Spring Break 2025 Workshops

Spend your break with us! During CPS Spring Break, March 24-28, Marwen will offer FREE artmaking workshops designed and led by Marwen Emerging Teaching Artists to young people in grades 6-12. Experiment with sculpture, drawing, fashion, printmaking, photography, and more! 

Marwen will host half-day, 2-hour workshops (10 am - noon; 1-3 pm) where you can learn a variety of skills, collaborate with Marwen artists, and learn directly from a celebrated Chicago emerging teaching artist. These workshops offer the chance to immerse yourself in a specific artistic practice for the day.

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Registration is open February 25 - March 22. Registration is required for all artmaking workshops and is open to all 6-12th grade students. Confirmations will be emailed of your selected workshops within 2-3 business days. 

Questions? Reach out to us at registrar@marwen.org or 312.374.2968. 

MONDAY | MARCH 24

Beading and Beyond: Jewelry Workshop

Brianna Van Schoyck | 10 AM-12 PM | STUDIO 7 | GRADES 6-12

[WORKSHOP FULL]

Learn creative bead weaving techniques to design beautiful pieces of jewelry. From simple knots to stitches you will learn how to step up your jewelry design skills. By the end of the workshop you’ll walk out wearing your own beaded bracelet, necklace, and/or earrings!

Reimagine Fashion: T-Shirt Workshop

Fiona Ffrench | 1-3 PM | STUDIO 8 | GRADES 6-12

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Upcycling isn’t just trendy, it’s fun and easy! Learn simple T-shirt modifications to reimagine and up your fashion game. Follow along with templates to design a new T-shirt by cutting, tying, knotting, and sewing the T-shirt of your choice.

TUESDAY | MARCH 25

Dreamscape Visions: Painting Workshop

Niara Stephens| 10 AM-12 PM | STUDIO 4 | GRADES 6-12

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Tired of the same? Cut out the boredom by creating surreal paintings! Learn collage techniques using stencils, photos, paint markers, and decorative paper to bring your wildest dreams to life. Reimagine your world by drawing inspiration from artists from history and pop culture. 

Posters & Prints: Stamp Making Workshop

Alexee Aitken | 1-3 PM | STUDIO 7  | GRADES 6-12

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In this collaborative stamp making workshop, learn printmaking techniques to create your very own posters. From symbols to characters, transfer your design and carve out a stamp to print. Walk out with a one-of-a-kind poster that will be sure to catch peoples’ attention.

WEDNESDAY | MARCH 26

Monster Mash: Drawing Workshop

Cristina Martínez Serrano| 10 AM-12 PM | STUDIO 4 | GRADES 6-12

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Bring your monsters to life. Use pencil, ink, and markers to learn the basic principles of character design and anatomy. Get inspired by using examples from creepy animals, unique aliens, or fantasy creatures. Time to get weird!

My Favorite Things: Sculpture Workshop

October Sharify| 1-3 PM | STUDIO 5 | GRADES 6-12

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Need a place for your most prized possessions? In this workshop create a unique trinket box using cardboard and paint. Learn basic sculpture and embellishment techniques to take your designs to the next level. 

Digital Explorations: Game Design Workshop

Charlie Phillips | 1-3 PM | STUDIO 1 | GRADES 6-12

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Are you a computer game lover who is curious about how games are designed? Using your own storyboard, design a simple 8-bit computer game including music. At the end of the workshop, upload your game onto a gaming platform to play. Game on!

THURSDAY | MARCH 27

Charmed: Ornament Making Workshop

Angel Mendoza | 10 AM-12 PM | STUDIO 5  | GRADES 6-12

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In need of a good luck charm? Look no further! Learn a range of metal embossing techniques inspired by the history of Mexican Milagros. Transform soda cans into ornaments and trinkets that will bring you luck for years to come.

Sun Prints: Photography Workshop

Natia Ser | 1-3 PM | STUDIO 7 | GRADES 6-12

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Chase the blues away by getting your hands dirty in this DIY cyanotype print workshop. By using light, discover old school ways of making photographic prints that will develop right in front of your eyes! Experiment with found objects and drawing techniques to create a series of prints. 

FRIDAY | MARCH 28

Plushie Pals: Fibers Workshop

Lucian Noel | 10 AM-12 PM | STUDIO 5 | GRADES 6-12

[WORKSHOP FULL]

Bring your characters to life! From 2D to 3D, design a fluffy friend and turn them into lovable (or not-so-lovable) plushies. Learn how to stuff, decorate, and sew on personal touches to put your pal together. You will leave the workshop with your very own plushie!

Patched Together: Fashion Workshop

Tyreil Griffin | 1-3 PM | STUDIO 8 | GRADES 6-12

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Looking to design your own custom patch, but don’t know where to start? Learn how to use basic hand stitching to create a unique patch for a tote bag or beenie. Embellish your patch with buttons and sequins that reflect your personal style. Your imagination is the limit. 

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