• You're Invited!

    Please join us on February 22nd at “All in for Art”, a benefit for Water Street Studios. The evening features heavy appetizers, desserts, a full bar, DJ & mock casino games.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 +

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Welcome to Water Street Studios

Founded in 2009, Water Street Studios is a 501(c)(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.

  • Exhibitions

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

  • Instructor Positions

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

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