"I watched the silent auction and was absolutely thrilled when [my photograph] was purchased," shared Zarifah, a Marwen student who submitted original work to last year's fair. "I love Marwen because the community is so accepting and loving, and everyone encourages you to make art on your own terms. There's no judgment on you or what you decide to make."

(Chicago, IL - October 4, 2018) Marwen announces Art Fair 2018, its annual exhibition and art auction. The event will be held on Friday, November 2, 2018, from 7-10 pm at Marwen, 833 N. Orleans Street in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Individual tickets to Art Fair are $40 in advance ($50 at the door) and include drinks and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Tickets are on sale now at marwen.org/event/art-fair-2018.

Art Fair, which attracts nearly 400 guests each year, features three floors of artwork by Marwen students, teaching artists, alumni, and staff - all for sale. The featured artwork includes mediums like photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, illustration, graphic design, fibers, and more. Based on the success of last year's inaugural auction format, guests will once again have the opportunity to use their phones to bid on artwork through a silent auction. Proceeds are divided equally, benefiting both the artist and Marwen's free programs for Chicago youth from under-resourced communities and schools. See photos from last year's event.

"Art Fair is such a meaningful celebration of the spectrum of artists in the Marwen community," said Akilah Halley, Deputy Director and alumna of Marwen. "Not only is it a fun event to showcase and sell the work of students, alumni, teaching artists, and staff, but it's also an opportunity for Chicago's creatives and professionals to support Marwen."

Photography and video are welcome during the event. You can find Marwen on Twitter and Instagram @marwenarts and Facebook @marwenchicago. We also have high resolution images of student artwork available upon request. Please contact Kennon Reinard at kreinard@marwen.org or 312.374.2941 with requests.

ART FAIR 2018 SPONSORS

Marwen's Art Fair 2018 is generously supported by the following sponsors: Karen and Steve Berkowitz, Blick Art Materials, Amy and Andy Bluhm, Katherine K. Scott Jimenez and James Jimenez, Kirkland & Ellis, Robert Buchsbaum and Elyse Klein, Isa and Adam Pressman, Deborah and Stephen Quazzo, Simple Truth, Ruchika and Vik Sohoni, Chiara and Dan Wrocinski.

"I watched the silent auction and was absolutely thrilled when [my photograph] was purchased," shared Zarifah, a Marwen student who submitted original work to last year's fair. "I love Marwen because the community is so accepting and loving, and everyone encourages you to make art on your own terms. There's no judgment on you or what you decide to make."

(Chicago, IL - October 4, 2018) Marwen announces Art Fair 2018, its annual exhibition and art auction. The event will be held on Friday, November 2, 2018, from 7-10 pm at Marwen, 833 N. Orleans Street in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Individual tickets to Art Fair are $40 in advance ($50 at the door) and include drinks and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Tickets are on sale now at marwen.org/event/art-fair-2018.

Art Fair, which attracts nearly 400 guests each year, features three floors of artwork by Marwen students, teaching artists, alumni, and staff - all for sale. The featured artwork includes mediums like photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, illustration, graphic design, fibers, and more. Based on the success of last year's inaugural auction format, guests will once again have the opportunity to use their phones to bid on artwork through a silent auction. Proceeds are divided equally, benefiting both the artist and Marwen's free programs for Chicago youth from under-resourced communities and schools. See photos from last year's event.

"Art Fair is such a meaningful celebration of the spectrum of artists in the Marwen community," said Akilah Halley, Deputy Director and alumna of Marwen. "Not only is it a fun event to showcase and sell the work of students, alumni, teaching artists, and staff, but it's also an opportunity for Chicago's creatives and professionals to support Marwen."

Photography and video are welcome during the event. You can find Marwen on Twitter and Instagram @marwenarts and Facebook @marwenchicago. We also have high resolution images of student artwork available upon request. Please contact Kennon Reinard at kreinard@marwen.org or 312.374.2941 with requests.

