Batavia Illinois – The 5th Ward

Preserving Batavia’s Industrial Heritage

The 16,000-square-foot limestone building at 160 S. Water Street stands as a monument to Batavia’s 19th-century industrial boom. In 1863, the U.S. Wind Engine and Pump Company moved its operations to our city to manufacture Daniel Halladay’s groundbreaking invention: the first commercially successful self-governing windmill. The current Water Street Studios facility was constructed in 1886 as a major expansion of this manufacturing campus.

Following the decline of windmill manufacturing, the site transitioned through various commercial uses. It housed the Batavia Metal Products company and, in its more recent history, portions of the first and second floors were occupied by a community theater and the “All Dressed Up” costume shop.

The transition to an arts center began in 2007 when a coalition of local artists, the City of Batavia, and property owners (Batavia Enterprises) recognized the building’s potential. In the spring of 2008, co-founders Joi Cuartero Austin, Jim Kirkhoff, Kari Kraus, Steven Lockwood, and Sharon Sychta officially formed the Batavia Artists Association. After extensive volunteer-led renovations that preserved the original limestone walls and timber beams, the facility officially opened to the public in 2009, seamlessly blending municipal historical preservation with modern artistic utility.

Cultivating Creativity for Our Families and Community

Water Street Studios divides its expansive layout into public exhibition spaces, private workspaces, and instructional facilities designed to serve residents of all ages.

• Youth Programs & The School of Art: Serving over 800 students annually, the educational hub provides robust programming specifically tailored for children and teens ages 7 through 18. Youth classes and seasonal summer camps focus on foundational techniques in drawing, painting, ceramics, and mixed media. It is an ideal resource for local families looking to supplement their children’s public school education with process-based art instruction.
• The Dempsey Family Gallery: Comprising over 4,000 square feet of primary exhibition space on the first floor, the gallery hosts 11 curated exhibitions annually. It features a dedicated Community Gallery to showcase regional talent and accommodates both standing receptions and seated events.



• Resident Artist Studios: The facility supports 25 subsidized studios tailored for emerging and professional artists. These artists periodically host open studio events, offering the public direct access to their workspaces.



• The Clay Lab: A specialized, shared ceramics studio operating on a subscription basis for over 40 active ceramicists. The lab provides professional-grade wheels, hand-building tools, glazes, and shared kilns.

Civic Impact & Municipal Partnerships

The organization is managed by a core leadership team that includes Executive Director Jessica Jecmen.

A central component of their civic engagement is the Water Street Studios Public Art Initiative (WSSPAI), a volunteer-led committee that coordinates large-scale outdoor installations throughout our wards and municipal spaces.

• State Grants & Public Art: The WSSPAI recently secured a $15,000 Illinois Arts Council grant to fund the upcoming “America 250” mural at Batavia City Hall. This six-panel installation will commemorate local historical milestones, including Fermilab and the region’s 1840s wagon manufacturing industry. In addition, they worked on the “Good Energy” mural in downtown Batavia.
• Awards & Recognition: In addition to state grant funding, the center’s educational programs consistently earn regional accolades. The School of Art was recently recognized by the Quality Business Awards for its service and performance in the Geneva-Batavia area, reflecting high community trust.

Supporting Our Local Arts Economy

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Water Street Studios relies on local patrons through donations, memberships, class registrations, and gallery sales to sustain its operations.

Feature	Details
Address	160 S. Water Street, Batavia, IL 60510
Official Website	waterstreetstudios.org
Class Registration	Explore the course catalog and register for youth and adult classes here
Donations	Support their 501(c)(3) mission via their donation page
Public Hours	Friday – Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Weekdays by appointment)
Gallery Admission	Free (Donations are encouraged at the door)
Event Rentals	The 1,719-square-foot Dempsey Gallery is available for private rentals, accommodating up to 100 standing guests with open catering policies. In addition, kids events, such as art themed birthday parties are an option.

Author: Jim Fahrenbach

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