MARWEN CELEBRATES ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY IN CHICAGO AT THE 2022 PAINTBRUSH BALL

Event will spotlight Marwen’s history and look forward to the next 35 years of making an impact on Chicago youth through free arts programming

Friday, May 20, 2022, 6 pm - midnight

Revel Motor Row, 2400 S. Michigan Ave

paintbrushball.givesmart.com

(Chicago, IL – April 15, 2022) Marwen announces the return of its largest annual fundraising event, Paintbrush Ball 2022, which will celebrate the organization’s 35th anniversary. Held on Marwen's birthday, Friday, May 20, the festivities take place at Revel Motor Row, 2400 S. Michigan in Chicago, from 6 pm to midnight. New this year is the After-Party, an exciting addition that will put icing on our cake. Bring your dancing shoes – we are here to party! Enjoy a night of fun, friends, and art.

The year’s theme is “We Are Here.” These words tell a Marwen story 35 years in the making – years full of inspiration, imagination, creative voices, and a growing community of thinkers and makers. The event theme was conceived by Creative Sponsor Leo Burnett, and the event was designed in collaboration with The Revel Group.

Marwen trustees Elizabeth Brady (Allstate), Todd Heiser (Gensler), and Regin Igloria (Ragdale) are co-chairing this year’s Paintbrush Ball, which raises funds to support Marwen’s free visuals arts courses and creative academic and career pathway programming for Chicago youth in 6-12th grades across the city.

In addition to cocktails and appetizers, dinner, DJ sets, and a brief program, Paintbrush Ball 2022 will have a neighborhood and experience themed Silent Auction. Gary Metzner (SVP of Sotheby’s) and Marwen Trustee Molly Morse Limmer (Hindman Auctions) will emcee a lively Paddle Raise and DJ Matt Roan and Marwen trustee DJ Tony Junior (Antonio Garcia) will provide the evening’s entertainment. Catering is provided by Limelight Catering.

“We are ecstatic to bring back such a cherished event and to celebrate the journeys of young people throughout Marwen’s remarkable history and future – especially after all we have traversed over the past couple of years,” said Akilah Halley, Marwen’s Executive Director and alumna.

TICKETS & PACKAGES

“All-Night” tickets are $500 and are an all-access pass to the event including a reception at 6 pm and after party starting at 9 pm. “After-Party” tickets are $100 and include access to the late night event from 9 pm to midnight. Tickets are now available at paintbrushball.givesmart.com.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $2,500 to $25,000. Contact Ariadna Ginez, Manager of Individual Giving & Stewardship, at aginez@marwen.org for more information.

2022 PAINTBRUSH BALL SPONSORS

AllianceBernstein

Andrew & Karen Jacobs

Amy & Andy Bluhm

Bryan Traubert & Penny Pritzker

Carol & Larry Levy

Chiara & Dan Wrocinski

Deborah & Stephen Quazzo

Isa & Adam Pressman

James & Mary Hill

Jason & Amanda Mirach

Kevin & Jane Berg

Lee & Sharon Oberlander

Marcy & Greg Carlin

Molly Morse Limmer & Seth Limmer

Nils & Stacey Larsen

Sally Pofcher

Steve & Karen Berkowitz

Wheeler Kearns Architects

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.

Please note that in an earlier version of the release Marwen alumna DJ Sadie Woods was listed as performing at the event. This information has been updated.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kennon Reinard, Associate Director of Communications

kreinard@marwen.org

Photography and video are welcome during the event; please arrange in advance.

MARWEN CELEBRATES ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY IN CHICAGO AT THE 2022 PAINTBRUSH BALL

Event will spotlight Marwen’s history and look forward to the next 35 years of making an impact on Chicago youth through free arts programming

Friday, May 20, 2022, 6 pm - midnight

Revel Motor Row, 2400 S. Michigan Ave

paintbrushball.givesmart.com

(Chicago, IL – April 15, 2022) Marwen announces the return of its largest annual fundraising event, Paintbrush Ball 2022, which will celebrate the organization’s 35th anniversary. Held on Marwen's birthday, Friday, May 20, the festivities take place at Revel Motor Row, 2400 S. Michigan in Chicago, from 6 pm to midnight. New this year is the After-Party, an exciting addition that will put icing on our cake. Bring your dancing shoes – we are here to party! Enjoy a night of fun, friends, and art.

