Register for FREE classes | Spring Term runs February - May 2025
Marwen offers free studio classes and workshops, plus special events for families and supporters throughout the year.
Marwen’s free programs exist for young artists in Chicago who want to explore visual arts, can commit to a multi-week art class, are in 6-12th grades during the 2024/25 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.
Returning student? You’re first in line to select classes! Online registration opens November 20 at marwen.org/registration. Bookmark this link now and add it to your calendar so you get first pick of Spring classes.
New to Marwen? Welcome! Complete our Interest Form to get started. Orientation is required for all new students. Orientations for Spring term will take place January 25, 29 and February 1, 2025. In addition to registering for classes, you will also get a tour of Marwen’s galleries and studios and meet staff.
Key information:
Spring term runs from February 19 - May 3, 2025.
Spring term offers 19 unique, 10-week visual arts classes.
Art materials and supplies are provided at no cost by Marwen thanks to our generous donors.
All experience levels are welcome!
Chicago 6-12th graders can register for up to 2 classes per term (terms include Spring, Summer, Fall).
Each course meets 1 day a week and runs for 10 weeks:
Wednesdays 5-7:30 pm
Thursdays 5-7:30 pm
Fridays 5-7:30 pm
Saturday mornings 10 am-12:30 pm
Saturday afternoons 1:30-4 pm
There are no classes during CPS Spring Break, March 24 - 28. Marwen will host a series of free art workshops that week (registration is separate and will be announced in February).
Have questions? Reach out to us anytime at registrar@marwen.org or via phone or text at 312.374.2968.
::: MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSES :::
1. In Stitches: Embroidery for Everyone
Teaching artist: Mel Cook-White
6-8th grade
Wednesdays, February 22 - May 3, 5 - 7:30 pm
Studio 8 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Get ready to stitch your imagination into reality! Whether you’re new to needle and thread or looking to build your skills, this course is perfect for you. Learn the basics or level up from simple stitches to fun patterns. Explore different techniques like backstitch, satin stitch, and French knots. Discover how to add personal touches to your projects, such as custom patches, bookmarks, or decorative pieces.
2. Mosaic: World of Color
Teaching artist: Cassandra Schifano she/her
6-8th grade
Saturdays, February 22 - May 3, 10 am - 12:30 pm
Studio 5 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
This class will guide you through the essential techniques of cutting, arranging, and adhering mosaic pieces to various surfaces. Explore real-life examples and photo references of mosaic art, sparking inspiration and discussion. It’s a fun twist on a mosaic-themed version of the "Exquisite Corpse" game to fuel your creativity!
3. Make it Move: Video and Animation
Teaching artist: Pablo Monterrubio
6-8th grade
Wednesdays, February 19 - April 30, 5-7:30 pm Studio 3 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Welcome to the world of video and animation! Dive into various techniques for creating moving image art. Explore the stages of video production: cinematography, lighting, stop-motion animation, puppet animation, and more. Learn Adobe Premiere for video editing and iStopMotion for animation, too.
4. Make it Digital: Portrait Illustrations
Teaching artist: Marz
6-8th grade
Wednesdays, February 19 - April 30, 5 - 7:30 pm Studio 1 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Explore self-expression through digital portraiture. Gain hands-on experience with Adobe Illustrator, learning to work with tools like the Pen Tool, Paint Bucket, Shapes and Patterns, and Eyedropper to bring your vision to life. This course offers both a technical and creative journey, helping you craft portraits that reflect how you see yourself.
5. Pixel Perfect: Digital Photo Adventures
Teaching artist: Joselyn Corona
6-8th grade
Saturdays, February 22- May 3, 10 am - 12:30 pm
Studio 1 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Unleash your creativity and expand your photography skills. From light- painting to alternative photo printing methods, learn multiple styles and choose one technique for your final artwork. Make a digital print or a character created in Photoshop.
6. Pop Goes the Palette: Experimental Pop Art
Teaching artist: Griffin Goodman
6-8th grade
Thursday, February 20 - May 1, 5 - 7:30 pm
Studio 4 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Inspired by iconic artists like Andy Warhol, dive into bold colors, playful patterns, and unique techniques to create your own pop art masterpieces. Experiment with various mediums, including painting, collage, and digital art. Learn how to mix traditional and modern techniques while exploring themes like culture and self-expression.
7. Be-weave It or Knot: Basket Making
Teaching artist: Eseosa Edebiri
6-8th Grade
Saturdays, February 22 - May 3, 10 am - 12:30 pm
Studio 8 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Learn the art of basket weaving from start to finish! Explore different weaving techniques, patterns, and materials to create beautiful, functional baskets of your own design. Along the way, discover how cultures around the world use basket weaving in everyday life and art.
8. Clay Stories: Ceramic World-Building
Teaching artist: Christina Sadovnikov
6-8th Grade
Saturdays, February 22 - May 3, 10 am - 12:30 pm Studio 6 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Welcome to the world of hand-building. Create your own miniature worlds inspired by your favorite places! Learn the basics of working with ceramics, then sketch your ideas of your favorite places like parks, gardens, or houses. Bring them to life by constructing miniature homes and characters that belong in a place of your choice.
9. From Sketch to Finish
Teaching artist: Erica Scott
6-8th Grade
Saturdays, February 22 - May 3, 1:30 - 4 pm Studio 4 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Learn the art of blending techniques using acrylic paints, watercolors, and color pencils. Play with the ways in which color, form, and technique work harmoniously to unify a series of artworks. Create a variety of paintings and sketches that will showcase your skills.
