The Community Gallery

For the community, by the community

Connection through Community

The Water Street Studios Community Gallery offers reoccurring opportunities for area artists to display (and sell) artwork in a professional setting.

Located on the second floor of Water Street Studios, in the heart of our Resident Artist District, the Community Gallery provides a space for artists to gather, exhibit, and connect with one another and the community monthly.

With six juried shows annually, the Community Gallery covers a variety of themes from social issues to nature to spark meaningful conversations.

The first Community Gallery Show will launch in June of 2026 for an exhibit running during the months of June and July.

Questions about submission guidelines or the jurying process? Visit the FAQs section by clicking the button below.

Calls for Art
FAQs

About the Community Gallery

    • Water Street Studios opens its doors on the second Friday of every month, from 6-9p.m. for art openings, music, drinks, and connection. 

    • The Community Gallery is open on Second Friday and hosts exhibition openings bi-monthly in accordance with the Water Street Studios Second Friday schedule. 

  • The Community Gallery is open regularly Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12p.m. – 4p.m. in addition to Second Fridays. 

    • Area artists 18+ can apply to group shows offered throughout the year at the Community Gallery. 

    • Artists are subject to submission fees of $25 for Water Street Studios Members and $35 for Non-Members. 

    • All art submissions are juried by the Community Gallery Committee. 

  • You can reach us anytime via email at gallery@waterstreetstudios.org

What’s Your Story?

A 2026 Exhibition Series 

Through sharing and creating art, we build connections, learn about each other and our communities, and explore our cultures, values or beliefs. In 2026, Water Street Studios invites you to share your personal story, background or life journey in a new juried art series, What’s Your Story?

This exhibit series is a made up of four two-month long exhibits that are designed to show different sides of you. Submit your work to one show or all of them. We can’t wait to see what you create.

Supported in part by the Illinois Arts Council

Identity

Call for art opens: March 27
Submissions due: May 17
Exhibition runs: June 12-Aug 1

Home

Call for art opens: May 29
Submissions due: July 19
Exhibition runs: Aug 14-Oct 3

Call for Art

Portrait

Call for art opens: July 24
Submissions due: Sept 20
Exhibition runs: Oct 9-Dec 5

Mental Health

Call for art opens: Sept 25
Submissions due: Nov 22
Exhibition runs: Dec 11-Feb 6

FAQs

  • Exhibits are juried using blind review based on artistic merit, theme, technique, creativity, and execution. 

  • There is limited space in the gallery. Size restrictions are enforced to allow for more artists to participate in these community based shows. The committee anticipates hosting around 45 works for each show; however, this number may fluctuate. 

    • $35 for non-members 

  • Each artist (18+) may submit two pieces to each exhibit. 

  • We do not. All artworks must be hand-delivered to the gallery.

  • You will be notified by the end of the week after submissions have closed. Please note that notifications may go out after business hours.