The year’s theme is “We Are Here.” These words tell a Marwen story 35 years in the making – years full of inspiration, imagination, creative voices, and a growing community of thinkers and makers. The event theme was conceived by Creative Sponsor Leo Burnett, and the event was designed in collaboration with The Revel Group.

Marwen trustees Elizabeth Brady (Allstate), Todd Heiser (Gensler), and Regin Igloria (Ragdale) are co-chairing this year’s Paintbrush Ball, which raises funds to support Marwen’s free visuals arts courses and creative academic and career pathway programming for Chicago youth in 6-12th grades across the city.

In addition to cocktails and appetizers, dinner, DJ sets, and a brief program, Paintbrush Ball 2022 will have a neighborhood and experience themed Silent Auction. Gary Metzner (SVP of Sotheby’s) and Marwen Trustee Molly Morse Limmer (Hindman Auctions) will emcee a lively Paddle Raise and DJ Matt Roan and Marwen trustee DJ Tony Junior (Antonio Garcia) will provide the evening’s entertainment. Catering is provided by Limelight Catering.

“We are ecstatic to bring back such a cherished event and to celebrate the journeys of young people throughout Marwen’s remarkable history and future – especially after all we have traversed over the past couple of years,” said Akilah Halley, Marwen’s Executive Director and alumna.

TICKETS & PACKAGES

“All-Night” tickets are $500 and are an all-access pass to the event including a reception at 6 pm and after party starting at 9 pm. “After-Party” tickets are $100 and include access to the late night event from 9 pm to midnight. Tickets are now available at paintbrushball.givesmart.com.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $2,500 to $25,000. Contact Ariadna Ginez, Manager of Individual Giving & Stewardship, at aginez@marwen.org for more information.

2022 PAINTBRUSH BALL SPONSORS

AllianceBernstein

Andrew & Karen Jacobs

Amy & Andy Bluhm

Bryan Traubert & Penny Pritzker

Carol & Larry Levy

Chiara & Dan Wrocinski

Deborah & Stephen Quazzo

Isa & Adam Pressman

James & Mary Hill

Jason & Amanda Mirach

Kevin & Jane Berg

Lee & Sharon Oberlander

Marcy & Greg Carlin

Molly Morse Limmer & Seth Limmer

Nils & Stacey Larsen

Sally Pofcher

Steve & Karen Berkowitz

Wheeler Kearns Architects

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.

Please note that in an earlier version of the release Marwen alumna DJ Sadie Woods was listed as performing at the event. This information has been updated.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kennon Reinard, Associate Director of Communications

kreinard@marwen.org

Photography and video are welcome during the event; please arrange in advance.

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.

Welcome back!

We hope you’ve been staying safe as we transition into the new year. As we’re gearing up for Spring 2022 courses, we are making critical decisions for the health and safety of our community, including requiring proof of vaccination for all in-person programming. Please review Marwen Covid Protocols for Spring 2022 HERE. See below for opportunities available for young people this Spring.

Registration | Spring 2022 Courses

January 26 - February 2

Online at marwen.org/registration

Marwen’s no-cost programs exist for young artists in Chicago who want to explore visual arts, can commit to an 10-week art class, are in 6th-12th grades during the 2021/22 school year, and do not have access to arts programming due to financial and systemic barriers. Learn more about our values and how we invest in the power of young artists.

What to know before you register:

Spring term includes 15 unique courses (both in-person and virtual options). Download Marwen Covid Protocols for Spring 2022 HERE.

Register for all courses at marwen.org/registration between January 26 - February 2, 2022.
Registration is open for one week. Course selections will be confirmed via email the following week.
Each course meets once a week and runs for 10 weeks from February 16 through April 30.
Course descriptions will be posted HERE.

Have questions? Reach out to us anytime at registrar@marwen.org or via text at 312.374.2968.

