Behind the Prison Walls

Behind the Prison Walls is a photographic exhibit by Barbara Eberhard of the Old Joliet Prison at Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water Street in Batavia. Opening reception will be held Friday, February 14, 2020 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Barbara's images printed on metal, along with placards of information and installation pieces of barbed wire, give the viewer a look into the life of this prison that was built in 1858 and closed in 2002. Included in the exhibit are images of the inside destruction of the administration building, an underground tunnel, dining hall, chapel and hospital to name a few.

Barbara Eberhard taught photography at the University of St. Francis, Joliet, for over twenty-five years. She is currently a member of Gallery Seven, Chicago Society of Artists, founder of artitude, a travelling art exhibit of seven artists and founder and producer of INSPIRED! live lit, a storytelling venue.

Meet the exhibiting artist and our Resident Artist community during this monthly event. In addition, a cash bar will be available featuring beer from Solemn Oath Brewery and wine selections from The Wine Exchange in St. Charles.

This event is free and open to all ages. 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 our event sponsors: Chicago Capital LLC, Batavia Enterprises Inc., First National Bank, and K.Hollis Jewelers.

This gallery exhibit will continue to be on display until Saturday, March 7, 2020. The exhibit in can be visited during regular public gallery hours: Thursday-Sunday from 12:00-5:00 pm at 160 S. Water Street in Batavia, Illinois.