ART FAIR 2018 SPONSORS

Marwen's Art Fair 2018 is generously supported by the following sponsors: Karen and Steve Berkowitz, Blick Art Materials, Amy and Andy Bluhm, Katherine K. Scott Jimenez and James Jimenez, Kirkland & Ellis, Robert Buchsbaum and Elyse Klein, Isa and Adam Pressman, Deborah and Stephen Quazzo, Simple Truth, Ruchika and Vik Sohoni, Chiara and Dan Wrocinski.

“Marwen is not a place where people are going to judge you for who you are. You can be open about it, and you’re going to fit right in. There’s nothing wrong or different about you. You’re a regular person like us. We all have the desire and love for art. We can all improve on that together. I’ll probably be teaching here one day. I could say ‘I was in your seat, in your place. I know what you’re going through.’”

For 14-year-old David Crain, art means opportunities. And opportunities are exactly what David has gained from his time at Marwen.

David has been making art since he was a kindergartner at Telpochcalli Elementary School, a small school in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood that aims to integrate Mexican arts and culture in academia. READ MORE

“Marwen is not a place where people are going to judge you for who you are. You can be open about it, and you’re going to fit right in. There’s nothing wrong or different about you. You’re a regular person like us. We all have the desire and love for art. We can all improve on that together. I’ll probably be teaching here one day. I could say ‘I was in your seat, in your place. I know what you’re going through.’”

For 14-year-old David Crain, art means opportunities. And opportunities are exactly what David has gained from his time at Marwen.

David has been making art since he was a kindergartner at Telpochcalli Elementary School, a small school in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood that aims to integrate Mexican arts and culture in academia. READ MORE

During the summer of 2018, twenty Chicago high school juniors and seniors were hired to intern with seventeen professional arts organizations and creative businesses throughout the city as part of Marwen’s Art at Work program.

Art at Work is a 20-year-old program developed by Marwen’s College, Career, & Alumni team, who are dedicated to helping students and families transition to high school, college, or the workforce. The program includes five-week paid internships and career development workshops giving students professional experience with Chicago’s premiere art institutions and creative firms, as well as opportunities to gain valuable and transferable skills.

During the development workshops, students learned to...READ MORE

During the summer of 2018, twenty Chicago high school juniors and seniors were hired to intern with seventeen professional arts organizations and creative businesses throughout the city as part of Marwen’s Art at Work program.

Art at Work is a 20-year-old program developed by Marwen’s College, Career, & Alumni team, who are dedicated to helping students and families transition to high school, college, or the workforce. The program includes five-week paid internships and career development workshops giving students professional experience with Chicago’s premiere art institutions and creative firms, as well as opportunities to gain valuable and transferable skills.

During the development workshops, students learned to...READ MORE

MARWEN’S “ART EQUALS” THEMED 2018 PAINTBRUSH BALL RAISES $740K FOR FREE VISUAL ARTS PROGRAMS

Hi-res event photos are available upon request. View full gallery.

(Chicago, IL – June 15, 2018) Marwen is pleased to share the success of its 2018 Paintbrush Ball, which raised $740,000 for free visual arts programming and college and career planning for Chicago youth from under-resourced communities and schools. Paintbrush Ball, which was held at Revel Fulton Market, celebrated outgoing President & CEO Antonia Contro and her 25 years of leadership.

Deputy Director Akilah Halley emceed the evening, which featured remarks and special tributes to Antonia by Chairman Emeritus Steven Berkowitz and Marwen trustees and event co-chairs Molly Morse Limmer (Founder of 2050 Art Services) and Rich Stoddart (President and Chief Executive Officer at InnerWorkings). Additional notable guests included Amy and Andy Bluhm, Penny Pritzker and Bryan Traubert, Maria Pinto, Lukas Walton and Samantha Baiz Walton, Dan and Julie Wheeler, Michael Fassnacht (CEO & President of FCB Chicago), Andrew Swinand (CEO of Leo Burnett North America), Britt Nolan (Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett North America), and Steve Koch (Former Deputy Mayor of Chicago).

