marwenarts
Career Pathway Workshops Spring 2022
Updated: Feb 25, 2022

This Spring, Marwen is holding weekly workshops on preparing for different post high school pathways (college, arts career, and beyond). Career Pathway Workshops is a weekly series that occurs nearly every Tuesday from February 22 to April 14.
All workshops are free and open to young people interested in planning their next steps.
What to know before you register:
There are 7 unique workshops. You can attend as many as you like!
Workshops start the week of February 21 and end the week of April 12.
You can register up until the time the workshop starts. We encourage you to sign up sooner rather than later, so you don’t miss out.
Open to ALL Chicago young people and emerging artists
Have questions? Reach out to us anytime at ali@marwen.org. Please note that some workshops may be recorded and published through Marwen.

Marwen x Columbia College Chicago’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) Workshop Series: BIPOC
Date: Tuesday, February 22
Time: 5 - 6:30pm
Ever wonder what it’s like to practice art as a BIPOC identifying college student? In this AMA you will have the opportunity to ask current college students who identify as BIPOC what their experience is like perusing their art, craft, and interests at a school for creatives.
ABOUT SPEAKERS:

Estefany Turcios:
My name is Estefany Turcios and I am a screenwriter from Columbus, OH. I've been writing all my life but focused more on Screenwriting when I was a senior in high school. I loved it so much that I am currently getting my Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Screenwriting and hope to one day write and potentially direct films that I can be proud of.

Justus Hightower:
My name is Justus! I’m from Columbia, Missouri and have had a passion for the arts since I was very young. I was a musician for a large portion of my life (10 years to be exact) and currently I’m studying filmmaking in hopes of becoming an actor. My artistic ventures have varied from drawing and painting, to music, as well as film and theater.

Art + Taxes Workshop
Date: Monday, February 28
Time: 5 - 6:30pm
Join tax expert Janet Ecklebarger as she demystifies the income tax filing process for artists and creative practitioners. During this session Janet will guide us through the process of accounting for the many diverse income streams (from contract day jobs to grants, awards and sales) and business-related expenses that comprise the livelihoods of arts practitioners. Tax legislation is always changing and Janet will address how those changes will affect the various situations for artists and other self-employed individuals.
A practicing artist herself, Janet has keen insights into the complexity inherent in filing taxes for creative careers. Her experience working with clients for over 17 years has also contributed to her knowledge of record keeping strategies that can be implemented throughout the year to help you streamline the process.
In addition to sharing her insights on tax-filing best practices for artists, curators, and creative producers, Janet will also be able to address questions pertinent to individualized circumstances.
ABOUT SPEAKER:
Janet Ecklebarger earned her Master’s degree from Cranbrook in 1992. She has been working as a tax associate since 2005 and specializes in deductions for artists, musicians, and other creative types while also offering tax and accounting techniques for the right brained. She is a practicing artist who recently moved to a 30 acre property in North Carolina and is excited to participate in the creative and advocacy community in her new area. You can also find her at tax-scout.com.

Marwen x Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC): All About Scholarships!
Date: Tuesday, March 8
Time: 5 - 6:30pm
Learn about the difference between scholarships and grants, scholarship sources, what elements are included in an application, and how to search for and apply for scholarships!
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is the college
access and financial aid agency in the state of Illinois that
administers scholarship, grant, prepaid tuition, and student loan
repayment/forgiveness programs.

Marwen x Columbia College Chicago’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) Workshop Series: LGBTQIA+
Date: Tuesday, March 22
Time: 5 - 6:30pm
Do you have any questions you’d like to ask fellow college student artists? Marwen students will have the opportunity to interact with current college students who identify as LGBTQIA+ and ask about their experiences living their truth as a student-artist.
ABOUT SPEAKERS:

El C. Concepción:
My name is El C. Concepción, and I am a 21-year-old freelance filmmaker and aspiring director. I am based in Chicago, and I've been studying filmmaking since I was 14 years old. I've had a passion for filmmaking since I wrote my first short film in 2015, and I've been working to better my craft ever since. I am now working towards my Cinema Arts and Sciences BFA in Directing.

Paige Johnson:
My name is Paige, I’m studying creative writing at Columbia College Chicago, and I’ve been practicing my craft since the ninth grade. I’m originally from a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee—where I found my passion in writing. I started out publishing two books worth of fan fiction online, then learned how to formulate ideas of my own into potential fiction, fantasy, and science fiction novels.

Carving Creative Paths: Arts Career Panel
Date: Tuesday, March 29
Time: 5 - 6:30pm
In this workshop, we’ll connect with Marwen alumni who work in the arts and creative fields. Join the conversation, learn about their pathways, and ask questions about how to develop a creative career.

Marwen x Columbia College Chicago’s Ask Me Anything (AMA) Workshop Series: First Generation
Date: Tuesday, April 12
Time: 5 - 6:30pm
Do you identify as First Generation student? Come ask questions, voice your concerns, or just listen to fellow First Generation students share their experiences navigating college while pursuing their art at this AMA workshop.

Portfolio + Development Documentation
Date: Wednesday to Thursday, April 12-14
Time: To Be Determined
More information coming soon. Check back here for more details.
Have questions? Reach out to Andy Li at ali@marwen.org