for an art museum and later served in communications, fundraising, and programmatic roles at nonprofits spanning the arts, human services, and economic development. Today, her career focuses on crafting hand-built objects, creating arts spaces, and designing creative experiences. She is launching the community art space Bishop's Garden & Studio in her hometown of Island Falls, Maine.
Jarius Brookins is a multidisciplinary creative specializing in graphic design and user experience. He is currently working at Allstate and pursuing an MBA with a focus on marketing strategy and planning. In his leisure time, Jarius enjoys traveling and engaging in a variety of physical activities. Jarius is a Marwen Alumnus.
Natasha Cooper has worked at Merrill Lynch since 2017. She has more than 18 years of experience in client services and is passionate about providing excellent administrative support. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a degree in criminal justice and completed her M.B.A. at Wilmington University. Natasha is an avid traveler and enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the cultural and culinary offerings of Chicago. She is a volunteer on the auxiliary board for Chicago Youth Centers, a nonprofit that supports inner-city education and after-school programs.
Emily Krupnick is Chief Management Officer at The Krupnick Approach. With Master’s Degrees in school social work and administrative leadership, Emily is a school clinician by trade. She offers a rare combination of educational leadership expertise and a deep understanding of the day-to-day complexities of the high-school experience. Emily also specializes in organizational support and time management strategies.
Whitney LaMora is a Curator, Producer, and Immersive Artist with almost 15 years experience in the Chicago arts scene. Originally starting in the storefront theatre scene, Whitney transitioned to a career in events spanning from DIY pop ups to Creative Director for the Drinking Policy Hospitality Collective that she runs with her wife. Whitney is most interested in the intersection of queer experiences, intimate interactions, and interesting conversations.
Mayra Cecilia Palafox is an artist and arts administrator originally from Michoacan, Mexico. An alumna of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she is interested in how Spanish speaking immigrant communities can have an active role in public engagement through collaborations with other cultural institutions, music, food and local visual artists. Mayra has worked at the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Historical Society, and MCA Chicago. Mayra is a Marwen Alumna.
Caroline Quazzo-Elnick is a Customer Solutions Engineering Lead at Camber, a company that provides charging and software solutions for fleets of electric vehicles. She's worked in the electric vehicle and energy space for her entire career. Caroline grew up in Chicago and enjoys running, walking, and biking along the lakefront trail, trying new restaurants in Chicago, and reading.
Alexis Smyser-DeLeon is a policy and communications professional who currently serves as Director of Policy for 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes and as a consultant for various political campaigns in Chicago. She was born and raised in Humboldt Park and holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School. She has hosted and produced a Field Foundation-awarded podcast called "Sistematic," which is focused on uplifting the stories of women of color and gender-nonconforming people making an impact in Chicago’s creative, activist, and business communities. Alexis is a Marwen Alumna.
Daphne Stratta is a Luxury Brand Specialist at Constellation Brands. Sharing memories, delicious food, and superb wines with family is where she found her calling to the hospitality industry. She achieved her first sommelier certificate before the age of 21 and has worked the floors of numerous fine dining establishments in Chicago, including curating tasting menus and collaborating with numerous Michelin star chefs. She also has a Certified Sommelier certificate through the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Elijah Teague is a Chicago born Design Strategist, currently practicing at Gensler. With a BBA in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons School of Design and over six years of creative experience, he approaches every project with a holistic, open-minded, and sustainable perspective. Elijah's process and aesthetic seeks to draw inspiration from multiple industries, cultures and philosophies, often resulting in a more diverse and inclusive outcome that accurately reflects the environment and people within it.
Dana Treglia is an accomplished writer, strategist, and fundraiser whose focus centers on driving meaningful relationships and amplifying impact. She has worked in development with institutions such as the University of Chicago, A Red Orchid Theatre, and the People’s Music School. Dana is currently the Manager of Donor Communications at Feeding America, where her expertise transforms data and metrics into strategic assets.
Marwen educates and inspires young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community. Founded in 1987, Marwen has supported more than 14,000 young people through our no-cost studio arts courses, academic counseling, and professional development programs. Our programs are especially crucial to Chicago's low-income communities of color, who face systemic barriers to accessing high-quality arts education and pathways to creative careers. Marwen's programming nurtures young people's creative expression, affirms their identities and choices, and builds their connections to peers and mentors. The skills, confidence, and relationships that begin at Marwen open doors to futures filled with possibilities. Marwen relies on support from generous donors to sustain our robust programming and to keep all our programs at no cost to young people and their families.
MARWEN LAUNCHES ASSOCIATE BOARD
(Chicago, IL – June 2024) Marwen is pleased to announce the launch of an Associate Board, composed of corporate, nonprofit, and civic leaders – three of whom are Marwen Alumni – with members being appointed by Marwen’s Board of Directors. The first cohort of 13 members includes Stephanie Adams (Publicis Groupe), Roshi Ahmadian (JP Morgan Chase), Alexandra Bishop (Murmur Ring), Jarius Brookins (Allstate, Marwen Alum), Natasha Cooper (Merrill Lynch), Emily Krupnick (The Krupnick Approach), Whitney LaMora (Drinking Policy), Mayra Palafox (Marwen Alum), Caroline Quazzo-Elnick (Camber), Alexis Smyser-DeLeon (26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes, Marwen Alum), Daphne Stratta (Constellation Brands), Elijah Teague (Gensler), and Dana Treglia (Feeding America). Individual bios are listed below.
