Spring 2024 Art Classes @ Marwen
Updated: Nov 20
Register for FREE classes! Feb 21 - May 4, 2024
Photos: Young people creating artwork throughout Marwen's studios.
[Haga clic aquí para ver y registrarse para cursos en Español]
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 2023/24 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 Saturday, November 18 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! To get started, first complete our Interest Form. We'll follow up via email to schedule a required, in person, 2-hour orientation at Marwen (833 N. Orleans Street) for Saturday, December 9 or Saturday, January 20, where you will get a full tour of our galleries and studios, meet staff, and be able to register on the spot.
Key information:
Spring session runs February 21 - May 4, 2024.
There are no classes during CPS Spring Break, March 25-29. Marwen will host a series of free art workshops that week (registration is separate and announced in February).
Spring Term offers 23 unique 10-week in-person classes and one unique 5-week Zoom class.
Click here to read Marwen Eligibility Requirements.
All art materials and supplies are provided by Marwen and our generous donors.
All experience levels are welcome!
Young people can register for up to 2 classes per term (terms include Spring, Summer, Fall).
Each in-person course meets 1 day a week and runs for 10 weeks:
Wednesdays from 5-7:30 pm
Thursdays from 5-7:30 pm
Saturday mornings from 10 am-12:30 pm
Saturday afternoons from 1:30-4 pm
Have questions? Reach out to us anytime at registrar@marwen.org or via text at 312.374.2968.
MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSES
COURSE #1
Mixed Media Mash Up: Printmaking & Sculpture
Teaching Artist: Carrie Byington-Oei
6-8th grade
STUDIO 5
Thursdays, February 22 - May 2, 5-7:30 pm
Jump into the fascinating world of collage art. Through hands-on exploration of color, texture, and layering, you will create exciting images onto paper and beyond. Learn different ways to draw, color, and transform your art. Create group sculptures and mash up your mixed media madness!
COURSE #2
Design, Print, and Upcycle: Fashion & Fiber
Teaching Artist: Nat LaChall
6-8th grade
STUDIO 8
Wednesdays, February 21 - May 1, 5-7:30 pm
Are you ready to add a touch of magic to your wardrobe or transform your living space with unique artistry? Embark on an exciting journey into the world of fabric manipulation and learn various fabric techniques to craft stunning patterns, colors, and clothes you can wear.
COURSE #3
Animation Journey: Storytelling & Premiere Pro
Teaching Artist: Samantha Valdivia
6-8th grade
STUDIO 1
Thursdays, February 22 - May 2, 5 - 7:30 pm
Welcome to an exciting adventure in the world of animation! Go on a journey from the very beginning of storytelling of an animated project to its final editing stages. Get ready to unleash your creativity using Character Animator and Premiere Pro to bring your stories to life through animation.
COURSE #4
Banners of Expression: Design your Flag
Teaching Artist: Marz
6-8th grade
STUDIO 7
Wednesdays, February 21 - May 1, 5 - 7:30 pm
Have you ever wanted to make your flag? Flags can represent your passions, worlds, ideas, and even PLANETS. Learn to hand sew fabrics to create your design. Represent your culture and ideas to create something truly unique to you.
COURSE #5
Photo Magic: Illustrate & Play!
Teaching Artist: Sydney Walters
6-8th grade
STUDIO 3
Thursdays, February 22 - May 2, 5 - 7:30 pm
Unleash your creativity and expand your visual horizons by exploring photography methods. From light painting and multiple exposures to alternative printing methods, learn multiple styles and choose one technique for your final artwork, which could be a digital print or a digital character created in Photoshop.
COURSE #6
Junior Filmmakers: Actions & Imagination!
Teaching Artist: Philip Alvy
6-8th grade
STUDIO 3
Wednesdays, February 21 - May 1, 5 - 7:30 pm
Calling all movie fans! Want to produce and direct a short film? Explore the fundamentals of visual storytelling and film production. Learn to use cameras and edit in iMovie. Build your filmmaking skills and create music videos, silent films, horror films, and more.
COURSE #7
Stitch & Stuff: Plushie Making
Teaching Artist: Emma Casillas
6-8th grade
STUDIO 8
Saturdays, February 24 - May 4, 1:30 - 4 pm
Make a plushie! Design and sew playful 3D stuffed fabric figures, and create fun, furry monsters and characters from your own imagination. Use fabric and basic sewing techniques to embellish your one-of-a-kind plushies with stitching, buttons, and sequins.
