Programs

MARNmentorship

MARNmentorship is a competitive one year mentorship program offering emerging artists the opportunity to partner with local established artists to further their artistic practice while engaging in building a career as a working artist. The goal of the year-long program is to create a vibrating space of potential between a Mentor and Mentee in order to enhance the professional and community development between Mentees. 

Community Arts Program

MARN is pleased to announce our Community Arts Program (CAP) exhibition at O’Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong, & Laing S.C. law firm at 111 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee WI 53202. This exhibition is set to run from July 18, 2023-July 16, 2024. 

The mission of the Community Arts Program (CAP) is to serve as a liaison between our MARN members and corporate initiatives by taking on projects such as art curation, purchasing, and installation within borrower and employee spaces. Facilitating these projects allows our partner businesses the benefit of enjoying original local artwork on a day-to-day basis as well as offering greater exposure and potential future sales for our member artists.  

MARNexchange

MARNexchange is a monthly programming event created to empower artists through thoughtful and constructive critique to foster a vibrant community that values growth, collaboration, and artistic excellence. 

Through our critique program, we seek to bridge the gap between aspiring creators and seasoned professionals, encouraging a dynamic exchange of ideas that transcends boundaries and inspires new artistic possibilities. This program is founded on the principles of respect, empathy, and a commitment to diverse perspectives that enrich the creative process. We aim to create an environment where artists feel safe to share their work, knowing that they will receive constructive criticism aimed at nurturing their artistic vision. 

The MARNexchange is free and open to the public!

  • At least a week before the exchange, you will be emailed to submit 8-10 work samples (in-progress works are acceptable) and a short needs assessment survey which will be shared with the moderators for review in advance.

    Thirty minutes before the beginning of the exchange, participants are encouraged to come and mingle, and enjoy the current exhibition and offerings from the MARN Cafe!

  • Following brief introductions of both moderators and participants, each participant will be given 15-20 minutes dedicated to providing feedback on their work. Works that can be brought to the Exchange may be finished or in progress digital or physical pieces.

  • Participants must wait at least 1 Exchange cycle before reapplying again to leave space for other artists to participate. For example, if you participate in January’s Exchange, you must wait until March’s Exchange to RSVP again.

  • Artists are encouraged to get on MARN’s email list and visit Opportunities for Artists for open application periods.

    For further questions contact samantha@marnarts.org

Testimonials

  • “I got so many new ideas that were deeper, richer, more textured, more diverse, more creative and more intelligent than I ever dreamed of. I can go on from here to create more intelligently.”

    — Ann Baer

  • “The MARNsalon experience was a great way to build friendships, to strengthen professionalism (in) one’s practice, and to detach oneself from one’s work in order to view it as objectively as possible, the latter being possible only by way of external input from the visiting curators and fellow artists… as a direct result of the MARNsalon, I was asked by Michael Flanagin and Mary Overman to be a part of the Walker’s Point Center for the Arts’ Time Arts Continuum exhibition.”

    — Dean Valadez

  • “I had a one person show… preparation is the same for the smaller MARNsalon, just on a much bigger scale. Knowing what to do, i.e.; how to present your work, price it, promote it and attend the show is what we all need to know and practice before hitting the bigger venues.”

    — Patty Heibel

  • “My involvement in the MARNsalon show directly resulted in a solo show at another gallery a few months later. I also sold one of my pieces which was a nice bonus. Collaborating with other artists is something that I very much enjoy and I connected with some good people at this show… It’s easy for me to recommend being a part of the MARNsalon to other artists.”

    — Ari Rosenthal

  • “My experience participating in the MARNsalon was incredibly positive and beneficial. For an artist working outside of the major art centers having access to nationally recognized curators, thinkers, and writers is an incredible resource. My visit proved to be spirited and engaging. It provided me with fresh insights into my work and critical dialogue regarding my intentions and interests.”

    — Shane Walsh