The Associate Board will actively support Marwen’s mission through community building and fundraising while fostering personal and professional growth among its members. Their main objectives are to expand upon the success of Marwen’s Art Fair through fundraising and outreach, and to provide a pathway for emerging leaders to become trustees of the organization.
Stephanie Adams is an Art Director at Publicis Groupe with 5 years’ experience in the graphic design field. She sits on the Global Business Development team at Publicis, specializing in designing and executing global new business pitches. Prior to finding her niche in New Business, Stephanie worked in healthcare marketing designing recruitment campaigns, printed collateral, and landing pages for over 25 clients in the healthcare sector. She is a member of She Runs It and AIGA.
Roshi Ahmadian is currently the Senior Associate for Global Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase, where she supports the firm’s grantmaking in the US central region. Her work helps drive toward the $30 billion commitment to address systemic barriers and build a more equitable economy. Roshi holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, an MA in art history and museum studies from Case Western Reserve University. Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Roshi is a fluent Farsi speaker who enjoys photography, graphic design, painting, and traveling.
Alexandra Bishop is an artist whose career began as a Curatorial Assistant and Collections Manager for an art museum and later served in communications, fundraising, and programmatic roles at nonprofits spanning the arts, human services, and economic development. Today, her career focuses on crafting hand-built objects, creating arts spaces, and designing creative experiences. She is launching the community art space Bishop's Garden & Studio in her hometown of Island Falls, Maine.
Jarius Brookins is a multidisciplinary creative specializing in graphic design and user experience. He is currently working at Allstate and pursuing an MBA with a focus on marketing strategy and planning. In his leisure time, Jarius enjoys traveling and engaging in a variety of physical activities. Jarius is a Marwen Alumnus.
Natasha Cooper has worked at Merrill Lynch since 2017. She has more than 18 years of experience in client services and is passionate about providing excellent administrative support. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a degree in criminal justice and completed her M.B.A. at Wilmington University. Natasha is an avid traveler and enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the cultural and culinary offerings of Chicago. She is a volunteer on the auxiliary board for Chicago Youth Centers, a nonprofit that supports inner-city education and after-school programs.
Emily Krupnick is Chief Management Officer at The Krupnick Approach. With Master’s Degrees in school social work and administrative leadership, Emily is a school clinician by trade. She offers a rare combination of educational leadership expertise and a deep understanding of the day-to-day complexities of the high-school experience. Emily also specializes in organizational support and time management strategies.
Whitney LaMora is a Curator, Producer, and Immersive Artist with almost 15 years experience in the Chicago arts scene. Originally starting in the storefront theatre scene, Whitney transitioned to a career in events spanning from DIY pop ups to Creative Director for the Drinking Policy Hospitality Collective that she runs with her wife. Whitney is most interested in the intersection of queer experiences, intimate interactions, and interesting conversations.
Mayra Cecilia Palafox is an artist and arts administrator originally from Michoacan, Mexico. An alumna of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she is interested in how Spanish speaking immigrant communities can have an active role in public engagement through collaborations with other cultural institutions, music, food and local visual artists. Mayra has worked at the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Historical Society, and MCA Chicago. Mayra is a Marwen Alumna.
Caroline Quazzo-Elnick is a Customer Solutions Engineering Lead at Camber, a company that provides charging and software solutions for fleets of electric vehicles. She's worked in the electric vehicle and energy space for her entire career. Caroline grew up in Chicago and enjoys running, walking, and biking along the lakefront trail, trying new restaurants in Chicago, and reading.
Alexis Smyser-DeLeon is a policy and communications professional who currently serves as Director of Policy for 26th Ward Alderperson Jessie Fuentes and as a consultant for various political campaigns in Chicago. She was born and raised in Humboldt Park and holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School. She has hosted and produced a Field Foundation-awarded podcast called "Sistematic," which is focused on uplifting the stories of women of color and gender-nonconforming people making an impact in Chicago’s creative, activist, and business communities. Alexis is a Marwen Alumna.
Daphne Stratta is a Luxury Brand Specialist at Constellation Brands. Sharing memories, delicious food, and superb wines with family is where she found her calling to the hospitality industry. She achieved her first sommelier certificate before the age of 21 and has worked the floors of numerous fine dining establishments in Chicago, including curating tasting menus and collaborating with numerous Michelin star chefs. She also has a Certified Sommelier certificate through the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Elijah Teague is a Chicago born Design Strategist, currently practicing at Gensler. With a BBA in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons School of Design and over six years of creative experience, he approaches every project with a holistic, open-minded, and sustainable perspective. Elijah's process and aesthetic seeks to draw inspiration from multiple industries, cultures and philosophies, often resulting in a more diverse and inclusive outcome that accurately reflects the environment and people within it.
