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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
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
(Chicago, IL – March 1, 2018) Marwen’s annual Career Fair, which attracts hundreds of Chicago middle and high school students and their families, will be held on Saturday, March 10, noon to 1:30 pm at Marwen, 833 North Orleans Street. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees have the opportunity to meet representatives from 30+ creative career fields, including animation, engineering, journalism, graphic design, and theater.
“Sometimes parents and students can be apprehensive about a career in the arts,” said Roosevelt Pittman, a Marwen teaching artist who is also a Senior Environment Artist at High-Voltage Software and part-time faculty at Columbia College. “They might not know what that lifestyle looks like. At Career Fair, I have the opportunity to interact with students, providing insight into the life of a working artist. Their dreams, however big they may be, don’t have to be out of reach.”
Participants include freelance artists and designers and the following companies and organizations: The Art Institute of Chicago, CAN TV, CatTrigger Animation and Design, Coya Paz, High Voltage Software, Landon Bone Baker Architects, Maria Pinto, National Museum of Mexican Art, The People's Music School, Sprout Social, University of Illinois at Chicago, and Yollocalli Arts Reach. Marwen’s College, Career, & Alumni team works with students, alumni, and their families as they transition to high school, college, or the workforce, helping them identify pathways to reach their goals.
Photography and video are welcome during the event; please arrange in advance by contacting Kennon Reinard at kreinard@marwen.org. See photos from last year’s event here.
Photos: (top) Marwen alum Isaac Tellez and teaching artist Roosevelt Pittman; (bottom) a paper artist shows her work to students and answers questions about her practice.
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
(Chicago, IL – March 1, 2018) Marwen’s annual Career Fair, which attracts hundreds of Chicago middle and high school students and their families, will be held on Saturday, March 10, noon to 1:30 pm at Marwen, 833 North Orleans Street. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees have the opportunity to meet representatives from 30+ creative career fields, including animation, engineering, journalism, graphic design, and theater.
“Sometimes parents and students can be apprehensive about a career in the arts,” said Roosevelt Pittman, a Marwen teaching artist who is also a Senior Environment Artist at High-Voltage Software and part-time faculty at Columbia College. “They might not know what that lifestyle looks like. At Career Fair, I have the opportunity to interact with students, providing insight into the life of a working artist. Their dreams, however big they may be, don’t have to be out of reach.”
Participants include freelance artists and designers and the following companies and organizations: The Art Institute of Chicago, CAN TV, CatTrigger Animation and Design, Coya Paz, High Voltage Software, Landon Bone Baker Architects, Maria Pinto, National Museum of Mexican Art, The People's Music School, Sprout Social, University of Illinois at Chicago, and Yollocalli Arts Reach. Marwen’s College, Career, & Alumni team works with students, alumni, and their families as they transition to high school, college, or the workforce, helping them identify pathways to reach their goals.
Photography and video are welcome during the event; please arrange in advance by contacting Kennon Reinard at kreinard@marwen.org. See photos from last year’s event here.
Photos: (top) Marwen alum Isaac Tellez and teaching artist Roosevelt Pittman; (bottom) a paper artist shows her work to students and answers questions about her practice.
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
Marwen is thrilled to share two exciting developments. The recently announced "Diversifying Art Museum Leadership Initiative" is a national effort to address deep inequities in museum staff and leadership. Twenty museums were selected to participate, including The Art Institute of Chicago, who will use the funding to strengthen internship programs to advance equity and inclusion in the museum. The Art Institute selected Marwen's Teen Internship in Learning and Public Engagement as one of their pilot programs!
Not only does this mean that our existing program will become a paid opportunity for Marwen students -- allowing access to new career development opportunities -- but it also means that 100% of Marwen's career program internships are now paid. Read more about this initiative in the New York Times' article below.
A $6 Million Initiative Aims to Diversify Museum Leadership
Study after study has shown that the leadership at U.S. cultural institutions fails to reflect the demographics of the country. On Tuesday, the Ford Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation announced a $6 million campaign with the aim of diversifying the leadership at art museums.
The initiative will fund programs at 20 museums that are developing innovative strategies to hire and advance the careers of underrepresented minorities. Read more.
