• Support the Arts Today

    Art organizations get only a small fraction of donations because many don’t see the arts as essential, but we at Water Street Studios beg to differ. Art is preventative care. Producing art, crafting, and creating, reduce stress and can reset destructive thought patterns. Art unifies communities and inspires communication. Art is life.

    Donate

  • Visit Our Award Winning Galleries

    Water Street Studios is home to one of the largest art studios in all of the Chicagoland Suburbs, featuring three unique galleries. We invite you to visit the first-floor Dempsey Family Gallery, and KC Magazine Gallery, and our NEW second-floor Community Gallery.

    View Upcoming Shows

  • Nurture Your Inner Artist at the School of Art

    Whether you want to learn the basics, expand your skill set, or just try something new, you will benefit from our high-quality courses and workshops led by experienced teaching artists.
    Classes for ages 7 +

    View Course Catalogue

  • Join Us at One of Our Community Events

    Looking for inspiration? Art is at the heart of all our gatherings. Gallery receptions are held monthly and we offer several unique events throughout the year. Click the button below to view our Calendar.

    Upcoming Events

  • Explore Artist Opportunities

    Water Street Studios is the art hub of the Fox Valley. We offer artist studio residences and clay maker subscriptions, exhibition opportunities, networking events, and so much more.

    Learn More

  • Rent Our Beautiful Historic Space

    Looking for a truly unique venue? Our building was once a windmill factory from the 1890s! The limestone walls, exposed beams, and curated art will leave your guests in awe.

    Rental Info

Welcome to Water Street Studios

Founded in 2009, Water Street Studios is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that serves as a welcoming home for self-discovery and expression. A community for artists of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of education, and for those who love art. We champion art and culture that inspires, educates, provokes, heals, and unifies. We work to provide artistic opportunities for those who may not have access to them and to spread awareness of all the ways art enhances lives.

Open to the public Fri-Sun 12pm-4pm

Where Creativity Inspires Community.

Interested in Joining Our Community?

Become a member today and enjoy exhibition opportunities, free entry to open calls, discounts on gallery purchases, private rentals, and more!

What Opportunities Does Water Street Studios Offer Artists?

  • Resident Studios

    Looking for affordable studio space to create? We are home to 26 artist studios, inquire about availability today.

    Learn More

  • Exhibitions

    Water Street Studios offers a variety of options to showcase your art. Interested in exhibiting? Check out our Calls for Art

    Calls For Art

  • ClayLab

    Are you a ceramics student or artist in need of space to create? Subscribe to our shared Ceramics Studio, the ClayLab.

    Apply Now

  • Instructor Positions

    We are looking for new instructors who have a passion for education and the arts! Email your ideas today!

    Email School of Art

Interested in Booking a Private Class?

Our workshops offer unique corporate team-building opportunities or make the perfect party for your budding artists’ birthday. Click below to learn more about our customizable private-party packages.

2nd Fridays
@ WSS are
the Place
to be.

Join us to celebrate a new exhibit every second Friday of the month from 6 - 9 pm. Our receptions are FREE because art should be accessible to all. Shows include opportunities to meet the artists, a cash bar, and occasionally live music.

Video Credit: Dave Morris @_davemorris

What People Are Saying About Water Street Studios

Read more or share your experience on social using the hashtag #whyiwaterstreet

  • “Water Street is such a unique, inclusive place for artists and for our community. Take a class, come to our 2nd Friday Art Openings each month, purchase art from one of our Resident Artists - you will immediately feel the benefits of immersing in the Arts through WSS! Art is life, embrace it!”

    Kimberly Luthin
    VP Board of Directors

  • “I've been a resident artist since 2016 and I've enjoyed the collaborative community of talented Water Street Studio artists. The mutually supportive give and take of studio artist interaction has made me a better artist and I've been provided learning and exhibition opportunities available nowhere else.”

    David Wensel
    Director, Resident Artist, Gallery Committee, Collective Member

  • “I see Water Street Studios as a kaleidoscope of potential and possibility. Much like a kaleidoscope, it is always shifting and offering us a new chance for perspective.”

    Carly Palmer
    Resident Artist, Teacher, Community Outreach leader & Gallery Relations

  • "Water Street Studios provides a creative, friendly, and supportive environment among it’s fellow residents, staff and our very hard-working volunteers. We all inspire and learn from one another which showcases our communiy’s commitment to maintain Water Street’s status as a cultural hub in the Fox Valley"

    Sabrina Martin
    Resident Artist

  • "My children LOVE the School of Art. They've taken a variety of classes with amazing instructors. Water Street Studios has given them the opportunity to explore ceramics, painting, textiles and even learn the art of physics at a satellite class at Fermi Lab! My husband & I are so thankful to have WSS in our community!"

    Bonnie Baumgartner
    Secretary Board of Directors

  • "A concentrated community of artists is what drew me to Water Street Studios; the energy, vision, inspiration and support of my fellow artists is what keeps me at Water Street after almost 14 years. Water Street Studios is a great place for an artist to feel supported and grow their work."

    Lisa Dienst-Thomas
    Resident Artist

Donate to Support The Arts Today!