Water Street Studios
Water Street Studios is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization in Batavia, Illinois, operating 26 artist studios, a ClayLab ceramics subscription facility, three galleries, a School of Art for ages 7+, and a public art initiative serving the Fox Valley and Chicagoland suburbs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersBatavia, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Water Street Studios does
Water Street Studios is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization (legal entity Batavia Artists Association NFP Inc., EIN 26-3014509) founded in 2009 and headquartered at 160 S. Water Street, Batavia, Illinois, in a 16,000 sq ft former 1890s windmill factory. It operates one of the largest art studio complexes in the Chicagoland suburbs, comprising 26 resident artist studios (currently at capacity with waitlist), a shared ClayLab ceramics subscription facility (at capacity with waitlist), three galleries — Dempsey Family Gallery (1,719 sq ft), KC Magazine Gallery, and a second-floor Community Gallery — and the School of Art offering classes and workshops for ages 7 and up across ceramics, drawing, painting, and mixed media. Additional programs include a volunteer-run Public Art Initiative producing murals around Batavia, an Artist Collective providing guaranteed exhibitions, the monthly Water Street Makers Market, the Water Street Writers quarterly reading series, and the annual All in for Art fundraiser.
The organization monetizes through a diversified mix of recurring and transactional streams: annual memberships, recurring ClayLab subscriptions (6-month and 1-year terms), School of Art class fees registered via the Amilia platform, gift cards, Dempsey Family Gallery event rentals ($150-$300/hour depending on weekday/weekend), corporate team-building and birthday-party packages, juried Makers Market booth fees ($10 application fee plus booth rental), Community Gallery submission fees ($25 members / $35 non-members), and tax-deductible donations and grants from sources including Batavia United Way and the Illinois Arts Council. Distribution is overwhelmingly physical and regional (Fox Valley / Chicagoland suburbs), supported by a Squarespace website, an Instagram presence (@waterstreetstudios), an email newsletter, local press (KCMag/Shaw Local), and partnerships with City of Batavia, Kiss the Sky, Warehouse 55, Batavia MainStreet, Republic of Letters, Brother Chimp Brewing, and Wave Gardening. The organization does not use proprietary technology beyond standard SMB tools (Squarespace, Amilia, Donorbox, Givebutter, mailing-list manager) and reports no AI/ML capability. Revenue, headcount (1-10 employees), and detailed financials are not publicly disclosed.
Water Street Studios firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Water Street Studios
- Legal name
- Batavia Artists Association NFP Inc.
- Website
- https://waterstreetstudios.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Water Street Studios is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization in Batavia, Illinois, operating 26 artist studios, a ClayLab ceramics subscription facility, three galleries, a School of Art for ages 7+, and a public art initiative serving the Fox Valley and Chicagoland suburbs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Water Street Studios is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Batavia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Water Street Studios business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: Annual membership program providing exhibition opportunities, free entry to open calls, discounts on gallery purchases, and private rentals. Available to artists, community members, and supporters.
- Art Classes and Workshops: High-quality courses and workshops led by experienced teaching artists for ages 7 and up. Classes offered in mixed media, ceramics, drawing, painting, youth classes, and summer camps. Classes registered through Amilia platform.
- ClayLab Subscriptions: Shared Ceramics Studio subscriptions for 6 months or 1 year, providing 24-hour access to wheels, tools, glazes, and basic supplies. Subscriptions are currently at capacity with waitlist available.
- Event Rentals: Private event rentals of gallery spaces including Dempsey Family Gallery (1,719 sq ft) for weddings, corporate events, birthday celebrations, and community gatherings. Venue features historic limestone walls and original art backdrop.
- Private Classes and Parties: Customizable private-party packages including corporate team-building opportunities and birthday parties for budding artists.
- Donations and Grants: Tax-deductible contributions from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and institutional grants from organizations like Batavia United Way and Illinois Arts Council. EIN 26-3014509.
- Gift Cards: Gift certificates available for purchase through the Amilia store, allowing recipients to redeem for classes, memberships, or other offerings.
- Vendor Booth Fees: Water Street Makers Market vendor fees including application fee ($10 non-refundable) and booth rental for monthly winter market events featuring local artists and artisans.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Dempsey Family Gallery Event Rental - Weekend (Fri/Sat/Sun) |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Dempsey Family Gallery Event Rental - Weekday (Mon-Thurs) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Optional Add-Ons |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | ClayLab Subscription Terms |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | ClayLab Application Fee |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Water Street Makers Market Booth Rental |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Community Gallery Submission Fees |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Water Street Studios product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Water Street Studios is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community arts center that provides 26 affordable resident artist studios, a shared ceramics studio (ClayLab), three exhibition galleries, and a School of Art offering classes and workshops for ages 7 and up. It operates a Public Art Initiative, hosts the Water Street Makers Market and Second Fridays receptions, and rents its historic 1890s building for private events. Revenue is generated through memberships, class tuition, ClayLab subscriptions, gallery submissions, event rentals, vendor booth fees, donations, and grants.
