Art is Alive Arts and Cultural Festival March 29 and 30th Suprise Arizona

Posted by: Diane Lesser

News Release
“Art is Alive” Arts & Cultural Festival
By WHAM Art Association
Supported by City of Surprise

The WHAM Art Association, a non-profit art organization, is in full swing planning for our 3rd annual, free “Art is Alive” Arts & Cultural Festival, scheduled for March 29 & 30, 2014 this year form 9:30 am to 4:30 p.m both days. The location 15960 N. Bullard Ave., behind the public library around the beautiful lake.

“We will be adding more art activities that promise to make our event even more successful”, said Connie Whitlock, President and Founder of WHAM. “Along with the Art Booths, local musicians and dancers; the Tohono O’odham dancers and 7 authentic basket weavers demonstrating; WHAM artists providing interactive art with children; a nationally known Hip-Hop artists, Bonita Lovett, giving a free dance workshop; Ability Not Disability activity with persons with disabilities using their wheelchairs and painting on a 50ft canvas on the ground; and a the new “Making our Mark” teen skateboard painting activity. This activity will be accompanies by semi-pro skateboard demonstrations along with giving safety tips to the teens.

WHAM is reaching out to many fringe groups that don’t get the chance to communicate with the public, including a local sign language group that will be preforming on stage, signing to music. We have something for every age and every person’s taste especially with our delicious foods provided by local food vendors. All in all, we’re excited to present this year’s festival to the West Valley.

Last year over 6500 people attended our festival. We the number of attendees to be over 8,500 this year. With our newspaper, social media, city calendars, magazine ads, and TV coverage we will be reaching over 1,000,000 homes.

This is a FREE event that promises to give our community a unique identity for years to come. There is always room to participate so contact Connie Whitlock for more information at 623-640-5229. Or go to WHAM’s website at www.WHAM-art.org.

Founded in 2006 by clay artist Connie Whitlock, the WHAM Art Association has grown to 150 members working in a range of mediums from paint, clay, glass, paper, copper, ink; photography, and many more.

In addition to supporting and promoting the arts in the West Valley, WHAM projects include many exhibits across the several West Valley cities, public art murals, art walks, community art classes and art festivals. The organization also opened an 8,500 sq. ft. community art center in 2012 with 13 artist’s studios, a gallery, and as a venue for art classes and events. WHAM Community Art Center is located at 16560 N. Dysart Rd., in Surprise and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10 to 4 p.m. The last Saturday of each month is an Art Walk at the building proudly displaying the artwork of its many members.