
If you were at our event or would like to share your thoughts about events like these, please feel very welcome to post -- member or not! (Though you really should join WHAM -- you're missing out on lots of fun classes and events.)
WHAM made a big splash at the Festival de la Gente in Bill Gentry Park in El Mirage on Sept 29th. Community became artists on Friday and pitched in to create a painting to be displayed at El Mirage City Hall. A lot of young artists took up their brushes and put their talents to work. Each artist got their names credited on the sides of the canvas to make their claim to artistic fame and tons of fun were had by all. ME Odom encouraged all to put their idea for a rose on the canvas. The project drew a crowd and young and old and in-between were drawn to the paint in progress. It certainly proves art fascinates young and old alike. ![]() The WHAM project was certainly a big hit at the festival and drew smiles and appreciation from everyone. All in all the group did a fine job -- we only wish we could have stayed longer to finish the painting. If you were at our event or would like to share your thoughts about events like these, please feel very welcome to post -- member or not! (Though you really should join WHAM -- you're missing out on lots of fun classes and events.)
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Artwork Archive Looking for a creative community that offers valuable support, career development, and benefits galore? Join an artist association! Already a member? From volunteering to attending art shows and workshops, there are so many ways to get more involved. We spoke with the President and CEO of the American Impressionist Society, Debra Joy Groesser, about the three main benefits of artist associations and how joining one can help you grow your career. 1. Gain Valuable Knowledge Be sure to attend the association’s exhibitions if you can, whether you’re in them or not. For me personally, I found that attending a show that I was not accepted into and seeing the work in person helped me understand why my work didn’t get accepted. It also motivated me to work harder, improve my work, and try again. Shows often do a reception and awards presentation where you can not only see all the work, but meet the show judge and other artists, and see the awards that are given out. Many associations also have educational programs in conjunction with the exhibition opening. You can listen to speakers, watch programs, and take workshops. This year at the American Impressionist Society exhibition, we offered a museum tour and three lectures: one on the history of impressionism, an art marketing presentation, and one on color and painting the impressionist landscape. We offered a three day workshop and also did an all-member paintout which was very well attended and lots of fun! The more organizations you’re a part of, the more opportunities you have: more shows you can enter, more educational opportunities, and more potential exposure for your work. 2. Make Wonderful Connections Associations provide fantastic networking opportunities. Relationships are so important in the art world, not only with other artists but with potential collectors and gallery owners. Again, go to the shows if you can, whether you have work in them or not–it’s a great way to connect with people. The more involved you are, the more people you will meet. You can volunteer to help with different aspects of the organization. Participate in paintouts and other events the association may offer. Artist associations often have a Facebook group just for members where they can post and share their work. AIS’s Facebook group is a great place for our members to interact. They can post their work there regardless of whether they enter our shows or not. 3. Enhance Your Art Career Participating in an artist association and its exhibitions can build your resume and earn you recognition. Many offer different levels of membership, including signature membership for those who meet specific criteria (being accepted in a certain number of exhibitions for example). Many AIS members who have achieved signature membership tell us that it has been a benefit to their career. It gives them more credibility in the eyes of collectors and galleries. We love hearing that we’ve helped so many artists and careers–it motivates us every day. Artist associations are also a wonderful way to get feedback so you can continue to grow. Some organizations offer critique services. The first time I attended an Oil Painters of America (OPA) national exhibition, I signed up for a critique from a signature member and it was so helpful. I wasn’t accepted into the show but I decided to go anyway, on the advice of another artist friend of mine. Not only was the critique helpful, but, again, being able to see the exhibition in person helped me to understand why my painting wasn’t accepted and motivated me to work harder to improve and try again. And the connections I’ve made through attending shows have opened many doors and opportunities that have helped my career tremendously. Click the search button where I've put another red arrow and you should see something like this. Click on the selct button for the first entry -- WHAM in Surprise, AZ Check the box and click the "start shopping" button where I've put the two arrows On your desktop you will see something like this. Drag the box onto your favorites toolbar If you use your phone to shop at Amazon, at smile.amazon.com click those three dots in the top corner It will open up a menu. Select - "Add to home screen" where I've put the arrow It will put an Amazon Smile icon on your phone like this: Then all you have to do is click that icon and it will automatically open up smile.amazon.com on your phone. Then all you have to do is shop like you normally do. Products eligible for Amazon smile will show this on the product page: All products listed as "Amazon Prime" should be eligible for donations. Remember: you pay the EXACT SAME PRICE whether you use Amazon smile or not. The only difference is that Amazon makes a donation to WHAM when you use Amazon Smile and helps us to continue to do our community art programs for veterans, children, and residents of the West Valley.
I've got to go now. Saw something at Amazon Smile that I want to get. ![]() Another year of great bowls to choose from. Hundreds of hours and hundreds of bowls by many ceramic artists. They gave their time and talent to help WHAM add funds to a variety of local charities to help feed our hungry in the West Valley. If you missed Saturday's event, there are still some bowls for sale at WHAM's Art Center. If you did make it, please let us know your thoughts.
There is no doubt the Equine Visions Exhibition was a rousing success with over 200 visitors at the final reception alone. With styles ranging from realistic to fantasy, there was a wide variety of brilliant artwork and unique visions for visitors to feast their eyes. Let us know what was your favorite. The exhibition jury had a difficult time with so many fine pieces of art, but finally awarded the Best in Show to Brenda Morgan for "Spirited Philly" seen below. Young students who are working with WHAM artists and members of the WHAM Teen Art Club are putting on a show of their creative art work here in the WHAM West Gallery.
Have you visited the WHAM West Gallery lately? You'd be surprised how much we do and how many of your friends and neighbors participate. Come on out and take a look -- you may be very pleasantly surprised.
![]() Art classes make great childhood memories. You will always remember that summer you made friends and created that work of art in a WHAM Summer Camp class. To get your child involved click on this link: Classes There are also e-mail links on that page where you can email the artist running each class to discuss how your child will benefit. Make this a special summer for your child! ![]() One of the many perks Teen Wham members have already enjoyed is free tickets to the 2017 Comicon! And this year's Comicon was absolutely huge! 4 floors of exhibitors, artists, writers, publishers, and so much more! Members got to get up close to personalities, get autographs, and discuss their favorite characters!
![]() Were you with us at Comicon? Did you go on your own? Be sure to reply with a comment and tell us your story! We'd also like to hear what you think of events like this one.
![]() The Recycled Art Festival held at WHAM was a resounding success with over 2000 visitors and a great time was had by the entire family. There were activities for kids and for adults and it was clear everyone was having a great time. ![]() The recycled fashion show for the adults was really amazing and the crowds around the runway made it clear that this was a big hit with the crowd. Meanwhile --- back inside WHAM headquarters, there was a stunning display of artwork using the recycled theme from artists all around the Valley -- and visitors from throughout the state and throughout the country had to come and and see what the excitement was all about. The art contest featured recycled-themed art from artists throughout the community. Congrats go out to first place winner, Gigi Ordway for a truly impressive piece that you really had to view in person to fully appreciate.
An even bigger and more impressive Recycled Art Festival is already in the planning for next year! But you don't have to wait -- there are plenty of events going on right now, such as the Abstract Impact exhibit and be sure to check the event calendar on our home page so you won't miss out on fun for the entire family! Were you there at the festival? We'd loved to hear about your experience and your feedback helps us to plan better and better for community events. |
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