Shemer Art Center and Museum Association, Inc.

A Home For the Arts

The Shemer Art Center is a vibrant art center that provides a unique setting in which visitors of all ages can learn about, experience and enjoy visual art through daily classes, weekend workshops, monthly lectures, ever-changing exhibitions and events. 

Shemer offers after-school art classes and Spring Break/Summer Camp programs for children ages 6 - 17 years old. 

An on-site gift store featuring artwork by over 60 Arizona artists and outdoor sculpture garden foster the Shemer Art Center's mission to support and showcase Arizona artists. 

Some of the most talked-about activities at the Shemer Art Center include our community events and annual New Horizons High School Student Art Exhibition, which has been held for 42 years. The 2026 New Horizons exhibition featured artwork by 89 students from 46 high schools and this year 69 students received a total of $6,700 in awards given my community members. Other events at Shemer include Furry Friends Fine Arts Festival, Art in the Garden and Sparkling Tea, Shemer Arizona Arts Festival and Shemer Honors. 

History

The non-profit Shemer Art Center is located in one of the first homes built in Arcadia, in 1919. Martha Shemer purchased the home and donated it to the City of Phoenix in 1984, and since then it has become a neighborhood art center and a community gathering place for artists of all ages! Fun and affordable visual art classes are offered year-round by professional teaching artists. Main areas of instruction include drawing, painting, ceramics, mixed media, fused glass, printmaking and photography.

In 1992 the Shemer Art Center was designated as one of the 33 City of Phoenix Points of Pride.

Testimonials

"I am a native Phoenician and never knew about this wonderful place that offers so much to our community! The classes that they offer are addicting! Thank you for keeping this facility alive and introducing new programs and events for all of us to enjoy!" Rossana Gatlin

"Last night's Shemer Honors event was a beautiful success! Dining tables decorated by local designers, delicious food by the Dancing Chef and of course an up-close and personal interview with worldwide renowned jeweler Angela Tassoni. Can't wait for next year's Shemer Honors!" Gloria Argueso

"This is a gem in the Arcadia neighborhood. Wonderful classes and thoughtful, high quality gallery shows." Rusty Foley

How You Can Support

If you are interested in showing your support of the arts, giving back to the community, and strengthening the legacy of the Shemer Art Center in Arcadia please make a donation to support our operations and efforts today!

Donation Ideas:

$50 Provide supplies for one child at Summer Camp

$150 Adopt-an-Easel for our growing art studios

$250 Show your support of our Expansion & Legacy Campaign with the purchase of a brick

$350 Cover the cost for one student to attend one week of Summer Camp at Shemer

$500 Make a donation to the operations of the Shemer Art Center, to support our team and facility

$1,000 Support our Expansion Campaign to provide more studio space and equipment for students

$10,000+ Make a donation that includes naming rights for our Expansion Campaign!