WHAM: What's Happen'n Art Movement
We believe that art is for everyone
and is proven to support emotional and mental healing.
WHAM is an inclusive local art community in Surprise, Arizona that promotes artistic awareness, expression, and participation through diverse programming and projects, ensuring the arts thrive within our West Valley communities.
WHAM is a founding member of the Arizona Brain Capital Alliance
We are
not-for-profit
WHAM is a community-focused 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making the arts accessible to individuals of all ages, races, abilities and economic backgrounds across the West Valley Cities.
Our Mission is...
To deliver innovative, multidisciplinary programming, exhibits, and projects that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, while enhancing creative development and fostering artistic collaboration for our members and local organizations.​
We work together
WHAM is proud to partner with the Dysart School District, Surprise Arts and Culture, Peoria Arts and Culture, El Mirage Arts, Glendale Arts and Culture, Goodyear Arts and Culture, Avondale Arts and Culture, and Buckeye Arts and Culture.
​​​​​​​​​​WHAM is a proud member of the Arizona Citizens for the Arts,
West Valley Women’s Organization, WESTMARC, Arizona Art Alliance,
Local First Arizona, and the Surprise Chamber of Commerce.​​
What WHAM Offers
Our Facility
Our 8500 sq. ft. Surprise, AZ community art center features 17 artist’s studios, 3 classrooms, a gift shop, and a professional art gallery.
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WHAM on Wheels brings art into the parks and festivals in the area.
Classes, Events & Programs
WHAM provides a variety of classes, events & outreach, as well as programs
to support under-served populations such as:
Veterans, Adaptive Needs, Memory Care/Mindful Art, & Teens.
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WHAM Gives Back
Our annual “Bowls of Hope” event offers handmade clay bowls for sale to make money for charitable giving. All proceeds from this event go to 7 West Valley Charities.
WHAM supports Eve’s Place, Valley Vista Food Bank, St. Mary’s Food Bank, StreetlightUSA, Teen Connection, and homeless shelters.
​​​WHAM and its artists are involved in numerous creative projects and community events
including public art murals, art festivals, art walks, and community art classes.