Marwen is thrilled to share two exciting developments. The recently announced "Diversifying Art Museum Leadership Initiative" is a national effort to address deep inequities in museum staff and leadership. Twenty museums were selected to participate, including The Art Institute of Chicago, who will use the funding to strengthen internship programs to advance equity and inclusion in the museum. The Art Institute selected Marwen's Teen Internship in Learning and Public Engagement as one of their pilot programs!
Not only does this mean that our existing program will become a paid opportunity for Marwen students -- allowing access to new career development opportunities -- but it also means that 100% of Marwen's career program internships are now paid. Read more about this initiative in the New York Times' article below.
A $6 Million Initiative Aims to Diversify Museum Leadership
Study after study has shown that the leadership at U.S. cultural institutions fails to reflect the demographics of the country. On Tuesday, the Ford Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation announced a $6 million campaign with the aim of diversifying the leadership at art museums.
The initiative will fund programs at 20 museums that are developing innovative strategies to hire and advance the careers of underrepresented minorities. Read more.
MARWEN’S ANNUAL ART FAIR RAISES $44K
FOR ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS
(Chicago, IL – November 21, 2017) Marwen is thrilled to share the success of its 2017 Art Fair, which raised $44,000 for the organization’s free, visual arts-based youth development programs for Chicago students from under-resourced schools and communities. Art Fair is an annual exhibition and art sale which offers a once-a-year opportunity for the public to purchase work by Marwen students, teaching artists, alumni, and staff.
The event took place on Friday, November 3, 2017 at Marwen (833 N. Orleans Street). More than 300 guests attended, including Marwen students and their families and Marwen trustees Michael Fassnacht (CEO of FCB Chicago), Marcy Carlin (SVP of Essex Investment Management), Amy Bluhm, and Tom Shapiro. Additional guests included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Maria Pinto, Steve Koch, and Ellen Alberding.
The evening featured the first ever online auction, allowing guests to bid on artwork from their phones. This new format increased overall art sales from past years. Fifty percent of every sale goes directly to the artist and the remaining half goes to Marwen programming.
Marwen’s 2017 Art Fair was generously supported by the following sponsors: FCB CHICAGO, Leo Burnett, GCM Grosvenor, Limelight, Half Acre, Amy & Andy Bluhm, Isa & Adam Pressman, Tom Shapiro & Madeleine Grynsztejn, Kirkland & Ellis, and Karen Zelden & 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
MEDIA CONTACT
Kennon Reinard, Senior Manager of Communications
312.374.2941 | kreinard@marwen.org
(Hi-res photos available upon request)
MARWEN’S ANNUAL ART FAIR RAISES $44K
FOR ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS
(Chicago, IL – November 21, 2017) Marwen is thrilled to share the success of its 2017 Art Fair, which raised $44,000 for the organization’s free, visual arts-based youth development programs for Chicago students from under-resourced schools and communities. Art Fair is an annual exhibition and art sale which offers a once-a-year opportunity for the public to purchase work by Marwen students, teaching artists, alumni, and staff.
The event took place on Friday, November 3, 2017 at Marwen (833 N. Orleans Street). More than 300 guests attended, including Marwen students and their families and Marwen trustees Michael Fassnacht (CEO of FCB Chicago), Marcy Carlin (SVP of Essex Investment Management), Amy Bluhm, and Tom Shapiro. Additional guests included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Maria Pinto, Steve Koch, and Ellen Alberding.
The evening featured the first ever online auction, allowing guests to bid on artwork from their phones. This new format increased overall art sales from past years. Fifty percent of every sale goes directly to the artist and the remaining half goes to Marwen programming.
Marwen’s 2017 Art Fair was generously supported by the following sponsors: FCB CHICAGO, Leo Burnett, GCM Grosvenor, Limelight, Half Acre, Amy & Andy Bluhm, Isa & Adam Pressman, Tom Shapiro & Madeleine Grynsztejn, Kirkland & Ellis, and Karen Zelden & 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
MEDIA CONTACT
Kennon Reinard, Senior Manager of Communications
312.374.2941 | kreinard@marwen.org
(Hi-res photos available upon request)
MARWEN LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
www.marwen.org
(Chicago, IL – November 8, 2017) In celebration of its 30th anniversary and in collaboration with FCB Chicago, Marwen unveiled a redesigned, mobile-optimized website today.
