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Water Street Studios reports expansion in programs, outreach and public art after one year of forgivable loan
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Summary
The nonprofit reported expanded classes, studio occupancy, a growing clay lab, outreach partnerships and a public‑art program; leaders said the forgivable loan approved last year supported the organization’s progress.
Water Street Studios told the City Council on May 20 that it has used a city forgivable loan approved last year to expand programming, community outreach and public art projects.
Jessica Jackman, president of Water Street Studios' board, said the organization sees itself as "a welcoming home for self discovery, expression" and gave a one‑year status report on operations and outreach. Jackman told council members the group hosts monthly gallery openings (second Fridays), maintains a membership show with more than 60 participating artists, operates a School of Art with dozens of classes, and runs a summer camp season with registrations totaling more than 800 and roughly 300 distinct art class offerings.
She said Water Street Studios operates 25 artist studios under license agreements and is expanding a clay lab that already has 35 potters and a wait list; the organization recently added a third kiln. The nonprofit also described outreach partnerships with local schools and community organizations, including Larkin High School, Geneva High School, Northern Illinois Food Depository, Mercy Housing and others, plus participation at the Batavia Farmers' Market.
Leaders highlighted a public‑art effort done in partnership with the Conservation Foundation that placed 10 new murals along the river and said they are discussing a "gateway mural" project with a property owner and the Chamber of Commerce. Jackman said 10% of flag sales proceeds (for a separate community flag project) will go to a flag day monument.
Council members and the mayor praised the nonprofit's volunteer leadership and its role in downtown activation. Mayor Jeffrey D. Schuelke noted the organization's evolving use of the building — once a windmill factory and later a wartime manufacturing site — and thanked the group for drawing visitors to Batavia.
What the council received: an informational update; no city action or additional funding was requested at the meeting.
Why it matters: the nonprofit said its classes, gallery openings and public art have increased downtown foot traffic and provided arts access for local students and adults.
Ending: volunteers and city staff were invited to continue coordination on outreach and arts district activities.
