Marwen

Marwen is a nonprofit at 833 N Orleans St in River North that has taught free art classes to Chicago young people since 1987. Courses are for students in grades 6 through 12 and cover ceramics, painting, digital media, video, photography, fashion, comics and more, taught by practicing Chicago artists. Beyond classes, Marwen runs college and career advising, a portfolio day, a college fair, paid creative internships for older teens and a greeting card design program. New families can tour the studios at open house registration events.

What to know

• Classes are free for eligible Chicago students in grades 6 through 12.
• Summer classes run two weeks and meet daily.
• The Brown Line’s Chicago stop is a short walk.