WHAM (What’s Happen’n Art Movement) is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an art to-do and fundraiser at 16560 N. Dysart Road in Surprise.

Live art demonstrations from resident artists and charcuterie, wine and non-alcoholic beverages are planned for  5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, plus a full lineup of programs, plans for a new building addition and informationabout the future of WHAM.

“WHAM was started to give people of all ages, colors, genders—everyone—a happy place to learn. And that’s what we’re all about—education,” stated Connie Whitlock, executive director and founder, who began WHAM when she came from California.

She stated she was “stunned” there weren’t many art organizations, or a community art center, in the whole West Valley. Now, Whitlock notes the organization works in seven of the West Valley cities, and supplements existing arts programs all over the West Valley.

“We have over 300 members, and about two-thirds of them are educators,” she said. “We also have outreach programs: a veterans group, adaptive/special-needs classes, dementia-friendly classes, and classes for teens. We taught at a sex-trafficking shelter for young girls. Art is therapeutic for all.” 

In addition to literary arts, WHAM has been doing poetry for eight years, with poetry classes for teens and a competition each year. They host Open Mic Nights in Surprise, Glendale, Avondale and soon in Buckeye.

“We’ll do anything that has to do with art,” she said. “We have WHAM on Wheels. We take a trailer full of art supplies and go to a festival, put tables out, and do a little art project for two to 300 kids.”

Her vision is to grow WHAM’s brick and mortar presence throughout the West Valley, to Goodyear, Avondale, Peoria, and more.

Sign up by Nov. 4 for WHAM’s celebration at wham-art.org. Click on “20th Anniversary” and “The Invitation.