Water Street Studios opens new exhibit

Water Street Studios will hold a public opening reception for its fifth anniversary exhibit from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14. This contemporary art exhibit will run Nov. 14-Jan. 2. Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

At 7 p.m., awards for best of show will be announced by guest juror, prominent Chicago gallerist Monique Meloche. A cash bar and light hors d'oeuvres will be available, courtesy of hospitality sponsor Wasilas Insurance Group.

Meloche is the founder of moniquemeloche gallery and Gallery Weekend Chicago. Meloche has a master's degree in art history from School of the Art Institute of Chicago and worked with the Museum of Contemporary Art and Rhona Hoffman Gallery, before founding her own gallery in October 2000.

moniquemeloche has built a reputation as one of the premier galleries in Chicago, working with an international group of emerging artists in all media. moniquemeloche consistently presents conceptually challenging installations in Chicago and at art fairs internationally, with an emphasis on curatorial and institutional outreach.

The list of exhibiting artists includes: Deirdre Schanen, Campton Hills; Deana Cizek and James Jenkins, both of Geneva; Tia McCarthy, Oswego; Nate Matthews, Bartlett; Gina Robbins, Oak Park; Jamie Foster, Naperville; Michelle Hartney, Dana Major, Chris Gans, Theo Willis, Margaret Bobo-Dancy, and Krista Svalbonas, all of Chicago; Sara Willadsen, Sheboygan Falls, Wis.; Sara Risley, Milwaukee; Erin Elizabeth, Bloomington; Katie Hinton, Decatur; and Erin Hayden, Normal.

Water Street Studios is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization founded to advance art education and appreciation by developing the promotion of fine arts in Batavia and neighboring communities.

As an integral part of the community, Water Street Studios strives to create a personal and diverse venue for creativity, collaboration, expression, and education.

Located in downtown Batavia, the studio is housed in a renovated 16,000-square-foot limestone building. It is a comprehensive art center featuring 28 artist studios, three classrooms and two galleries.

For details, visit www.waterstreetstudios.com or call (630) 761-9977. Follow the studio on Facebook or Twitter.