When the local community learned that an entire collection of works by the late artist and educator Edward Dlugopolski needed t a new home, volunteers stepped up to make it happen.

A discussion with Ed’s wife, Joyce McFarland Dlugopolski, led them to Water Street Studios — an ideal place to care for the art from Ed’s Batavia home studio and arrange a show and sale of the nearly 300 pieces.

Ed and Joyce were long time patrons of the arts, including the Elgin Symphony and the Lyric Opera. It was a natural outcome to have his artwork benefit Water Street Studios, a nonprofit community art center that offers studio space, exhibitions and classes at 160 S. Water Street in Batavia.

Dlugopolski grew up the son of Polish immigrants in Chicago. He won a scholarship to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After serving the Army in Korea, he earned a degree at the University of Chicago. For thirty years he headed the art department at Glenbard West High School.

In 2007, Ed was selected to be the poster artist for Batavia’s Art In Your Eye festival. It was then that organizers visited his studio and saw firsthand his vast collection of art, which was primarily his own work but also included pieces by artist friends.

The organizers were so intrigued by his many self-portraits that a second piece of art was selected for purchase for the Art in Your Eye collection. His artwork not only adorned the annual poster, but both pieces were featured on festival T-shirts and canvas bags that are still treasured by many today. Organizers of Art in Your Eye remained friends with Ed and Joyce long after the Batavia festival ended a few years later.

These same festival organizers and volunteers, many involved with Water Street Studio, were honored to help move, photograph and catalog the artwork from Ed’s Studio. He worked mainly in acrylic and charcoal. His works, mostly framed, range in size from 11” x 11” to very large acrylic works measuring as large as 60” x 41”. 

Besides the self-portraits, there are colorful abstracts, portraits, and a vast collection of life drawings. Of special interest is his homage to his Art Institute teacher and mentor, Boris Anisfeld, a Russian American painter and theater designer. Ed maintained a friendship and art kinship with him for decades.

The entire donated collection of Dlugpolski’s work will be shown and available for purchase, starting in January 2025, with proceeds to benefit Water Street Studios.

Show and Sale – Ed’s Studio: A Celebration of the life and work of Edward Dlugopolski

January 10-12

In January, Water Street Studio's main gallery will be closed due to scheduled maintenance; however, they are hosting a special Second Friday exhibition. It is the grand opening of Ed's Studio: A Celebration of the life and work of Ed Dlugopolski to benefit Water Street Studios. Thanks to friends at Batavia Enterprises Inc, Water Street Studios will be hosting a nearby satellite gallery to showcase the artwork of Dlugopolski.

Joyce Dlugopolski has graciously donated nearly 300 beautiful acrylic and charcoal works of art. These have been carefully cataloged and priced by friends of the late artist. All purchases will benefit Water Street Studios, whose mission is to make art accessible in the Fox Valley area. This satellite studio will be open January 10-12, (Friday 12-9PM, Saturday and Sunday 12-4PM) at 139 First Street (just around the corner from Water Street Studios). The gallery reception will be on Friday from 6-9PM. Complimentary beverages and snacks will be served.

For more information visit www.waterstreetstudios.org/eds-studio

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