Shemer Art Center

In 1919 the very first home was built in the newly named Phoenix neighborhood of Arcadia, to house the foreman of the Arcadia Water Company. After serving later as the home of a Kansas City banker and then the Suhr Family from Oil City, Pennsylvania, the home was purchased in 1984 by Martha Evvard Shemer who donated it to the City of Phoenix, not only to preserve the historic property but to also ensure it was used for art education and a community center for city residents. Today the Shemer Art Center & Museum has become a cultural center for all ages. It is a "home for the arts" where residents and visitors alike can enjoy, promote and learn about visual art, through classes, exhibitions, events and outreach programs. The range of exhibitions shown is diverse and includes traditional and non-traditional works by Arizona artists. A gift shop offers a variety of unique pieces and the sculpture garden on the picturesque grounds at the base of Camelback Mountain features large-scale outdoor works of art by some of Arizona's premier sculptors. It is a City of Phoenix Point of Pride and it was recently named "One of the 10 Best Museums in Phoenix" by USA Today. Hours are from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday, with extended hours of 6:30-8:30 on Thursday evenings. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $7.