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WHAM Art is Alive: Bringing the Community Together Through Art

Art is Alive is proudly entering its fourth year of promoting art, celebrating community, and giving all attendees a fun and memorable experience. The festival is new, but it is growing rapidly in popularity. From a few thousand participants in their original location in Surprise, Arizona, to expecting over 10,000 at the stadium in Goodyear, Arizona. This event is one-of-a-kind because it combines WHAM’s celebration of art with local businesses, artists, live performances and the City of Goodyear. This combination makes for a unique experience for all those who attend, attracting many from all over the Southwest and the entire country. This is a great place to bring the entire family because there will be plenty of delicious food, live entertainment, and activities for children. On top of the opportunity to observe all the wonderful art on display, you're also given the opportunity to purchase arts, crafts, and even watch demonstrations of how the art is made.  

 

The 501(c)(3) non profit behind all the fun and excitement of Art is Alive is WHAM. WHAM is an organization made up of artists from the region who look to support each other and to further advance the art awareness in the area. Not only do they advance awareness they also put on a series of programs, exhibitions, and special events to connect the artists with the rest of the public. We got the opportunity to interview Josephine Garcia, the publicist for the WHAM Art Association, about the festival and how it affects the community.  



RAL: Please tell me a little about the event.

JG: This is the fourth annual event, but the first time for the city of Goodyear. We outgrew the location in Surprise.  At last year’s event we had 8,500 participants. This year the venue is larger and we are expecting at least 10,000 to 12,000. We strive to reach people of all age groups, backgrounds, and abilities. A common feature at all of our festivals are activities and entertainment for kids, teens, adults and people with special needs. This year’s festival is no different—we have some amazing things planned for festival goers!

 

RAL: What makes Art is Alive unique?

JG: Art is Alive was established to form a bridge between local artists, residents, businesses, and the city government in Surprise. In this area it was the first one of its kind. West Valley residents often had to often travel to Scottsdale, Phoenix, and even Tempe for festivals of this sort. The founder of the celebration WHAM Art Association, President Connie Whitlock, wanted to further the arts in Surprise and for the cities West of Phoenix. She wanted to demonstrate that art is indeed ALIVE in the West Valley.

 

RAL: What is a typical day at the event link for an attendee?

JG:  At the event there are local visual artists displaying their artwork. WHAM festivals are known to provide free art opportunities and experiences for attendees. There are free hands-on, take home art activities for kids. For the first 100 teens that sign-up there is a free skateboard painting activity and contest. Prizes will be awarded for this event. Also there will be some pop-art demonstrations, monster make-up workshops, hip hop dancing workshop, and local musicians performing. This year we will have BMX Flatland/Ramp riders doing stunts.  Food, beer, and wine will be available to purchase through the Goodyear Ballpark.

 

This is an exciting event for our members and the local community. We strive to create a positive experience for all involved. Attendees have often commented on the amount of activities, entertainment, and art that is available to them through the festival.

 

RAL: What does the event mean to the community?

JG: Unity, through this event we collaborate with other local groups, performing artists, musicians, and entertainers to create a truly enjoyable arts experience for all. We want the arts to be accessible for everyone, that is what Art is Alive is all about.

 

Art is Alive supports art programs at our facility for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (Art: A Path to Healing), adults and children with special needs (The Artist Within), and free summer classes for kids (All Kids Art).

 

RAL: Does Art is Alive drive business to the local economy?

JG: Yes. Not only do local artists and participating groups and guests benefit, but local businesses do as well. Festivals like these bring visitors to the area, stimulating the economy for at least the weekend, if not longer. Often times, long-term relationships are formed through participating businesses and festival attendees. As an organization we work with many people and businesses to make this and other events successful. The list of ways this festival benefits the local economy is endless…

 

RAL: Why should people come to WHAM Art is Alive?

JG: Art is Alive is great event for people of all ages and abilities. There really is something for everyone! Quality art, demonstrations, activities and entertainment are planned. It is an affordable, enjoyable, local arts showcase for the West Valley!


For more information please visit the WHAM website.