A Proclamation was presented by The Honorable Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago, officially declaring June 1, 2018 as Marwen Day in Chicago in Honor of Antonia Contro. It recognizes her 25-years of immeasurable contribution to young people and their families along with Marwen's continued positive impact on creative youth development in Chicago and throughout the country. Antonia Contro also announced a $1 million planned gift from long-time supporter Virginia James to launch a new Legacy Fund for Marwen -- a critical step towards ensuring the organization's perpetuity and future.

The evening’s lively auctioneers were Gary Metzner (SVP of Sotheby’s) and event co-chair and Marwen Trustee Molly Morse Limmer. Event entertainment was provided by Marwen alumna DJ Sadie Woods, and catering was provided by Limelight and Half Acre. The event theme “ART EQUALS” was conceived by Creative Sponsor Leo Burnett and the event was designed in collaboration with Revel Decor.

2018 PAINTBRUSH BALL SPONSORS

Marwen’s 2017 Paintbrush Ball was generously supported by the following sponsors: (Premier Sponsors) Blick, Kirkland & Ellis, Northern Trust; (Inspiration Sponsors) Allstate, 2050 Art Services, FCB Chicago, Gensler, InnerWorkings, Inc., McKinsey, and Power Construction.

2018 HOST COMMITTEE

Marwen’s 2017 Paintbrush Ball was generously hosted by the following individuals, foundations, and companies: Ellen Alberding and Kelly Welsh, Jennifer Aubrey and Jonathan Harries, Karen and Steven P. Berkowitz, Heiji and Brian Black, Amy and Andy Bluhm, Robert Buchsbaum and Elyse Klein, Robert Buono and Liz Cicchelli, Marcy and Greg Carlin, DLA Piper, Efroymson Family Fund, Lois and Steve Eisen, Caryn Englander and Richard Bollow, Tim and Paula Friedman, Philip and Regan Friedmann, Jill Garling and Tom Wilson, James and Andi Gordon, Heritage Auctions, James and Mary Hill / ICL, LLC, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Mary Ittelson, Edward and Carol Kaplan, Andy and Karen Jacobs, Steve Koch, Carol and Larry Levy, Molly Morse Limmer and Seth Limmer, Sarah and Adam Markman, Gail and Andrew Marks, Kenny and Heather Mitchell, Edward and Linda Morse, Jamie and Marc Pasquale, Sally and Scott Pofcher, Isa and Adam Pressman, Pritzker Traubert Foundation, Deborah and Stephen Quazzo, Radio Flyer, Inc., Suellen and Philippe Ravanas, Elliot and Susan Rawls, Carmita and George Semaan, Katherine Scott and James Jimenez, Tom Shapiro and Madeleine Grynsztejn, Shalini Sharma and Pradip Patiath, William Singer and JoAnne Cicchelli, Ruchika and Vik Sohoni, Greg Thompson and Greg Cameron, Chiara and Dan Wrocinski, and Karen Zelden and Ralph Senst.

ABOUT MARWEN

Since 1987, Marwen has educated and inspired young people from Chicago’s under-resourced communities and schools through the visual arts. Now, in its 30th year and having served more than 10,000 students, Marwen continues to provide free art courses, college planning, and career development programs to 6-12th graders who have come from 55 of Chicago’s 57 zip codes. For more information visit http://marwen.org

# # #

MARWEN’S “ART EQUALS” THEMED 2018 PAINTBRUSH BALL RAISES $740K FOR FREE VISUAL ARTS PROGRAMS

Hi-res event photos are available upon request. View full gallery.

(Chicago, IL – June 15, 2018) Marwen is pleased to share the success of its 2018 Paintbrush Ball, which raised $740,000 for free visual arts programming and college and career planning for Chicago youth from under-resourced communities and schools. Paintbrush Ball, which was held at Revel Fulton Market, celebrated outgoing President & CEO Antonia Contro and her 25 years of leadership.