Dana Treglia is an accomplished writer, strategist, and fundraiser whose focus centers on driving meaningful relationships and amplifying impact. She has worked in development with institutions such as the University of Chicago, A Red Orchid Theatre, and the People’s Music School. Dana is currently the Manager of Donor Communications at Feeding America, where her expertise transforms data and metrics into strategic assets.
Marwen educates and inspires young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community. Founded in 1987, Marwen has supported more than 14,000 young people through our no-cost studio arts courses, academic counseling, and professional development programs. Our programs are especially crucial to Chicago's low-income communities of color, who face systemic barriers to accessing high-quality arts education and pathways to creative careers. Marwen's programming nurtures young people's creative expression, affirms their identities and choices, and builds their connections to peers and mentors. The skills, confidence, and relationships that begin at Marwen open doors to futures filled with possibilities. Marwen relies on support from generous donors to sustain our robust programming and to keep all our programs at no cost to young people and their families.
Now hiring Summer 2023 interns!
Application deadline: May 7
Art@Work is a creative career internship program where Chicago young people are hired for a 5-week summer creative internship in Chicago. Students are placed in an arts-related organization or business that matches the student’s interests, strengths, and creative skills. Marwen partners with sites across the city to offer various creative internships in order for young people to explore their next steps, learn about different creative career pathways, and envision their futures.
Since Art@Work launched in 2007, Marwen has partnered with 77 organizations and companies and welcomed 274 interns into the program. In 2023, we are celebrating the 16th anniversary of this special program with longtime partners like Spudnik Press (10 years), Intuit (9 years), Landon Bone Baker Architects (9 years), and so many other wonderful organizations and friends. READ FULL POST
Now hiring Summer 2023 interns!
Application deadline: May 7
Art@Work is a creative career internship program where Chicago young people are hired for a 5-week summer creative internship in Chicago. Students are placed in an arts-related organization or business that matches the student’s interests, strengths, and creative skills. Marwen partners with sites across the city to offer various creative internships in order for young people to explore their next steps, learn about different creative career pathways, and envision their futures.
Since Art@Work launched in 2007, Marwen has partnered with 77 organizations and companies and welcomed 274 interns into the program. In 2023, we are celebrating the 16th anniversary of this special program with longtime partners like Spudnik Press (10 years), Intuit (9 years), Landon Bone Baker Architects (9 years), and so many other wonderful organizations and friends. READ FULL POST
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MARWEN TO RECEIVE GRANT FROM THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
Chicago [January 20, 2022] — Marwen has been approved for a Grants for Arts Projects award to support arts education within our Studio Programs. Marwen’s project is among 1,248 projects across America totaling $28,840,000 that were selected to receive this first round of fiscal year 2022 funding in the Grants for Arts Projects category.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects like this one from
Marwen helps support the community’s creative economy,” said NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers. “Marwen in Chicago is among the arts organizations nationwide that are using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.” For more information on other projects included in the Arts Endowment grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.
“Support from The National Endowment for the Arts has spanned three decades at Marwen,” shared Akilah Halley, Executive Director and Marwen alumna. “We are ecstatic for their continued support, which directly impacts accessibility to our no-cost arts courses and workshops for young people here in Chicago.”
Marwen’s Studio Programs represent a suite of virtual and in-person courses designed in collaboration with community-based artists and emerging artists 16-24 years old. Courses encompass a wide range of art disciplines including painting, photography, time-based media, fashion and fiber arts, natural or plant-based arts, sculpture, ceramics, design arts, and mixed media.
ABOUT MARWEN
Since 1987, Marwen has educated and inspired young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community. Marwen provides no-cost visual art courses, college planning, and career development programs to 6-12th graders from across the city. For more information visit marwen.org.
MARWEN TO RECEIVE GRANT FROM THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
Chicago [January 20, 2022] — Marwen has been approved for a Grants for Arts Projects award to support arts education within our Studio Programs. Marwen’s project is among 1,248 projects across America totaling $28,840,000 that were selected to receive this first round of fiscal year 2022 funding in the Grants for Arts Projects category.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects like this one from
Marwen helps support the community’s creative economy,” said NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers. “Marwen in Chicago is among the arts organizations nationwide that are using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.” For more information on other projects included in the Arts Endowment grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.
“Support from The National Endowment for the Arts has spanned three decades at Marwen,” shared Akilah Halley, Executive Director and Marwen alumna. “We are ecstatic for their continued support, which directly impacts accessibility to our no-cost arts courses and workshops for young people here in Chicago.”
Marwen’s Studio Programs represent a suite of virtual and in-person courses designed in collaboration with community-based artists and emerging artists 16-24 years old. Courses encompass a wide range of art disciplines including painting, photography, time-based media, fashion and fiber arts, natural or plant-based arts, sculpture, ceramics, design arts, and mixed media.
ABOUT MARWEN
Since 1987, Marwen has educated and inspired young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community. Marwen provides no-cost visual art courses, college planning, and career development programs to 6-12th graders from across the city. For more information visit marwen.org.
