Water Street Studios School of Art
Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water Street, Batavia, IL 60134
About
Water Street Studios School of Art offers drawing, painting, ceramics, crafting, and other forms of creating for kids and teens. Over 800 students participate annually in the School of Art programs.
• Ages: 7–18 years old
• Schedule: Visit Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm.
Water Street Studios began as a shared vision in 2007 and opened to the public in 2009. It was founded in 2009 and is housed in a historical building dating back to 1886 that was once a windmill factory from the 1890s, with limestone walls, exposed beams, and curated art. The organization advances the creation and appreciation of the arts by supporting artists, patrons, students, and surrounding communities through exhibitions, education, public art, and creative initiatives. It is home to one of the largest art studios in the Chicagoland suburbs, with 25 resident artist studios and award winning galleries, and features three galleries: the Dempsey Family Gallery, KC Magazine Gallery, and a second-floor Community Gallery. The galleries host 11 annual exhibitions in over 4,000 square feet of gallery space, and 2nd Fridays@WSS monthly exhibit receptions from 6–9 pm with free entry, opportunities to meet the artists, a cash bar, and occasionally live music. The Ceramics Lab operates on a subscription-based model with professional quality wheels, tools, glazes, and shared equipment, and the Clay Lab currently serves more than 40 active subscribers and maintains a waitlist.
Water Street Studios works with local funding organizations to secure grants that make art sessions for children, teens, and families possible through outreach partnerships. Through the Water Street Studios Public Art Initiative, it partners with local organizations to organize outdoor art installations and community-focused events in Batavia and the greater Fox Valley, including the City of Good Energy gateway mural, the Art of the Fox partnership, and the Wave Petunia Mural.
One parent notes that their children have taken a variety of classes at the School of Art and have explored ceramics, painting, textiles, and a satellite class at Fermi Lab that included learning the art of physics. Resident artists and board members describe Water Street Studios as a place with a collaborative community of artists, a creative and supportive environment, and a concentrated community of artists that offers learning and exhibition opportunities.
Last updated May 26, 2026.
• Ages: 7–18 years old
• Schedule: Visit Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm.
Water Street Studios began as a shared vision in 2007 and opened to the public in 2009. It was founded in 2009 and is housed in a historical building dating back to 1886 that was once a windmill factory from the 1890s, with limestone walls, exposed beams, and curated art. The organization advances the creation and appreciation of the arts by supporting artists, patrons, students, and surrounding communities through exhibitions, education, public art, and creative initiatives. It is home to one of the largest art studios in the Chicagoland suburbs, with 25 resident artist studios and award winning galleries, and features three galleries: the Dempsey Family Gallery, KC Magazine Gallery, and a second-floor Community Gallery. The galleries host 11 annual exhibitions in over 4,000 square feet of gallery space, and 2nd Fridays@WSS monthly exhibit receptions from 6–9 pm with free entry, opportunities to meet the artists, a cash bar, and occasionally live music. The Ceramics Lab operates on a subscription-based model with professional quality wheels, tools, glazes, and shared equipment, and the Clay Lab currently serves more than 40 active subscribers and maintains a waitlist.
Water Street Studios works with local funding organizations to secure grants that make art sessions for children, teens, and families possible through outreach partnerships. Through the Water Street Studios Public Art Initiative, it partners with local organizations to organize outdoor art installations and community-focused events in Batavia and the greater Fox Valley, including the City of Good Energy gateway mural, the Art of the Fox partnership, and the Wave Petunia Mural.
One parent notes that their children have taken a variety of classes at the School of Art and have explored ceramics, painting, textiles, and a satellite class at Fermi Lab that included learning the art of physics. Resident artists and board members describe Water Street Studios as a place with a collaborative community of artists, a creative and supportive environment, and a concentrated community of artists that offers learning and exhibition opportunities.
Last updated May 26, 2026.
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