About
Marwen offers no-cost visual arts classes for Chicago 6-12th graders. Classes include Photography, Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, Film, Animation, Digital and Game Design, Comics, Illustration, Sculpture, Fashion, Fiber, and more. It also offers hands-on workshops.
Programs
- No-cost visual arts classes — Chicago 6-12th graders · Classes include Photography, Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, Film, Animation, Digital and Game Design, Comics, Illustration, Sculpture, Fashion, Fiber, and more.
- Hands-on workshops — Offered in addition to classes.
- Commissioned based opportunities — 16-18 year old artists
- Paid summer internship program
At a glance
- Ages: 6–18 years old
About the provider
Marwen was founded in 1987. It has supported nearly 16,000 young people, and it now serves more than 1,000 young people each year. Marwen says it educates and inspires young people through art and community.
- Family-friendly events
- Term-based exhibition celebrations — Three annually.
No-cost visual arts classes for Chicago 6-12th graders. Young artists of all experience levels can access leadership and employment opportunities, build community, learn about art as a vehicle for social change, collaborate with teaching artists, explore artistic techniques, and access materials and art studio spaces.
What families say
“I’m writing a story in Marwen’s comic class now. Then I’m going to make my characters come to life in the 3-D printing class. Next term, I’ll take filmmaking to animate the whole thing. I have plans. I can do everything here.” — Marwen Student, Middle School
Last updated November 8, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.