Batavia, IL – Water Street Studios’ upcoming exhibition unites four artists using a variety of media, compressing layers of individual experiences, relationships, and the contemplation of passing time in the exhibition title, “Through the Surface”. Janice Meister (mixed media), Paul Schranz (digital/photography), Robin Trew (video/installation) and Carol Weber (mixed media) explore the deep richness of layers both literal and figurative contributes to works that hold layers of meaning beyond the external surface in the Dempsey Family Gallery located on the first floor of Water Street Studios.

Paul Schranz has created synthetic collage works employing an expanded definition of photography for the past two decades. Schranz combines various elements to create a single image filled with layers including man-made objects, plants, animals and human forms, both living and dead. His current body of work is a series entitled “In These Times,” which also fits the overall concept of the “Through the Surface” exhibition. He shares, “I consider each piece to say something about contemporary issues like life and death, injustice, the plight of the environment, dehumanization, and in every case, the mystery and reality of time. My work often portrays an ongoing struggle between order and disorder, planning and disintegration, in today’s competing theaters of social, political, religious, scientific, and of course, personal concerns.”

Robin Trew is a video artist living in Downers Grove, IL. Her work focuses on creating personal imagery and presenting it in a context that shows the beauty, wonder and ponderous interest in the ordinary. Everyday images are layered and distorted to give new meaning. The images are combined with soundtracks that weave in and out of a narrative that includes poetry, sound effects, and conversation. While basically self-taught, Robin has worked in the corporate world as a video producer.

Janice F Meister is a printmaker/mixed media artist and member of Studio Conversations. Jan, a retired art educator resides in Crete, IL. A love of nature and organic forms has long been the center of her artwork. This focus takes her beyond a visual description and allows Jan to explore elements related to defining the subject. A passion for drawing, collage, printmaking, and mixed media construction lies in the endless variety of techniques available for Jan to manipulate materials and express ideas. Varied subjects may be handled with traditional techniques and alternative approaches. Abstract landscapes and iconographic images become elaborate mixed-media mono-print constructions. Textures, layers of color, and obscured lines together with text are achieved with natural materials and recycled elements with handmade papers and segments of bound books to add dimension to the works. Janice’s combined media works have been exhibited in National and International Exhibitions and are in several private and corporate collections.

Carol Weber was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and actively pursued art since a

very young age. She moved to Illinois as an MFA student at Northern Illinois University and has remained in the Chicago vicinity since that time, exhibiting extensively in the

Midwest region. Weber taught art at South Suburban College and is currently a cocurator for Gallery 201 at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL. Weber draws inspiration from nature and architecture, particularly buildings that are a little worn around the edges and landscapes that enthuse a sense of quiet awe. Weber shares, “The combination and reaction of different materials is interesting, expressive and challenging to me. My thoughts while working are often immersed in the stories of our lives. The pieces are imbued with implied narratives and atmospheres that take on a new life while embracing the past.”

The Chicago Capital Gallery Kevin McQueen Lonergan II’s self-titled exhibition will be on display in the Chicago Capital Gallery located on the second floor of Water Street Studios.

This well-known, Quad Cities artist suffered a stroke at the age of 41, which completely debilitated his right side and painting hand. This exhibition invites audiences to observe Kevin’s will to create using his left-hand to produce artwork that demands your attention.

According to the Rock Island Dispatch, Kevin Lonergan is one of the Quad-Cities’ leading mural and graffiti artists. You can find his murals at Pig Pen, on the side of Pizza Chef at Five Points, the John Deere Pavilion and along the Bix race route. He also designs skateboards for amateurs and pros alike.

Opening reception for “Through the Surface” and “Kevin McQueen Lonergan II” will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019, from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

The artists will be present at the reception to discuss their work and answer questions. In addition, appetizers will be provided by Gaetano’s Batavia, cash bar featuring beer from Solemn Oath Brewery, and wine will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public.

We encourage all visitors to make a $5 donation at the door to support arts programming at Water Street Studios. A special thank you to event sponsor, K.Hollis Jewelers and Batavia Enterprises Inc. Don’t forget to share your photos with us during the event by using #2ndFridaysBatavia
We are partnering with the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet during our 2nd Friday Gallery Opening Receptions. We are happy to accept donations on their behalf. Please consider bringing an item from their current needs list that can be found at www.bataviafoodpantry.org. Thank you.

Both gallery exhibits will continue to be on display until Saturday, July 6, 2019, at 5 pm. The exhibits in both galleries can be visited during regular public hours: Thursday-Sunday from 12:00-5:00 p.m. at 160 S. Water Street in Batavia, IL 60510.

About Water Street Studios
Water Street Studios is a nonprofit art center located in Batavia, Illinois. Our mission is to help make the arts more accessible to the Fox Valley region and beyond. Our vision is to be a cultural hub in the Midwest. We provide our ever-growing community with art classes, artist studios, community events, gallery exhibitions, free after-school art programs, outreach, private events in a historic venue, and more. Learn more by visiting www.waterstreetstudios.org.

Water Street Studios is committed to maintaining a welcoming and safe environment for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion or disability.