About Us:

WHAM is a non-profit art movement that supports, advances, and promotes artistc awareness, participation, and expresstion in all areas of VISUAL ARTS.

WHAM was created primarily to support the Northwest Valley of Phoenix, Arizona which includes (but not limited to) : Surprise, Sun City West, Sun City, Youngtown, El Mirage, N. Peoria, West Glendale, Buckeye and Wickenburg areas.

The Northwest Valley is growing rapidly with most focus on building resident housing and businesses. The communities of the Northwest Valley are hungry for identy, a sence of uniqueniess, and pride. ART showcases the vibrancy of a growing area. An art movement dedicated to promote community art awareness, and participation can be instrumental in contributing to the overall stability, and advertisement of the Northwest Valley as a place you want to live.

Art is a way for residents and businesses to unite and to feel a sense of pride in their community. The West Valley does have some Cultural Centers i.e. Surprise Public Library, Surprise Stadium, and Swimming Park. Not to mention the West Valley Art Museum and Heard Museum. However, with the growing population we are badly in need of more facilities and involvement of the Arts.

With this all said WHAM (What's Happen'n Art Movement) came into fruition. It is apparent there is a local need for the understanding, appreciation, and creation of art as a means to enrich the lives of our community and to make ART a part of the fabric of our society. Why a Movement? A movement's function can be very "liquid or fluid", meaning we can grow and evolve as we go along. The bricks and mortar of this movement are being laid. The vision is a philosophy of 'inclusion' of many types of artists who have a passion about giving back to the community. It's not to say that the individual artist wouldn't benefit from an organization where we can share and learn from each other.

So, you think you'd like to be a member?

WHAM is open to any Northwest Valley Community member or artist 18 (or older) who has the ability and willingness to promote art and to participate in the formation of the movement. The one very important criteria for becoming a member is your effort to make this movement a success.

We are as professional as possible without losing our flexibility. Therefore, we have a board of directors, a mission statement and purpose, by-laws, and annual dues for supplies, business expenses, and advertising.

       o  WHAM's community project "Heritage Tree" at the Surprise Senior Center is complete (see Projects page). Also,( see Events page) for an ART WALK that WHAM is participating in September, 2007.

      o  A steering committee to help in the development and implementation of the movements vision is needed. If you'd like to be on this committee please contact us.

      o Further research and effort is needed to apply for government non-profit 501 (c) 3 rating important for tax exemptions and asking for grants.

      o See proposed coming events and projects for an idea of what to expect from WHAM in the future.

Just a few more notes:********

This Web-Site will be a newsletter to the Northwest Valley Communities, high-lighting upcoming events, projects, exhibits, educational forums, and entertainment. It will also be an avenue for local artists to communicate with each other and to get their own artist talent displayed. See "Artist of the Month", "Artist and Business Links", "Events", "Projects' and "Photo Gallery" at top of this page.

Contact Us:********

Successful organizations know that it takes more than a good plan to succeed. We need the community's feedback. There is a page on this site for questions and comments about WHAM. We encourage you to help us by communicating your thoughts and concerns. A project of this magnitude, however, is not created over night. Words alone cannot make this movement successful. The success of this movement is dependent upon the talented men and women who are dedicated and disciplined to make it happen. It takes vision. It takes consensus. It takes a sense of purpose!!!!

Request for WHAM's support for your artistic visions and ideas is very much encouraged. Please fill out your request on the Contact Us page and we will get back to you.

Thank you for visiting our Web-Site and we hope to hear from you soon and to have you as a member.

The above information about WHAM was written by Connie Whitlock, founder of the organization.