Welcome back!

We hope you’ve been staying safe as we transition into the new year. As we’re gearing up for Spring 2022 courses, we are making critical decisions for the health and safety of our community, including requiring proof of vaccination for all in-person programming. Please review Marwen Covid Protocols for Spring 2022 HERE. See below for opportunities available for young people this Spring.

Registration | Spring 2022 Courses

January 26 - February 2

Online at marwen.org/registration

Marwen’s no-cost programs exist for young artists in Chicago who want to explore visual arts, can commit to an 10-week art class, are in 6th-12th grades during the 2021/22 school year, and do not have access to arts programming due to financial and systemic barriers. Learn more about our values and how we invest in the power of young artists.

What to know before you register:

Spring term includes 15 unique courses (both in-person and virtual options). Download Marwen Covid Protocols for Spring 2022 HERE.

Register for all courses at marwen.org/registration between January 26 - February 2, 2022.
Registration is open for one week. Course selections will be confirmed via email the following week.
Each course meets once a week and runs for 10 weeks from February 16 through April 30.
Course descriptions will be posted HERE.

Have questions? Reach out to us anytime at registrar@marwen.org or via text at 312.374.2968.

A Tote Full of Opportunity

When you walk the halls of Marwen’s building, you see the work of young and emerging artists hanging on our walls. Every work of art showcases their creativity, emotions, and the unique brilliance of these artists.

Earlier this year Marwen formalized our Commissions Program, expanding paid opportunities for young and emerging artists to expand their creative practice while growing their professional skills.

As part of this program, we commissioned three young and emerging artists to create tote bag designs for a new initiative, Friends of Marwen, a monthly giving program. The application was sent to nearly 100 young artists and families, in search of three artists to contract for the project. Applicants were asked about their artistic influences and what the Marwen community means to them. READ FULL ARTICLE

A Tote Full of Opportunity

When you walk the halls of Marwen’s building, you see the work of young and emerging artists hanging on our walls. Every work of art showcases their creativity, emotions, and the unique brilliance of these artists.

Earlier this year Marwen formalized our Commissions Program, expanding paid opportunities for young and emerging artists to expand their creative practice while growing their professional skills.

As part of this program, we commissioned three young and emerging artists to create tote bag designs for a new initiative, Friends of Marwen, a monthly giving program. The application was sent to nearly 100 young artists and families, in search of three artists to contract for the project. Applicants were asked about their artistic influences and what the Marwen community means to them. READ FULL ARTICLE

Dear Marwen Community,

As Summer winds down and we continue to prepare for the Fall, we are so excited to welcome everyone back into our studios. The health and safety of our community of young people, families, and artists has always been our top priority. We will maintain safety protocols and limit attendance. However, the best way we can uphold health and stop the spread is to get our community vaccinated. In partnership with our friends at InstaVaxx, Marwen will have free, Covid-19 vaccinations onsite beginning this Friday, August 6, 3:30-5:30 pm. This will be the first of a series, and you will see details below.

I am eager to see you this Friday and back in our building in October for programs. We can't wait to see all the things you will do and create.

In community,

Akilah Halley, Executive Director & Alumna

WHEN: Fridays, 3:30 - 5:30 pm (August 6, 27; September 17; October 8)

WHO: 12 and older

WHERE: Marwen, 833 N. Orleans Street

Vaccines are completely free; walk ins are welcome
Photo ID required for age verification; 12 and older only
Insurance cards are recommended but not required
Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer shots will be offered
If you have received your first shot and want to complete your second dose at Marwen (Pfizer only) please bring your vaccination card
Plan to remain on site at Marwen for 15 minutes following your shot as a required observation window
Vaccines are administered by medical providers InstaVaxx
Free parking in our lot as space is available

Dear Marwen Community,

As Summer winds down and we continue to prepare for the Fall, we are so excited to welcome everyone back into our studios. The health and safety of our community of young people, families, and artists has always been our top priority. We will maintain safety protocols and limit attendance. However, the best way we can uphold health and stop the spread is to get our community vaccinated. In partnership with our friends at InstaVaxx, Marwen will have free, Covid-19 vaccinations onsite beginning this Friday, August 6, 3:30-5:30 pm. This will be the first of a series, and you will see details below.