Deputy Director Akilah Halley emceed the evening, which featured remarks and special tributes to Antonia by Chairman Emeritus Steven Berkowitz and Marwen trustees and event co-chairs Molly Morse Limmer (Founder of 2050 Art Services) and Rich Stoddart (President and Chief Executive Officer at InnerWorkings). Additional notable guests included Amy and Andy Bluhm, Penny Pritzker and Bryan Traubert, Maria Pinto, Lukas Walton and Samantha Baiz Walton, Dan and Julie Wheeler, Michael Fassnacht (CEO & President of FCB Chicago), Andrew Swinand (CEO of Leo Burnett North America), Britt Nolan (Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett North America), and Steve Koch (Former Deputy Mayor of Chicago).

A Proclamation was presented by The Honorable Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago, officially declaring June 1, 2018 as Marwen Day in Chicago in Honor of Antonia Contro. It recognizes her 25-years of immeasurable contribution to young people and their families along with Marwen's continued positive impact on creative youth development in Chicago and throughout the country. Antonia Contro also announced a $1 million planned gift from long-time supporter Virginia James to launch a new Legacy Fund for Marwen -- a critical step towards ensuring the organization's perpetuity and future.

The evening’s lively auctioneers were Gary Metzner (SVP of Sotheby’s) and event co-chair and Marwen Trustee Molly Morse Limmer. Event entertainment was provided by Marwen alumna DJ Sadie Woods, and catering was provided by Limelight and Half Acre. The event theme “ART EQUALS” was conceived by Creative Sponsor Leo Burnett and the event was designed in collaboration with Revel Decor.

2018 PAINTBRUSH BALL SPONSORS

Marwen’s 2017 Paintbrush Ball was generously supported by the following sponsors: (Premier Sponsors) Blick, Kirkland & Ellis, Northern Trust; (Inspiration Sponsors) Allstate, 2050 Art Services, FCB Chicago, Gensler, InnerWorkings, Inc., McKinsey, and Power Construction.

2018 HOST COMMITTEE

Marwen’s 2017 Paintbrush Ball was generously hosted by the following individuals, foundations, and companies: Ellen Alberding and Kelly Welsh, Jennifer Aubrey and Jonathan Harries, Karen and Steven P. Berkowitz, Heiji and Brian Black, Amy and Andy Bluhm, Robert Buchsbaum and Elyse Klein, Robert Buono and Liz Cicchelli, Marcy and Greg Carlin, DLA Piper, Efroymson Family Fund, Lois and Steve Eisen, Caryn Englander and Richard Bollow, Tim and Paula Friedman, Philip and Regan Friedmann, Jill Garling and Tom Wilson, James and Andi Gordon, Heritage Auctions, James and Mary Hill / ICL, LLC, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Mary Ittelson, Edward and Carol Kaplan, Andy and Karen Jacobs, Steve Koch, Carol and Larry Levy, Molly Morse Limmer and Seth Limmer, Sarah and Adam Markman, Gail and Andrew Marks, Kenny and Heather Mitchell, Edward and Linda Morse, Jamie and Marc Pasquale, Sally and Scott Pofcher, Isa and Adam Pressman, Pritzker Traubert Foundation, Deborah and Stephen Quazzo, Radio Flyer, Inc., Suellen and Philippe Ravanas, Elliot and Susan Rawls, Carmita and George Semaan, Katherine Scott and James Jimenez, Tom Shapiro and Madeleine Grynsztejn, Shalini Sharma and Pradip Patiath, William Singer and JoAnne Cicchelli, Ruchika and Vik Sohoni, Greg Thompson and Greg Cameron, Chiara and Dan Wrocinski, and Karen Zelden and Ralph Senst.

ABOUT MARWEN

Since 1987, Marwen has educated and inspired young people from Chicago’s under-resourced communities and schools through the visual arts. Now, in its 30th year and having served more than 10,000 students, Marwen continues to provide free art courses, college planning, and career development programs to 6-12th graders who have come from 55 of Chicago’s 57 zip codes. For more information visit http://marwen.org

# # #

Bright and bold artwork becomes the new “Face of Marwen.”

