The Shemer Art Center was originally part of 640 acres owned by a group of investors who had visions of selling home sites. They named the area “Arcadia,” founded the Arcadia Water Company and began drilling wells. In 1919 a small home was built for the workman in charge of the project. It was the first home built in Arcadia. A small portion at the far east end of the present home is presumed to have been a part of that original structure. In the 1920s the investors went broke from such factors as the expense of drilling the wells, the depression, and most importantly, the fact that people were not interested in buying home sites so far from town.

In October 1984 the Shemer Art Center was born. Martha Shemer had two dreams: one to preserve a bit of Phoenix history and another to give back; she wanted to provide to the citizens of Phoenix a community center.  The Shemer Art Center immediately became an art education facility for the city. In 1985 the Shemer Art Center and Museum Association (SACAMA) was formed to provide support and input into the operation of the art center.

Please visit shemerartcenter.org for details, activities, tours, events, gift shop, and more.

The Arcadia Neighborhood is blessed to have the Shemer Art Center be part of our community and the ACMNA is proud to support the continued success of this Arcadia jewel.