Product overview
Water Street Studios is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization founded in 2009, offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs centered around community arts access. The organization provides multiple interconnected services: Resident Artist Studios (26 affordable studio spaces for individual artists), ClayLab (shared ceramics studio subscriptions), the School of Art (courses and workshops for ages 7+), three galleries (Dempsey Family Gallery, KC Magazine Gallery, and Community Gallery), an Artist Collective with guaranteed exhibitions, a Public Art Initiative creating community murals, Private Event Rentals in their historic 1890s building, the Water Street Makers Market (monthly artisan market), and the Water Street Writers reading series. The organization also offers Membership, Custom Group Art Workshops, and hosts the annual All in for Art fundraiser. These programs are unified by the mission to provide artistic opportunities for those who may not have access and to spread awareness of how art enhances lives.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Resident Artist Studios Affordable studio spaces for individual artists, with 26 available studios offering 24/7 access, averaging 225 sq. ft. each, with wheelchair accessibility on the first floor. Studios are currently at capacity with a waitlist available. Target customers are professional and emerging visual artists.
- ClayLab A shared ceramics studio offering 6-month or 1-year subscriptions with 24-hour access, including wheels, tools, bats, glazes, sponges, and basic supplies for ceramic artists. Subscriptions are currently at capacity with a waitlist available. A $10 non-refundable application fee is required.
- School of Art High-quality art courses and workshops led by experienced teaching artists for all ages (7+), covering ceramics, drawing, painting, mixed media, youth classes, and summer camps. Classes are registered through the Amilia platform and are available for individuals, families, and groups.
- Dempsey Family & KC Magazine Galleries Award-winning first-floor galleries featuring rotating monthly exhibitions of Chicagoland artists. The Dempsey Family Gallery offers 1,719 sq. ft. of exhibition space with original limestone walls and hardwood floors. The KC Magazine Gallery complements the programming as a secondary exhibition venue.
- Community Gallery Second-floor gallery offering recurring opportunities for area artists to display and sell artwork, hosting six juried shows annually with various themes. Artists 18+ may submit two pieces per exhibit. Submission fees: $25 for Annual Members, $35 for non-members.
- Artist Collective A community of professional artists providing guaranteed exhibitions, gallery representation, and professional growth opportunities for members. Targets working artists seeking institutional support for their practice.
- Public Art Initiative (WSSPAI) A volunteer-run committee creating public art installations in Batavia and the Fox Valley region, including murals at City Hall, public plazas, and community spaces. Partners with the City of Batavia, The Conservation Foundation, and other civic organizations.
- Private Event Rentals Event venue rental in the historic 1890s windmill factory space, offering the Dempsey Family Gallery for birthdays, corporate events, anniversaries, weddings, and community gatherings. The 16,000 sq. ft. venue features original limestone walls, exposed beams, and curated art backdrop. Rates: $150/hr weekday, $250/hr weekend, $300/hr holiday weekends.
- Water Street Makers Market Monthly one-day artisan market held in winter months (December through April) featuring a juried selection of local artists and makers selling handmade goods. At least 70% of products must be handmade. Application fee: $10 non-refundable.
- Membership Program Annual membership offering exhibition opportunities, free entry to open calls, discounts on gallery purchases, private rental benefits, and other perks to artists, community members, and supporters.
- All in for Art Fundraiser Annual casino-themed fundraiser event supporting Water Street Studios operations, featuring games, raffles, live music, and community celebration. Targets donors, sponsors, and community supporters.
- Water Street Writers A curated quarterly reading series featuring local authors from the Chicagoland area, held in the Dempsey Family Gallery. Includes open mic opportunities and book sales with a suggested $5 donation. Sponsored by Republic of Letters.
- Second Fridays in the Arts District Monthly gallery opening receptions held on the second Friday of each month from 6-9pm, featuring free admission, artist meet-and-greets, cash bar, and occasional live music. Partners with Kiss the Sky and Warehouse 55.
- Custom Group Art Workshops Customizable private-party packages for corporate team-building events or birthday parties for budding artists, led by experienced teaching artists. Targets corporations and families seeking group art experiences.
Quantifiable outcome
- Serving community since 2009 as 501(c)(3) nonprofit
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Water Street Studios
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Water Street Studios technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Water Street Studios partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Batavia MainStreetcoreCo-presenter of Winterfest Art Market, an annual three-day holiday market spanning multiple venues in downtown Batavia. Partnership supports local arts and economic development in the community.
