Wham Art Association

Unbeknown to many Surprise city and West Valley residents there exists an up and coming art center, the Wham Community Art Center, the only one of its kind in the West Valley. Located at 16560 N. Dysart Road. this community center houses an array of artwork and talents ranging from excited beginner to professional accomplished. Regardless of their ability, all of these member artists are eager to share their talents and knowledge with the community at large. The Wham Art Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating and promoting the Visual Arts in Surprise and the entire West Valley. The organization was founded in 2006 by President Connie Whitlock.

In the short time the Wham Art Association members have occupied this building they have diligently worked together to transform the space into an eclectic gallery and educational center. The facility walls, rooms and hallways are filled with the work of acrylic and oil painters, clay potters, gourd workers, wood cutters, photographers, jewelry makers and teachers. Within the building there are private art studios, educational rooms and a growing clay studio. Artists utilize this space to display, showcase and sell their art work but the main focus for this group is to provide advocacy efforts and education in all areas of the Visual Arts--through community projects, murals, artwalks, classes, festival and exhibits.

Some of the classes featured at the center include drawing, painting, mixed media, clay, recycled art and media technology for children and adults. There are also some specialized interactive courses for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and their caregivers, a series called Mindful Art and Adaptive Art for children with disabilities and their families. Visit the Wham website to obtain information on class schedules and times. http://www.wham-art.org