A chance to enjoy some new art skills while doing something good for the community at the same time is possible thanks to art classes offered for a small fee by the Arts of Lake Havasu organization.

The organization hosts several art classes as well as a song-writing competition for anyone in the community. Proceeds from class fees benefits students in Lake Havasu City, and funds Save the Music and Arts programs at local schools.

“This is our third year we have been hosting art classes such as Whimsical Wednesdays and the song-writer’s festival. The song-writer competition was my idea, my son is a song writer and musician,” said Nancy Campbell, organizer of Whimsical Wednesdays and the song-writer competition.

“So I thought Lake Havasu City can be a great area to start something like this. It started as social media project and has gotten bigger since then.”

The “Save the Arts and Music in Schools” mission supports maintaining arts and music instruction in all schools. It is thought the arts provide a spiritual and emotional outlet for children and teaches teamwork and socialization. Keeping music and art classes in elementary, middle and high schools can be beneficial for students.

“When I heard about the schools taking out curricular programs like art and music programs, I knew I had to do something to raise funds,” said Campbell.

“These programs are also very great for stress release and are much-needed.”

That is when the Arts of Lake Havasu organization and Campbell decided to bring awareness of music and arts into the community. The amount of talent in Lake Havasu City needed to be recognized as a major brand of the community. With residents participating in these art classes, they enjoy creativity and support a cause.

Stacee Wiles and Marla Stephenson share a laugh during a Whimsical Wednesday session. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“To see the people who come to create these works of art is just amazing, some have never painted in their lives and still amaze themselves as well,” said Wendy Aamot, art instructor at Whimsical Wednesdays Canvas painting class.

“The greatest reward for me is that they probably will continue to do something creative and at the same time help students in our schools for a good cause.”

Aamot grew up with art at an early age and learned to paint and color alongside her mother, who was also an artist. She believes art is very beneficial not only to students, but to anyone at any skill level.

“There is just something about art that gets your creativity going.”

For more information and a schedule on upcoming art class, visit www.artslakehavasu.com.

Group-hosted home art parties will also be available soon. Contact Nancy Campbell at 928-486-5727.