Batavia Il – Water Street Studios is proud to announce the opening of its first themed show, iLLUMINATE on Friday, January 27 between 6p and 10p. Artists were asked to explore light in all of its forms. "The theme was open to conceptual interpretation,” said Gallery Director, Steven Lockwood. "This show will be beyond anything Water Street Studios has ever done. iLLUMINATE will be more of an 'event' and an ‘experience’ than a show."

Also new for this show is the use of an additional 2,000 sq-ft of gallery space that has been donated by Batavia Enterprises. The space is right off the main gallery, and will be completely darkened and filled with a diverse collection of self-illuminated work. The work ranges from Sean Williams’ backlit photographs, to a video produced by Chris Hodge, to Bree Gomez's interactive public sculpture.

Guest juror for this show is Frank Maugeri, Co-Artistic Director of Redmoon. "The Fox Valley is lucky to have such a resource. Water Street Studios brings together a talented community of artists who, together, are making a real social impact on the Fox Valley," said Maugeri. "The art in the gallery is beautiful and the leadership is impressive, but the key to the continued success of Water Street Studios is its artistic integrity. They have brought together a lot of artists who live in an area, who experiment and explore and create under one roof for the larger community. Water Street Studios is an environment that is authentically happening in a way that is impressive to me. I think that the potential for Water Street Studios to be influential to Chicago and other galleries around the state is significant."

"As for this show, iLLUMINATE," added Maugeri, "what is really exciting is that Water Street Studios is premiering a space to the public. The theme of light and luminance has been approached provocatively and dynamically."

Frank will be in attendance at the opening to announce “Best of Show” at 7p. The best of show award will go to one of the six honorable mention artists: Alvaro Amat, Bree Gomez, Jennifer Cronin, Jim Kirkhoff, Jim Jenkins and Sean Williams.

In conjunction with the main gallery opening is a show in the 2nd Floor Gallery featuring the work of students from regions elementary schools. "In parallel to every gallery opening we feature work by student artists," said Kari Kraus, Education Director for Water Street Studios. "This is a great way for young artists to show their work and for their friends and family to share a wonderful experience with them."

During the opening, most of the 28 artist studios will be open and everyone is welcome to venture in, explore and talk with the artists.

For more information call 630.761.9977 or visit http://www.waterstreetstudios.com/

For more information on the Honorable Mention artists and Frank Marguri, visit http://www.waterstreetstudios.com/gallery/illuminate-january-27-may-12/honorable-mention-artists