COURSE #8
Monster Ceramics
Teaching Artist: Francisco Thornton
6-8th grade
STUDIO 6
Saturdays, February 24 - May 4, 10 am - 12:30 pm
When you think of something scary, what kind of monsters come to mind? Learn to expand the pinch pot method and sculpting techniques. The end result is a fantastic sculpture that's not just a creation but a masterpiece, ready to grace your room, home, or any place where your monster's unique charm will shine. Give life to your ceramic creation!
COURSE #9
Artistic Adventures: Exploring Painting
Teaching Artist: Erica Scott
6-8th grade
STUDIO 5
Saturdays, February 24 - May 4, 10 am - 12:30 pm
Learn the art of blending techniques using acrylic paints, watercolor paints, and color pencils. Play with the ways in which color, form, and technique work harmoniously to unify a series of artworks. You’ll create a variety of paintings and sketches that will showcase your skills.
COURSE #10
City Scenes: Street Photography
Teaching Artist: Jocelyn Corona
6-8th grade
STUDIO 2
Saturdays, February 24 - May 4, 1:30 - 4 PM
Step into the world of street photography, and immerse yourself in capturing the magic of the city with fellow passionate photographers. Learn the art of capturing everyday scenes and the skill of editing using Adobe software. Add new photography skills to your toolkit!
COURSE #11
Mixed Media: Sketching & Painting
Teaching Artist: Corinne Creswell
6-8th grade
STUDIO 5
Saturdays, February 24 - May 4, 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Have you thought about your creative expressions as a way to make a difference in the world? Through various mediums like painting, sketching, and mixed media, students will uncover the power of their artistic voice. Make beautiful creations on canvas, paper, and other materials your imagination can dream up.
COURSE #12
Drawing Fundamentals
Teaching Artist: TBA
6-8th grade
STUDIO 4
Saturday, February 24 - May 4, 1:30 - 4 PM
Explore the fundamentals of drawing through various techniques and mediums. From pencil sketches to ink illustrations, students will learn to bring their ideas to life on paper. Dive into various mediums, techniques, and styles to discover your unique, artistic voice.
HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES
COURSE #13
Record. Rewind. Play: Music Video Production
Teaching Artist: Maricela Ramirez
9-12th grade
STUDIO 3
Saturdays, February 24 - May 4, 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Learn the ins and outs of video production by creating your own music videos. Gain experience in storyboarding, producing, directing, and editing while exploring career paths in the video production industry.
COURSE #14
Framing Reality: Street Photography
Teaching Artist: Nick Moody
9-12th grade
STUDIO 2
Saturdays, February 24 - May 4, 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Become a visual storyteller and step into the vibrant world of street photography. Explore the bustling city of Chicago through the camera lens. Use your camera as a platform for self-expression and examining the world around you. Expand your photography skills in composition, lighting and create amazing portraits that represent you and the city.
COURSE #15
Art Fusion: Paper Weaving & Collage
Teaching Artist: Maya Kosover
9-12th grade
STUDIO 3
Saturdays, February 24 - May 4, 1:30 - 4 PM
Rip. Cut. Sew. Transform photographs through collage and weave paper. Use magazines to make your own patterned paper and intuitive mark-making. Craft art with your own personal message by remixing mediums with your creativity.
COURSE #16
Panels at Play: From Drawings to Comics
Teaching Artist: Nefertiti Abdulmalik
9-12 grade
STUDIO: 7
Saturdays, February 24 - May 4, 1:30 - 4 PM
Share and transform your stories into finished works of digital art. Through a combination of discussion prompts, videos, and music playlists, you will use you will use your sketchbooks content, traditional/digital drawing techniques and Photoshop to create comics in your own unique style.
COURSE #17
Extrodinary Everyday Objects: Ceramics
Teaching Artist: Ari Karafiol
9-12th grade
STUDIO 6
Thursdays, February 22 - May 2, 5 - 7:30 PM
Discover the joys of creating functional ceramic objects like bowls and cups. Learn various techniques such as wheel throwing, handbuilding, and glazing. Whether you’re a newcomer or returning, this course offers an exciting opportunity to dive into the world of ceramics and learn how to make everyday objects.