10. Sculpting Stories: Painting & Sculpture
Teaching artist: Jesús González Flores
6-8 grade
Wednesdays, February 19 - April 30, 5 - 7:30 pm Studio 5 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Explore experimental painting and 3D scenes. Use watercolor, gouache, and collage to make dioramas, vignettes, and shadow boxes! Through various mediums create narrative pieces using found objects to tell a story. Learn how to use various materials like paper, fabric, found objects, and paint 3D scenes inside of a sculpted box.
11. Level Up Printmaking
Teaching artist: Jose Casales
6-8 grade
Saturdays, February 22 - May 3, 10 am - 12:30 pm Studio 7 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Print like a pro! In this skilled printmaking class, dive deeper into the exciting world of print art. Immerse yourself in traditional and experimental printmaking methods. Learn how to create complex layers, textures, and patterns, to make each print unique. Perfect for those with some printmaking experience.
12. Set the Zine: Comics & Storytelling
Teaching artist: Sofia Clason
6-8 grade
Saturdays, February 22 - May 3, 10 am - 12:30 pm
Studio 3 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Transform your stories into finished works of digital art. Explore the basics of drawing, collage, and digital techniques to create a personal zine about your interests, then bring your comic characters to life. This class gives you the tools to express yourself in unique, creative ways.
13. From Wire to Attire: Jewelry Design
Teaching artist: Destiny Harris
6-8 grade
Thursdays, February 20 - May 1, 5 - 7:30 pm
Studio 8 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Learn the basics of wire jewelry making and discover how to transform simple wire into beautiful, wearable art. Using techniques like twisting, coiling, and shaping, create stunning necklaces, bracelets, rings, and more! Explore different types of wire, beads, and charms to personalize your designs and bring your unique style to life.
14. Puppet Studio: Crafting Characters
Teaching artist: Mariarosa Rizzi
6-8 grade
Saturdays, February 22 - May 3, 1:30 PM - 4 PM
Studio 5 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Get ready to bring your imagination to life in this hands-on puppet-making class! Learn how to design and build your own puppets using materials like fabric, felt, and found objects. Explore different styles of puppets like hand puppets and marionettes. Bring your creation to life with a performance on your own puppet theater stage.
15. Handmade Stories: Creative Bookmaking
Teaching artist: Jimena Hernandez
6-8 grade
Wednesdays, February 19 - April 30, 5 - 7:30 PM Studio 7 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Dive into the art of bookmaking to create your own one-of-a-kind books! Learn the basics of designing and crafting books from scratch. Explore techniques like making paper, book charms, and paper marbling to create your own sketchbook. Build a collection of handmade pieces perfect for storytellers and artists.
::: HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES :::
16. Graphic Design Essentials
Teaching artist: Nancy Alvarado Rosas
9-12th Grade
Saturdays, February 22 - May 4, 1:30 - 4 pm Studio 1 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Step into the world of digital design and discover how to bring your creative ideas to life! Learn the foundations of graphic design from typography and color theory to layout and composition. Using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, explore how graphic design is used in everything from logos and posters to websites and social media.
17. Figure it Out: Painting the Nude Body
Teaching artist: Mel Cook White
9-12th Grade
Saturdays, February 22 - May 3, 10 am - 12:30 pm Studio 4 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
This oil painting class invites you to explore the art of figure painting through the study of the human form. Using live nude models, learn techniques for capturing anatomy, proportion, and gesture while developing shading, color mixing, and brushwork skills. Experiment with different styles and learn to express movement, emotion, and perspective in your work while building your portfolio. Live nude models for this class will require parental permission.
18. Portraits in Focus: Digital Photography
Teaching artist: Gina Santellano
9-12th graders
Thursday, February 20 - May 1, 5 - 7:30 pm
Studio 1 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Explore the world of digital portrait photography! Learn essential techniques to capture compelling portraits from lighting and composition to editing and retouching with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Take portraits that express personality, emotion, and style.
19. Pots for Plants: Wheel Throwing Ceramics
Teaching artist: Ari Karafiol
9-12th grade
Saturdays, February 22 - April 30 , 1:30 - 4 pm Studio 6 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Learn how to throw on the potter's wheel or use handbuilding techniques to create beautiful functional artworks like a pot for your favorite plant! Whether you're new to clay or building on past experience, this class is a fantastic opportunity to dive into the world of ceramics.
20. Design to Print
Teaching artist: Lyndsay Murphree
9-12 grade
Thursdays, February 20 - May 1, 5 - 7:30 pm Studio 5 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Design to Print is an opportunity for young people (ages 16-18) to be hired as commissioned artists to create one-of-a-kind designs for Marwen’s greeting card line. Young artists will receive a $300 stipend to create gouache paintings that will be scanned and printed as a greeting card for sale. Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/MarwenD2P.
21. From Film to Photo: Advanced Darkroom
Teaching artist: L o t i
9-12 grade
Thursdays, February 20 - May 1, 5 - 7:30 pm
Studio 2 | Status: AVAILABLE SPOTS
Develop your own negatives and create stunning prints using classic darkroom techniques. Explore the entire process from loading and developing film to enlarging and printing images on photographic paper. Learn light exposure, composition, and the technical aspects of film photography.
Have questions? Reach out to us anytime at registrar@marwen.org or via phone or text at 312.374.2968.
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