Water Street Studios in Batavia is a wellspring of creativity; artist talk nears

A haven for working artists, art class students and people who love to surround themselves by beauty is found at Water Street Studios in Batavia, whose Shop Artist Made events from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday through May 22 overlap with the Indoor Farmers’ Market running until noon.

The center’s two galleries feature rotating exhibits, and an artist talk with three of the artists is planned in person at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 4, with a recording for virtual viewing to follow.

In addition, people who love the experience of art openings can mark their calendars for each Second Friday date, providing gatherings that are relaxed, non-intimidating and replete with a cash bar. In addition to unveiling the new exhibits each month, the openings give visitors a peek into many of the working artists’ studios in the spacious and historic, multistory stone building.

And for those who’d like to see the artists’ work virtually, visit the newly redesigned website – easy to navigate by clicking on type of medium, artist, price or the curator’s rotating showcases. To view the works, which are all one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces, visit tinyurl.com/hfkm5n3v.

On display until March 6 in the main Dempsey Family Gallery is “Crash – Three Views of Popular Culture,” featuring works by Baby Boy Miller, John Langford and Anton Witek.

In the upstairs Chicago Capital Gallery is “An Overview of Computer Art, 1992-2021.” This collection of work by Steve Sherrell spans three decades. The era’s advancements in technology and the effect on digital imagery are captured in the exhibition by Sherrell, director of exhibits at Water Street Studios.

Regular gallery hours currently are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Artist talk

Sherrell will moderate the Artist Talk featuring the artists of “Crash.” Langford, Witek and Miller will discuss the work featured in the show, their careers in art and the creative process. The free event has limited seating and will be recorded for release at a later date. Reservations are required to attend in person at shawurl.com/3eet.

Shop Artist Made

With art fairs and markets closed, many artists and artisans have not had many opportunities to connect with the public, a news release stated. A team of Water Street Studios artists started the market during the holiday season, and the organization is extending it, hoping to see it grow.

“A lot of people think buying something handmade equals a higher price tag,” Laura of Laura Lynne Art, stated in the release. “However, most artists who sell at shows and markets know they need to have a large range of prices. For example, you can buy a print, small handmade earrings, or a hand-painted card for under $10 in my studio all the way up to the price of a large original mixed-media artwork in the thousands.”

People visiting the center are asked to wear masks and observe social distancing. Water Street Studios is at 160 S. Water St., a few blocks from the Fox River in downtown Batavia. To learn more about the center and its School of Art for all ages, visit waterstreetstudios.org or call 630-761-9977.