The development and launch of the new site is in direct response to and in support of the organization’s mission to inspire and educate Chicago youth from under-resourced neighborhoods and schools through the visual arts.
NEW FEATURES:
-
Navigation and design geared towards students -- easier access to the most frequently searched information like registering for courses and attending orientation
-
Mobile optimized -- for the first time, the site is mobile-friendly, allowing Marwen to reach even more prospective students and their families and creating a more user-friendly experience for supporters to make a donation to Marwen and to shop for student-designed greeting cards
-
360 degree virtual tours of our studios -- allows teaching artists to better plan for courses and gives new students a sneak peek into Marwen’s facilities
-
Art and photo galleries -- a stunning visual showcase of the latest student artwork, work in progress, and exciting Marwen events
-
Spanish translated content -- better connecting with and reducing barriers for our Latinx communities across Chicago to discover more about Marwen
-
Enhanced Shop features -- new customization options allow visitors to create custom messages within student-designed holiday cards online; all proceeds from Marwen’s Shop go directly into programming
“I’m thrilled to round out 2017 with an exciting new website that is truly reflective of Marwen’s spirit and energy,” stated Antonia Contro, President & CEO of Marwen. “I’m immensely grateful to our esteemed trustee, Michael Fassnacht, for his partnership, vision, and dedication to seeing this large project through from start to finish. Michael and his team at FCB Chicago generously shared their extraordinary expertise, resources, and enthusiasm from day one. They’ve become part of Marwen’s extended family.”
“It’s always an exciting moment when you can give your time to such a venerable organization,” said Michael Fassnacht, Marwen trustee and CEO of FCB Chicago. “Our team at FCB worked in close collaboration with Marwen to envision how a new site would best complement and enhance the work they’re already doing. The goal is to attract new interest and investment in their mission to further engage with students and families from under-resourced communities and schools.”
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 LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
www.marwen.org
(Chicago, IL – November 8, 2017) In celebration of its 30th anniversary and in collaboration with FCB Chicago, Marwen unveiled a redesigned, mobile-optimized website today.
The development and launch of the new site is in direct response to and in support of the organization’s mission to inspire and educate Chicago youth from under-resourced neighborhoods and schools through the visual arts.
NEW FEATURES:
-
Navigation and design geared towards students -- easier access to the most frequently searched information like registering for courses and attending orientation
-
Mobile optimized -- for the first time, the site is mobile-friendly, allowing Marwen to reach even more prospective students and their families and creating a more user-friendly experience for supporters to make a donation to Marwen and to shop for student-designed greeting cards
-
360 degree virtual tours of our studios -- allows teaching artists to better plan for courses and gives new students a sneak peek into Marwen’s facilities
-
Art and photo galleries -- a stunning visual showcase of the latest student artwork, work in progress, and exciting Marwen events
-
Spanish translated content -- better connecting with and reducing barriers for our Latinx communities across Chicago to discover more about Marwen
-
Enhanced Shop features -- new customization options allow visitors to create custom messages within student-designed holiday cards online; all proceeds from Marwen’s Shop go directly into programming
“I’m thrilled to round out 2017 with an exciting new website that is truly reflective of Marwen’s spirit and energy,” stated Antonia Contro, President & CEO of Marwen. “I’m immensely grateful to our esteemed trustee, Michael Fassnacht, for his partnership, vision, and dedication to seeing this large project through from start to finish. Michael and his team at FCB Chicago generously shared their extraordinary expertise, resources, and enthusiasm from day one. They’ve become part of Marwen’s extended family.”
“It’s always an exciting moment when you can give your time to such a venerable organization,” said Michael Fassnacht, Marwen trustee and CEO of FCB Chicago. “Our team at FCB worked in close collaboration with Marwen to envision how a new site would best complement and enhance the work they’re already doing. The goal is to attract new interest and investment in their mission to further engage with students and families from under-resourced communities and schools.”
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