4 S pring 2024 Art lives here Art lives here ! ! By Mallory Gleich n 1919, the area we now know as Arcadia was little more than a few rough roads, citrus groves and a few scattered family estates. The first of those homes is still standing today and you can actually check it out, because it’s part of the Shemer Art Center (the classroom on the east side of the building). Its original occupant was the foreman of the Arcadia Water Company, who was stationed there to oversee the new community infrastructure of pipes and wells being built. In 1925, the house and its 40 acres was purchased by an investor named Henry Coerver, who added a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. He nicknamed it “Casa de Wanda” in honor of his wife. Coerver would go on to purchase and subdivide much of Arcadia. In 1928, Charles Suhr – then-president of Pennzoil Company – bought the home for his family and doubled the size of the house, building rooms that are now used as galleries and offices. In 1984, Martha Shemer, a real estate investor looking to invest near a recognizable landmark, purchased the property. Before that, Shemer had “shopped around,” researching 1,100 properties for her specific requirements. First, it had to be a spot where all the winter visitors to the Valley could stop by. Second, it had to be scenic. Third, it would have to be something she could give back to the community, which she dreamt about even as a child in the small town of Ames, Iowa. The location of this property was perfect, near the base of Camelback Mountain, the most well-known landmark in the Valley of the Sun. This checked off the first two requirements. The third item on the list would depend on the City of Phoenix. After securing the sale, she reached out to then- Mayor Terry Goddard’s office, telling the secretary that she wanted to gift the home to the city. The secretary thought it was a joke at first, but after some back-and- Celebrating 40 years of the Shemer Art Center The Shemer Art Center is right here in the neighborhood, and it offers the opportunity to learn about, experience or enjoy art to residents and visitors of all ages.” I I

forth, Shemer was able to fulfill her dream and gave the building to the City of Phoenix, stipulating that it be used for the city’s brand- new arts and culture initiative. They named the building after Martha. “It was determined by the City – in partnership with the family – that it would become a visual art center named the Shemer Art Center,” Executive Director Shonna James said. “It became a historical landmark in Phoenix and was voted a City of Phoenix Point of Pride. Immediately, it began to offer visual art classes and art exhibitions.” In 2010, budget cuts nearly forced the City to close the center, but a group of dedicated residents came together to form a nonprofit organization that would take over the daily operations. When Martha purchased the home, the neighborhood feared it would be turned into a commercial venture. Her son, Barry, remembers responding to letters of concern to dispel that fear. Back then, the City was largely responsible for day-to-day operations. In 2011, the Shemer formed SACAMA – Shemer Art Center and Museum Association – which took over full control. Carol Houston was the first director, and Shonna took over in 2015. “In the period leading up to the nonprofit, several members and my brother and I spoke at public hearings held by the city,” Barry said. “Our purpose was to gain more support and voice our opinion that the city should continue to support the center – which they have!” The Shemer survived and thrived and even expanded. It now operates as an art gallery, offering classes, workshops, lectures, exhibitions and events. “One thing that influenced my mother – other than wanting to give back to the community – was her memory of that home,” Barry said. “When she was in high school around 1936, her parents took her on picnics in that area, when the house was the only structure for several miles around.” Barry and his brother, Jack, always felt their role within the center should simply be to provide input and help SACAMA make decisions. The Shemer continues to be a family affair, with Barry’s son Ryan volunteering and assisting Shonna in setting up for events. To address the need for more space, larger classrooms, and an annual waiting list for its Summer Art Camps for children, the Shemer is currently raising funds for its Expansion & Legacy Campaign, offering everything from bricks to naming rights for its new educational building. The Arcadia Camelback Mountain Neighborhood and Arcadia Osborn Neighborhood associations have set up a GoFundMe to assist. “The Shemer Art Center is right here in the neighborhood, and it offers the opportunity to learn about, experience or enjoy art to residents and visitors of all ages – just what Martha would have wanted,” Shonna said. shemerartcenter.org 5 Martha Shemer (facing) The southeast corner of Camelback Road and Arcadia Lane/48th Street, circa 1930. Newly planted palm trees to the north will become the Royal Palms. REMODEL YOUR SPACE TODAY! CALL DERECK 602-505-2559 • DWILL - MASTCONSTRUCTION.COM DWILL-MAST Construction is a remodeling company dedicated to quality and integrity. We will bring our construction skills and remodeling experience to your next project! • Commercial / Residential remodeling • 30 years of experience • Licensed, bonded & insured ROC# 335310 C O N S T R U C T I O N D W I L L - M A S T YOGA STUDIO REMODEL bathroom REMODEL Kitchen and living space REMODEL bathroom REMODEL