FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 61 WHAM sparks artistic innovation in the West Valley Where Art Origin WHAM — WHAT’s Happen’n Art Movement — started in 2006. Over the years, it has become known as the West Valley’s primary art center, providing a diverse range of art activities, from painting and pottery to poetry, to supplement the art departments of all West Valley cities. WHAM has more than 300 members, two-thirds of which are arts educators. “Our artists teach many mediums to the community, giving them a way to learn art techniques and a better quality of life,” said WHAM founder and executive director Connie Whitlock. But WHAM isn’t just an arts group. “We are a fluid organization that changes to meet our current cultural and historical needs. WHAM believes that art is for ALL, no matter your age, gender, economic status, race or beliefs,” Whitlock said. Mission WHAM connects people through the arts by providing multidisciplinary, arts-inclusive programming, exhibits and projects to the diverse communities it serves. ANNUAL BUDGET $310,000 LEADERSHIP Connie Whitlock Founder and executive director ORGANIZATION WHAM Meets Impact CHARITY SPOTLIGHT WHAM was started by clay artist Connie Whitlock.