- Batavia United WaycoreGrant provider supporting community programming including Community Day events and creative activities for local families.
- Illinois Arts CouncilcoreGrant support for the Community Gallery's 'What's Your Story?' 2026 exhibition series, providing cultural programming for the region.
- The Conservation FoundationminorPartnered on Art of the Fox Mural Series (2024), a collection of 10 murals at the Jeffery D. Scheilke Government Center connecting viewers to Fox River communities.
- City of BataviacoreHost venue for America at 250 mural project at City Hall, and ongoing public art installations at government center and public spaces throughout the city.
- Kiss the SkyminorLocal art gallery neighbor and partner for Second Fridays in the Arts District. Co-hosts gallery receptions and special events including live music during openings.
- Warehouse 55minorArts district neighbor participating in Second Fridays events, extending the collaborative art walk experience.
- Brother Chimp BrewingminorHosted 'Rising Tides' exhibition featuring resident artists Sharon Feller and Caitlin Palagi at their North Aurora location before the venue's closure.
- Republic of LettersminorSponsors Water Street Writers reading series featuring local Chicagoland authors. Partnership supports literary arts programming.
- Wave GardeningminorCorporate sponsor of Wave Petunia Mural (2023), a unique collaboration between corporation and community art center.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Water Street Studios competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Torpedo Factory Art Center: Alexandria, VA nonprofit artist studio complex home to dozens of working artist studios, multiple galleries, and art classes in a historic industrial building. Closest structural analog: large studio complex plus galleries in a repurposed historic facility.
- Beverly Arts Center: Chicago-area nonprofit cultural center offering art classes, exhibitions, and community events. Comparable as a multi-disciplinary community arts nonprofit with classes and gallery programming.
- Lillstreet Art Center: Chicago-based nonprofit art center offering artist studios, ceramics studios, art classes, and galleries. Directly comparable as a multi-program community arts hub with subscription-based ceramics access and School of Art programming.
- Evanston Art Center: Suburban Chicago nonprofit offering art classes, exhibitions, and community programming. Comparable as a regional community art nonprofit serving the northern Chicagoland suburbs.
- Hyde Park Art Center: Chicago nonprofit community art center operating exhibition galleries and arts education programs. Comparable as a 501(c)(3) arts hub serving artists and community members with classes and exhibitions.
- Chicago Artists Coalition: Chicago-based nonprofit supporting working artists with exhibition opportunities, professional development, and advocacy. Comparable as a nonprofit serving the same Resident Artist and Artist Collective segments.
- South Side Community Art Center: Historic Chicago nonprofit art center operating as a cultural hub for artists and community members with exhibitions and education. Comparable as a community-rooted 501(c)(3) arts organization with gallery and class offerings.
Regional players
- Elmhurst Art Museum: Suburban Chicago art museum with rotating exhibitions and educational programming. Comparable as a suburban Chicagoland arts institution serving a similar geographic catchment to Water Street Studios.
Others
- Artspace: National nonprofit that creates affordable artist studio and live/work space. Comparable mission-wise as a nonprofit expanding affordable studio space for working artists, though at a national rather than community scale.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks4 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Water Street Studios social profiles
Digital presenceWater Street Studios compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Water Street Studios financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Water Street Studios leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Water Street Studios funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Water Street Studios M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Water Street Studios
What does Water Street Studios do?
Water Street Studios is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community arts center that provides 26 affordable resident artist studios, a shared ceramics studio (ClayLab), three exhibition galleries, and a School of Art offering classes and workshops for ages 7 and up. It operates a Public Art Initiative, hosts the Water Street Makers Market and Second Fridays receptions, and rents its historic 1890s building for private events. Revenue is generated through memberships, class tuition, ClayLab subscriptions, gallery submissions, event rentals, vendor booth fees, donations, and grants.
Is Water Street Studios a public or private company?
Water Street Studios is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Water Street Studios founded?
Water Street Studios was founded in 2009. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Water Street Studios based?
Water Street Studios is headquartered in Batavia, United States, in the North America region.
How does Water Street Studios make money?
Eight revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are art Classes and Workshops, clayLab Subscriptions, event Rentals, private Classes and Parties, donations and Grants, gift Cards and vendor Booth Fees.
Who are Water Street Studios's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Torpedo Factory Art Center, Beverly Arts Center, Lillstreet Art Center, Evanston Art Center, Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago Artists Coalition and South Side Community Art Center. Elmhurst Art Museum is listed as a regional player. Artspace is listed as an others.
Does Water Street Studios have an API?
No public API is recorded for Water Street Studios.