WHAM Cafe Blog

WHAM AT FESTIVAL DE LA GENTE

9/30/2018

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.

Even one of the dance performers had to stop by to show off her brushwork.

An old hands helped to pitch in

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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January 24, 2018 SMILE FOR US AT AMAZON SMILE!

1/24/2018

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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.

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November 26th, 2017

11/26/2017

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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.

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vanguard artists on exhibit at wham

10/22/2017

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Arrangement by Barbara Niemi

The Vanguard Artists is a group of professional artists from Sun City West. The Group was formed in 1977 to enrich the community through networking, education, and fine art.

Their work is on exhibit at the WHAM West Gallery from now through October 31st.

The public is invited to come to WHAM and see these works from local artists up close and personal.

IpanemaStyle-JoanHahnWidman

They're artistic works ranges from realism to impressionism and the abstract. It's a great opportunity to see work from area artists and get inspired in your own work.

Admission is always free and our friendly staff would love to see you.

Corabella by Sandy Sperry

WHAM always has work from great local artists on display and it pretty much the West Valley hangout for artists, art instructors, art collectors, and lovers of current artwork.

We also love feedback of our exhibits, so be sure to post your comments below.

Crossroads-KarenMayfield

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equine visions exhibition

9/3/2017

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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.

The number of entries and the number of visitors clearly shows that the events and participation at Wham West Gallery are growing.

Be sure to check our events calendar on the home page so that you don't miss out on a great event for the whole family.

student art exhibit -- july 25th Thru july 29th

7/23/2017

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CHILDREN OF ALL AGES ARE BECOMING YOUNG ARTISTS BY PARTICIPATING IN WHAM ART CLASSES

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.

Maddison begins work on a new painting

Our young student artists use a variety of mediums -- ranging from pen-and-ink through acrylics and watercolors and ceramics.

The range of subject matter is introduced by our artist instructors and encourages a wide range of creative interpretations by our young artists.

There will be an artists' reception on Friday, July 28th at 5 pm and light refreshments will be served. It's a great opportunity to talk to the young artists and their parents and see how they were inspired. Bring the kids.

It's also a chance to see if you have your own budding artist in the family.

Our local creative kids have put aside the video games to create some great artwork. The range of styles and levels of talent are pretty amazing and creativity is alive and well in our West Valley children.

Their current artwork is on display in the West Gallery from July 25th through the 29th. Come out to the gallery to enjoy their work in the main gallery area and while you are here you can also view the hundreds of works from our regular WHAM artists.

Be sure to bring the kids - this display is sure to inspire their creativity and get their imaginations going.

Clay Artwork

WHAM has classes and programs for all ages going on all year round and all the participants in our programs get a burst of enthusiasm and inspiration.

As a non-profit organization, WHAM is dedicated to serving the community of the West Valley through art and visual communications.

Everyone who participates in our programs are sure to be energized with enthusiasm that show in everything they do in life because they have touched their creative mind.

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.

Veterans art show 7-5 to 7-24 at wham west gallery

7/2/2017

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Thanks to generous donations from the community WHAM is able to present FREE Veterans and First Responders programs at the WHAM Art Center in Surprise and the Peoria Community Center in Old Town Peoria.

The response from the veterans community has been so positive and the work has been really impressive.

Starting from July 3rd and running through the 24th the artwork from veterans will be on display and for sale, at the WHAM West Gallery at the WHAM Art Center in Surprise.

WHAM has been offering to Veterans art classes free of charge for 3 years to those who have served our country and recently we have opened classes to First Responders who serve our community.

We'd love to see you visit and enjoy the work our veterans have created and tell us your response to seeing it within this blog.

Veteran Artists

TAKING A LOOK AT Summer camp CLASSES for children

6/18/2017

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WHAM has gathered a number of artists with experience teaching art classes to children from 4 to 18 years old. Each child will see self-confidence grow as art skills improve. It's so common for a participant in our art classes to say "I didn't know I could do something like this!"

Researchers agree children's art classes improve student academic skills, motor skills, decision making, and even behavior. And psychologists agree children who make art on a regular basis are happy and successful and have an advantage in life.

So it's time to put down the video games and TV remote and have some real fun with other imaginative kids in a WHAM Summer Camp classes.

There's a wide range of classes to choose from, modeling with clay, drawing, bead jewelry, alcohol ink, mixed media, and painting.

Just about every kid will find the kind of art that gets him or her excited while participating in a class with others just as excited about art.

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!

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TEEN WHAM AT THE PHOENIX COMICON

5/28/2017

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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!

Ready for a night of fun

Teen WHAM members and their parents got free tickets to the Phoenix Comicon as one of the many perks of being a Teen WHAM member
to join Teen WHAM click on this link: TeenWHAM Art Club

IT'S SHOWTIME!

Pikachu captures 3 members

Teen WHAM members can be scary

Teen WHAM meets with royalty

Captain Jack is ready to make teen WHAM members walk the plank!

Shouldn't you be a member of Teen WHAM? Join us now!
TeenWHAM Art Club

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.

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wham recycle arts festival and fashion show

5/3/2017

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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.

There was a lot of participation by the kids and everyone was blown away by their creativity and enthusiasm. Kids can really do some fantastic things when they get excited about it.

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.

Gigi Ordway --FIRST PLACE

Steampunk helps a winner

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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WHAM AT FESTIVAL DE LA GENTE

January 24, 2018 SMILE FOR US AT AMAZON SMILE!

November 26th, 2017

vanguard artists on exhibit at wham

equine visions exhibition

student art exhibit -- july 25th Thru july 29th

Veterans art show 7-5 to 7-24 at wham west gallery

TAKING A LOOK AT Summer camp CLASSES for children

TEEN WHAM AT THE PHOENIX COMICON

wham recycle arts festival and fashion show

WHAM CAFE

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