WHAM Community Art Center

As travelling tourists, we expected to stop in briefly—but instead, we were welcomed like family. Connie, Jeff, David, and all the other wonderful folks made us feel instantly at home. The studio itself is beautifully organized, vibrant, and clearly run with care and heart. We honestly wished we could have stayed longer and become members. This gallery/studio is such a gift to its community. Beyond the space itself, their outreach work with kids, veterans, seniors, and so many others is inspiring. They truly open doors and expand worlds through art, connection, and kindness. What a special place—thank you for making us feel so welcome and reminding us of the power art has to bring people together.

A Wonderful Creative Hub for All Skill Levels W-H-A-M Art Studio has been an amazing place to grow creatively, connect with others, and simply have a great time. We happened upon it by chance, and it’s been one of the best finds for exploring art in a welcoming, engaging environment. The variety of classes offered is impressive, with something for everyone—from beginners to more experienced artists. The instructors are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about teaching. They make learning new techniques feel approachable and fun. One of the best parts of WHAM is the sense of community it fosters. Whether you're there to learn, unwind, or meet new people, the atmosphere is always friendly and encouraging. Every visit feels like time well spent. If you’re looking for a place to dive into art and creativity, this studio is a fantastic choice.

Wonderful to see so many creative artists works. Love all the community support for veterans, children, those with special needs. Such great art classes as well!!

You never know what you're gonna find when you visit WHAM but it will always stimulate your imagination and you will always find the friendliest of artists letting you peek into their studios and chat with you about their work. This visit I met up with the coolest bird created from various objects including a wrench, fork, and knives--who woulda thought?! My friend was thrilled to find a great ceramic vase and left contented and smiling.

My daughter had a great time with Mrs Jen. The mosaic art class is a great way for teens to experience a new form of creativity. Jen allowed me to sit in and wait so that my daughter felt comfortable in the environment, once she got started on her piece she was lost in the process of creating something that I absolutely love to see. I probably could have left but was enjoying the moment. In the end she got to meet a lot of kids her age outside of school and I got a masterpiece to hang on my garage wall. But most important to me, she got to experience a new way to express herself through something she loves.

Always a great time, whether attending a Poetry Slam, Recycle Fashion Show, or enjoying the art displays! They offer classes and events regularly, so I highly recommend following them on social media or signing up for their email notifications. It's run by an amazing group of people that aren't just displaying art but helping others get in touch with their own creativity and bringing art into our community. One of my favorite places!

This place is awesome! Was looking for kids art classes for some time and finding this place has been a blessing. They offer a variety of classes for youth and adult. Classes are reasonably priced and the staff is friendly and helpful. My 8 year old daughter loves going to her drawing class every week.

My granddaughters art was chosen by cimmaron school for display at WHAM . Not knowing what to expect because I never new about WHAM and we were received with open arms, smiles and great conversation with the staff and artists of the community. We loved the whole experience. They not only display art, they also have a variety of classes. Loved it!!!

Update addition: Their Literary Arts Program holds a great Open Mic event every third Friday from 6:30-8. A $5 admission includes snacks. The talent in our area is amazing and whether you perform or just watch, you're bound to meet interesting people and have a fun evening.

My family and I went and LOVED the experience !! Would recommend for all ages that are mobile, can stand on their feet, able to do some climbing and jumping

Connie and the crew are awesome and do so much for thr artistic community. January 2023 they are creating classes to inspire art in the youth of our community. Ages 7 and up for sure and possible 5 and up as well. Keep your eyes peeled on their schedule for classes taught by educated teachers with the hearts to teach and inspire others. We have been able to join them for a few community events and appreciate all the joy they bring to our girls doing crafts with them.

