Family Newsletter | October 2021
Welcome back to the studios!
Hello new friends and families! My name is Kimeco Roberson, and I’m Marwen’s new Director of Programs & Partnerships. I am so happy to be here and eager to meet you all face-to-face as we return to the studios -- for the first time in 19 months -- for a Fall season full of inspiring and FREE visual arts programs. Each and every course (both in-person and virtual) were thoughtfully designed for YOU by our amazing cohort of teaching artists who bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to their work. You can learn a little more about me below (and another new face at Marwen), but I am so excited to learn more about you and from you this Fall. See you this week!
Kimeco Roberson
Director of Programs & Partnerships
Classes start this week!
Confirmation emails have been sent to all young people and their families who are participating this Fall term. Double check your inbox for a welcome email from your teaching artists. Art kits will be available to pick up for virtual courses Wednesday, October 13 through Friday, October 15, 9 am - 8 pm and Saturday, October 16, 9 am - 5 pm at Marwen (833 N. Orleans Street). If these times do not work for you, please contact Grace at gneedlman@marwen.org. If you have other questions regarding your class or registration, please contact our enrollment coordinator, Alexiss, at avillagomez@marwen.org.
Last chance to submit artwork for Art Fair!
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Sunday, October 17 Marwen’s 15h annual Art Fair features an online auction November 5-7 and an in-person opening night event on November 5, 7-10 pm. We’re accepting artwork from current Marwen students, alumni, staff, and teaching artists. Nearly all art mediums are accepted, including prints, photographs, paintings, fashion, 3D/sculpture, and more. Art sales are split between the artist (75%) and Marwen (25%). Submit your work by filling out the online submission form HERE. Have questions? Email us anytime at artfair@marwen.org.
Portfolio Review
TUESDAY, October 19, 5 - 7 pm IN-PERSON at Marwen (833 N. Orleans Street) REGISTER HERE Meet IN-PERSON at Marwen for one-on-one sessions to talk about the portfolio process for art school and college applications. Each session is 20 minutes and will be held in a socially-distanced setting. We’ll also have a photo station for young artists who want to document their work. Our guest speakers are James Tsitiridis (Columbia College Chicago), Jannet Habibovic (Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design), and Jonathan Korotko (School of the Art Institute of Chicago). By registering for this event, you agree to Marwen's COVID-19 Safety Agreement.
Family Halloween Event
Friday, October 29, 5:30-7:30 pm IN-PERSON at Marwen (833 N. Orleans Street) FREE | RSVP HERE The Marwen Family Advisory Board (FAB) in collaboration with the Young Artist Collective (YAC) is hosting a fun Halloween event at Marwen! This free family event is a great way to share Halloween traditions and make art together. Enjoy time with your family and friends painting pumpkins, creating cut-outs of ghosts, building memories, and noshing on festive treats. Masks are required and social distancing is requested at the event. Parents and guardians: If you’re interested in being a part of FAB, it's not too late to sign up! You are welcome to join our virtual meetings that happen every third Friday of the month. It’s a great way to build community with other Marwen parents while supporting each other. For more information contact Victoria at vtimpo@marwen.org.
New Faces at Marwen
This past month, Marwen welcomed two new staff to senior leadership roles.
Kimeco Roberson (she/her) started as Marwen's new Director of Programs & Partnerships. Prior to joining Marwen, Kimeco held multilevel leadership and administrative roles at Heartland Alliance, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, After School Matters, and other nonprofit, city, and community organizations. A trained circle keeper, graduate of Columbia College Chicago, and board member of Honey Pot Performance, Kimeco is also a vocalist and songwriter.
Juliette Buford (she/her) started as Marwen's new Director of Finance & Administration. Juliette held various positions in finance for 20+ years at WTTW/Chicago PBS and WFMT Chicago. Her passion for the arts and equitable systems and processes is what motivated her to join the Marwen team. Outside of finance, Juliette is a fashion designer, art collector, Emmy nominated executive producer, avid traveler, and plant mom.
Teaching Artists Reflect & Collaborate
In Marwen's curriculum building workshop, led by artist Quenna Barrett, the Fall teaching teams began building relationships as they reflected on their interests and values, started their curriculum structures, and made art together. Everyone received a welcome tote bag screen printed by Rachelle (staff) and designed by Aileen (emerging teaching artist). They are ALL so excited to see young artists in the studio and on zoom this week!
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