Water Street Studios opens art show in Batavia
Submitted by Water Street Studios
Water Street Studios, 160 W. Wilson St. in Batavia, will hold the opening of its third anniversary show from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28. The guest juror for this show is Sergio Gomez, owner and director of 33 Contemporary Gallery and curator and director of exhibitions at the Zhou B. Art Center in Chicago.
“We are really honored to be working with Sergio on this show,” said Steven Lockwood, gallery director for Water Street Studios. “Not only is Sergio well known as an artist and curator in the region, but he recently had a solo show at the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm and the Regional Museum of Natural Science in Turin, Italy.”
At 7 p.m., Gomez will announce the Best of Show artist. Seventy-one artists submitted to the show and a total of 28 were accepted to display their work in the main gallery. Of that group, only seven were selected as Honorable Mention artists, including Fawn Clark-Perterson of Aurora, Jennifer Cronin of Chicago, Rita Grendze of Geneva, Tim Kowalczyk of Minonk, Todd Serrano of Naperville, Steve Sherrell of Oswego and Ana Zanic of Naperville.
“This is an impressive group of artists and one will receive the honor as Best of Show,” Lockwood said. “Their work is diverse, ranging from ceramics and mixed media (paper/metal/fiber), to painting in oil, acrylic and watercolors.”
“The last three years have been wonderful,” said Jim Kirkhoff, director of development and public relations for Water Street Studios. “At first, we were seen as something for Batavia. Now we are receiving serious attention from artists and curators from the entire region. Not only has this led to a significant cultural renaissance for the entire Fox Valley, but a serious engine for economic development.
“What is most exciting is that we have only begun,” Kirkhoff added.
In conjunction with the main gallery opening is a show on the second floor of Water Street Studios in the Kane County Chronicle Gallery featuring the work of students from Water Street Studios School of Art.
“With every show, we feature student work in the KCC Gallery,” said Caroline Baty-Barr, School of Art Director at Water Street Studios. “Almost all of our students approach art as a hobby. It is a great way to show the public what they can accomplish with the right instructor and some dedication.”
During the opening, the 28 artist studios will be open. The public is welcome to wander the facility, venture into the studios, explore and talk with the artists.
For information call (630) 761-9977 or visit www.waterstreetstudios.com.