I was so pleased to finally make it in to check out WHAM and all they have to offer. Those of you who know me already know I love art of all kinds and even dabble a bit myself. I'm more of a colored pencil, chalk, and acrylic paint person, but I've been wanting to branch out of my comfort zone to learn oil painting. My daughter also loves to paint and I'd read on their website they offer teen classes. What a fun way to learn more skills/passions and meet new friends possibly at the same time. Located just off of Grand on Dysart in Surprise sits WHAM in its own parking lot. There's a beautiful mural that caught my eye right when I got out of the car as well as a few metal sculptures. Once inside you're met with all kinds of art from paintings, photography, metal work and even some painted furniture for sale from local artists. There's a front counter with wonderful women there to greet you and answer any questions you have. Everyone was so friendly and I felt so welcomed. I even was able to meet some other women who couldn't tell me enough how much fun they have here. If you don't have time to stop in to get information you're looking for you can find it on their website with prices and times for all they offer. Im a HUGE supporter of local of any kind, may it be art, restaurants, you name it. While we are starting to get more of a local art scene in he west valley I'd love to see more; To do that we need more supporters. I highly recommend stopping by for an art class or two. If anything, but some items and support an artist trying to make their dreams come true.

WHAM! is an exciting arts center and arts organization tucked in Surprise, Arizona! It's artist membership is open to both professional and amateur artists. It is service oriented. Members are encouraged to volunteer their time and talent in the community. They reach out to young and teen artists with scholarships available. They also have programs that reaches out to veterans, persons living with disabilities and a new program that reaches out to those living with dementia. WHAM! has a beautiful gallery that changes regularly featuring local artists. They also have exhibits including solo shows featuring national and international artists, and group shows from other guilds. They also offer jewelry and artisan crafted items. Once every two months, WHAM! offers a free spoken word event: Poetry Slam at WHAM! where poetry lovers can enjoy original poetry, recitation and readings. It is a great place to workshop. Poet, Dustin Gardy is a fabulous moderator!

We have taken some of our foster kids here off and on for the past few years. They have all loved it, enjoy the experience, and love their projects. Everyone treats them great, take their time to teach and very supportive.

In Case you're wondering where your local #Nonprofit #Artassociation is & a little info about there wonderful organization!! #Wham offers #ArtClasses and #freeclasses year round!! WHAM is a 501(c)(3) #non-profit art #organization that was founded in 2006 by Connie Whitlock, a #clayartist in her own right. Since then, the organization has grown to more than 150 artists that work in many different mediums. #WHAM members work in various materials ranging from #paint, #clay, #glass, #concrete, #paper, and much more! The organization was created primarily to support the #Northwest Valley of #Phoenix #Metro including but not limited to: #Surprise, #SunCityWest, #Sun City, #ElMirage, #NorthPeoria, #WestGlendale, #Youngstown, #Buckeye, and #Wickenburg areas. In addition to helping to promote #localartists through #artexhibits throughout the West Valley, WHAM is also involved in numerous projects such as: public #artmurals, #artfestivals, #artwalks, and #communityartclasses. WHAM is a member of the Surprise Chamber of Commerce and Local First Arizona.

Super fun place - different art and specials every time I go! Lots of varied artists, styles and items for sale. Great place to browse around, talk with some local artists and buy something special and unique. It's been quieter than usual due to Covid but truly happy to have this place and the offerings.

WHAM is a little art museum for local artists, where you can buy the artworks. There are greeting cards for $3 each, and it goes up from there for jewelry, bags, paintings, sculpture and so on. It's a great place to visit and a great place to support. Every patriotic American ought to appreciate an arts venue that has a program for veterans to create art. Did you know that samurais used to have to take flower arranging classes? Everyone needs to exercise their inner creativity and artistry. It's good to get some balance. So if you're more of a sports fan than an arts fan, drop in for a painless change of pace! They always have something going on. It's worth keeping up with. I fondly remember an event with a recycled fashion show, where people made their own outfits from trash, then modeled them on a runway. Awesome! Even when there's no big event and giant sale going on, you can come in and get a little "culcha", peer into artists' studios, and appreciate the peace, quiet and air conditioning. Don't forget the mural and sculptures outside.

My daughter has been taking art classes at WHAM and she loves it. The instructor gives feedback on her progress willingly and is very kind and patient. We had a minor snafu with payment but, it was all worked out and it's a minor inconvenience compared to the wonderful experience my daughter is getting! So glad we found WHAM!

As a amateurs as the strokes seam to go exceptional plasay to fractional art 510 is a likelihood.

My daughter goes to art class after school and absolutely loves it,thank you guys! It is so nice inside,art & sculptures for sale,really a hidden gem.

Lots of free events and a nice gallery showing local artists, painters and sculpters. They also have a lot of art classes for adults and kids. Very casual atmosphere and friendly folks.