I am eager to see you this Friday and back in our building in October for programs. We can't wait to see all the things you will do and create.

In community,

Akilah Halley, Executive Director & Alumna

WHEN: Fridays, 3:30 - 5:30 pm (August 6, 27; September 17; October 8)

WHO: 12 and older

WHERE: Marwen, 833 N. Orleans Street

Vaccines are completely free; walk ins are welcome
Photo ID required for age verification; 12 and older only
Insurance cards are recommended but not required
Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer shots will be offered
If you have received your first shot and want to complete your second dose at Marwen (Pfizer only) please bring your vaccination card
Plan to remain on site at Marwen for 15 minutes following your shot as a required observation window
Vaccines are administered by medical providers InstaVaxx
Free parking in our lot as space is available

Please join us in congratulating Akilah Halley, Marwen Executive Director and Alumna, who was recognized as a Woman of Excellence by The Chicago Defender.

"I am honored to be inducted and celebrate the work of the women beside me and before me," said Halley.

The Chicago Defender annually recognizes black women for their contributions to their communities and for their excellence in their respective professions. The 2021 Class join an elite group of influential and inspirational women positively affecting their communities through their leadership.

The 2021 honorees will be formally inducted in a virtual ceremony live on the Chicago Defender’s Facebook page on May 21, 2021 at 6pm. To view a full list of honorees, visit https://chicagodefender.com/chicago-defender-2021-women-of-excellence-honorees-announced/

Please join us in congratulating Akilah Halley, Marwen Executive Director and Alumna, who was recognized as a Woman of Excellence by The Chicago Defender.

"I am honored to be inducted and celebrate the work of the women beside me and before me," said Halley.

The Chicago Defender annually recognizes black women for their contributions to their communities and for their excellence in their respective professions. The 2021 Class join an elite group of influential and inspirational women positively affecting their communities through their leadership.

The 2021 honorees will be formally inducted in a virtual ceremony live on the Chicago Defender’s Facebook page on May 21, 2021 at 6pm. To view a full list of honorees, visit https://chicagodefender.com/chicago-defender-2021-women-of-excellence-honorees-announced/

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, sitting and shoes

Congratulations to Marwen's Executive Director Akilah Halley being appointed by Mayor Lightfoot to the Cultural Advisory Council of the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

"I am honored to be appointed along with esteemed colleagues to collaborate with communities and creative industries to expand equitable access to the arts,” shared Akilah. “The arts have the power to shape lives and futures, especially when we provide equitable access for young people. Creative currency is part of the fabric of Chicago's vitality."

Appointed members, including Council Chair Amina Dickerson and Vice Chair Alison Cuddy will advocate for a vital Chicago arts community and help advance the Mayor’s arts and culture priorities, which include making Chicago livable and affordable for artists and creative professionals, expanding public arts programming to help drive the economic life of our neighborhoods, collaborating with communities and creative industries to engage our artists and expand quality jobs, and expanding equitable access to high-quality arts education for all young people in Chicago.

Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/3amrnxN

Congratulations to Marwen's Executive Director Akilah Halley being appointed by Mayor Lightfoot to the Cultural Advisory Council of the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

"I am honored to be appointed along with esteemed colleagues to collaborate with communities and creative industries to expand equitable access to the arts,” shared Akilah. “The arts have the power to shape lives and futures, especially when we provide equitable access for young people. Creative currency is part of the fabric of Chicago's vitality."

Appointed members, including Council Chair Amina Dickerson and Vice Chair Alison Cuddy will advocate for a vital Chicago arts community and help advance the Mayor’s arts and culture priorities, which include making Chicago livable and affordable for artists and creative professionals, expanding public arts programming to help drive the economic life of our neighborhoods, collaborating with communities and creative industries to engage our artists and expand quality jobs, and expanding equitable access to high-quality arts education for all young people in Chicago.

Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/3amrnxN

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