Impressions of a City: Drawings by Marvin Young

The City of Chicago and its people are celebrated in this exhibition of works by Chicago-based artist Marvin Young. A lifelong resident of Chicago’s South Side, Young joined Arts of Life​’s progressive studio for artists with intellectual and physical disabilities in 2024. Using graphite, colored pencil, crayon, pen and marker, Young creates vivid drawings that reflect his community and personal history, capturing imagined and remembered urban scenes alongside large-scale portraits. Young’s architectural landscapes feature vintage Chicago walk-ups, brownstones and high rises framed by bright skies and classic cars, taxi cabs, police officers and bustling city life. The exhibition showcases Young’s vision and prolific practice.