We are deeply grateful to Cox Charities and its employees for this generous donation, which will help us empower local teenagers through art.”

Connie Whitlock | WHAM executive director

WHAM Art Association announced it was selected to receive a $5,000 donation from Cox Charities.

The funds will directly support the Teen WHAM Art Program, an inclusive initiative welcoming all teenagers with an interest in art or a desire to learn.

The program provides a vibrant environment for teens to explore their creativity through various art projects. Meetings are held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the WHAM Art Center Classroom, 16560 N. Dysart Road.

“We are deeply grateful to Cox Charities and its employees for this generous donation, which will help us empower local teenagers through art,” WHAM Executive Director Connie Whitlock said. “The WHAM Teen Art Program is committed to fostering creativity and personal growth, and this support allows us to continue making a positive impact in our community.”

During these gatherings, WHAM artists lead engaging projects that encourage teens to express themselves and learn new artistic techniques.

Recent projects have included shrink plastic planters, rock pictures, quilling, iPhone photography, rain sticks, woven paper bags, mosaic mirrors, clay collages, watercolor cityscapes, recycled show art, clay boxes and T-shirt painting. These hands-on activities are designed to be enjoyable and enriching for all participants.

One of the primary goals of the Teen WHAM Art Program is to address the gap left by the decline of art programs in local schools. By reaching out to local schools and teenagers, the program aims to raise awareness of its offerings and provide essential opportunities for artistic exploration. The funds received from Cox Charities will enhance outreach efforts and supply vital art materials for each meeting.

This marks the 28th year that Cox employees, through Cox Charities, have raised funds to help the communities in which they live and work.

Since 1966, Cox Arizona employees have raised over $10.5 million in grants for local Arizona nonprofits. This gift is part of $698,500 in statewide donations given to 125 local nonprofits this year, thanks to the generosity of 3,100 Cox employees in Arizona.

For information about the Teen WHAM Art Program or to get involved, visit wham-art.org.