Watch a short video about the project: The Face of Marwen

(Chicago, IL – March 6, 2018) In Fall of 2017, as part of an advanced course called “The Face of Marwen” and with support from Exelon Corporation, 15 Chicago high school student artists were commissioned to create original artwork for Marwen’s building in River North. Mounted in February 2018, the art is featured prominently on both a billboard-sized banner (21 x 40 feet) on the north face of the building and within a lightbox gallery (21.5 x 7.5 feet) in the west facing windows on Orleans Street. The bright and bold pieces bring new life and energy as the new face of Marwen.

Under the guidance of Lisa Lindvay (photographer, teaching artist, and Assistant Manager of Studio Programs & Digital Learning at Marwen) and Jasmine Clark (photographer and Studio Facilitator at Marwen), the students collaborated for 10 weeks to design art that authentically represents their voices and the Marwen experience.

The artwork features text and imagery that embodies the mission and culture of Marwen. "Our idea was based on being ‘Seriously Playful’ with adding bold pops of color to portraits and still lifes...to make a coherent piece that we think best represents Marwen's individuality,” said Davita Miranda, a Marwen student who participated in the commissioned program.

Students enhanced their skills in studio photography and graphic design, toured a local print shop, studied contemporary photography trends, researched audiences, and gained client-based presentation skills.

“Their connection to each other allowed them to feel good about putting themselves out there and the images of themselves -- literally -- on a billboard-sized banner,” shared Lisa Lindvay. “That’s really brave for teenagers and really anyone. It takes a lot of guts.”

Current Marwen high school students (ages 15-18) applied and were hired for the course. They were asked to create two art concepts for Marwen’s building and and present them to a client critique panel comprised of noted artists, curators, architects, and Marwen staff, including Joy Bivins (Director of Curatorial Affairs, Chicago History Museum), Dan Wheeler (Principal at Wheeler Kearn Architects), Joy Meek (Principal at Wheeler Kearn Architects), Naomi Beckwith (Curator at Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago), Antonia Contro (artist and President and CEO at Marwen), and Cynthia Weiss (Director of Education at Marwen).

“I was highly impressed with the level of professionalism and thoughtfulness that students brought to the project,” said Joy Bivins. “They shared their ideas equitably and with authority and took suggestions and comments in a way that showed their commitment to doing the job well—which, of course, they did. It was a pleasure to participate.”

The program was funded by Exelon, which proudly supports innovative programs related to education, arts and culture, neighborhood development, and the environment through philanthropic and employee volunteer efforts. “Exelon is a longstanding supporter of Marwen because the artistic opportunities it provides enriches the lives of students and brightens the whole community,” said Maggie FitzPatrick, Exelon senior vice president of corporate affairs, philanthropy and customer engagement. “We’re proud to help young artists share their aesthetic at Marwen’s new building honoring its 30th anniversary and enduring commitment to artistic excellence.”

“By offering client-based, commissioned work to high school students, we’re honing their technical and conceptual skills while helping them imagine and explore career pathways,” said Antonia Contro, President and CEO at Marwen. “And we’re building valuable creative partnerships that have reciprocal benefits for both the students and our supporters.”

Students who participated in “The Face of Marwen” course include Augustin F. (Class of 2018), Daria Z. (2019), Lizbeth R. (2018), Aisha H. (2019), Lila N. (2020), Aileen C. (2019), Adam G. (2018), David G. (2018), Joselyn C. (2018), Cleo C. (2018), Ana C. (2020), Jennifer V. (2020), Alexa R. (2018), Zarifa S. (2019), and Davita M. (2019).

Photography and video are available of the student process, public art installation (timelapse video and drone footage), and final artwork. Watch a 2-minute video about the project.

ABOUT MARWEN

Since 1987, Marwen has educated and inspired young people from Chicago’s under-resourced communities and schools through the visual arts. Now, in its 31st year and having served more than 10,000 students, Marwen continues to provide free art courses, college planning, and career development programs to 6-12th graders who have come from 55 of Chicago’s 57 zip codes. For more information visit http://marwen.org