Shemer Art Center

The Shemer Art Center is located at the southeast corner of Camelback Road and East Arcadia Drive (48th Street) in Phoenix. Set at the base of Camelback Mountain, the site offers panoramic views of the beautiful Arcadia neighborhood, framed by a touch of nostalgia.

In 1919, developers led by Seymour Jordan formed the Arcadia Water Company and began drilling wells with the intent to sell homesites in the newly named Arcadia neighborhood. To house the foreman of the water company, the first home in Arcadia was built.

In July 1984, long-time Phoenix resident and real estate investor Martha Shemer purchased the twice-renovated, Sante-Fe mission-style home and land. Working with Mayor Terry Goddard, Mrs. Shemer donated the home to the City of Phoenix, not only to preserve the historical property but also to ensure it was used as a community center for city residents.

Today, the Shemer Art Center has become a cultural center for all ages. It is a “home for the arts” that provides a unique and inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors to enjoy and learn about visual art, through classes, lectures, workshops, exhibits and events. Areas of instruction offered year-round by professional teaching artists include drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, fused glass, mixed media, photography and jewelry-making. Additional features of the Shemer Art Center include a boutique gift shop plus an outdoor sculpture garden, both featuring beautiful, one-of-a-kind works of art created by some of Arizona’s most talented artists, for viewing and for sale.

There is no doubt that “Art Lives Here!” In 1992 the Shemer Art Center was designated as one of the City of Phoenix’s Points of Pride. It was named “One of the 10 Best Museums in Phoenix” by USA Today and “One of Phoenix’s 10 Best Kept Secrets” by The Culture Trip!