COURSE #18
Trust the Process: Screenprinting Intro
Teaching Artist: Jose Casales
9-12 grade
STUDIO 7
Saturdays, February 24 - May 4, 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Explore diverse printmaking techniques! Immerse yourself in a vibrant array of traditional and experimental printmaking methods. As you master these skills, you'll have the freedom to create your own unique and original works of art, like printing with silk screens and using stamps.
COURSE #19
Design to Print
Teaching Artist: Lyndsay Murphree
Ages 16-18; application required
STUDIO 4
Thursdays, February 22 - May 2, 5 - 7:30 PM
Design to Print is an opportunity for young people (ages 16-18) to be hired as commissioned artists to design one-of-a-kind artwork for Marwen’s greeting card line. Young artists ages 16+ will receive a $300 stipend to create gouache paintings for their card design. Applications are required to participate. Apply at https://tinyurl.com/MarwenD2P
COURSE #20
Rug Making 101
Teaching Artist: Esosa Edebiri
9-12 grade
STUDIO 8
Saturdays, February 24 - May 4, 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Step into the rich world of textile artistry! This hands-on course will take you on a journey through the fascinating craft of rug creation, where you'll discover techniques such as punch needles, loop and cut piles, tassels, and more. Build your skills behind crafting stunning and unique pieces of work.
COURSE #21
Develop Your Image: Darkroom Photography
Teaching Artist: L o t i
9-12 grade
STUDIO 2
Thursday, February 24 - May 2, 5 - 7:30 PM
Explore and build upon your darkroom experience by enhancing your skills in black-and-white photography. You'll work in a wet darkroom with chemicals and red lights, learn developing techniques, and walk away knowing how to get a beautiful print using traditional photographic techniques.
COURSE #22
Makers Studio: Stickers, Posters, & More
Teaching Artist: TBA
9-12 grade
STUDIO 5
Wednesday, February 21 - May 2, 5 - 7:30 PM
Learn to use digital software to create cool designs that can be made into stickers, posters, and other kinds of personalized merch! Whether you're drawn to creating unique designs for yourself or for others, this course is here to help you develop your style and cultivate your artistic voice.
ONLINE/VIRTUAL CLASS
Online courses are open to middle and high school students, 6-12th grades.
COURSE #22
Comic Drawings & Beyond
5-week mini-course ON ZOOM
Teaching Artist: Tor
6-12th grade
Saturdays, October 24 - November 18, 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Learn how to draw and sell comics! Explore the fundamentals of drawing using inkwork techniques and collage to put together comics and books that you can share with your friends. Create stories from scratch to develop a meaningful anthology.
"MARCH MADNESS" WORKSHOPS
A series of free pathways workshops are held every Tuesday, 5- 6:30 pm throughout the month of March. Registration is recommended. Workshops are held in person or on zoom and are open to the public.
Workshop #1
Designing Visuals
Tuesday, March 5, 5-6:30 pm
Studio 1
Guest Speaker: Antonio García
Design your very own logo while learning about the career path of a graphic designer! Join us in conversation with Marwen trustee Antonio Garcia, who is also an executive design leader, illustrator, maker, and educator. Learn about the graphic design industry and ask questions while picking up some design skills on the fly.
Workshop #2
Financial Planning
Tuesday, March 12, 5 - 6:30 pm
Zoom
Guest Speaker: Dansen Mayhay
Join us for an intimate session on workshopping through elements of a financial plan. Dansen Mayhay, a Marwen alum, will provide insight on how to build a balanced budget, learn about good vs bad debt, and identify elements of a strong financial foundation.
Workshop #3
Life after Marwen
Tuesday, March 19, 5- 6:30 pm
Studio 3
Guest speakers: Recent Marwen Alumni
Curious about what life after Marwen is like? Join us for a conversation about schools, jobs and next steps! We will be joined by a panel of recent Marwen graduates who took courses just like you. Learn about their first steps as high school graduates, and ask questions about art school, college, and even what it's like to come back to Marwen as a teaching artist.
Workshop #4
Art + Resilience
Tuesday, March 26, 5- 6:30 pm
Studio 3
Join us for a workshop that holds space for community healing and learning about Islamic art, experiences, and resilience. More details to come.
Have questions? Reach out to us anytime at registrar@marwen.org or via text at 312.374.2968.