There are now two new reasons to visit the historic Shemer Art Center in Arcadia this summer.
Now on display through July 9, the beloved Phoenix arts destination is presenting two distinct exhibitions that showcase the depth and diversity of Arizona’s creative community, from whimsical, play-inspired works to dreamlike interpretations of the Sonoran Desert.
Find Joy Through Art
The first exhibition, Let’s Play, features 57 works by 38 Arizona artists in a colorful and uplifting collection. Juried by John Schieffer, the exhibition explores themes of joy, curiosity, and playfulness through a variety of artistic styles and mediums.
Featured artists include Mari Abbott, Robert Barber, Karen Bell-Zinn, Diane Brand, Jody Brown, Jane Brunn, Barbara Bryson, Teresa Chandler, Jacki Cohen, Ira DellaMonica, Karen Donmoyer, Linda Enger, Laurie Fagen, Alene Geed, Debra Goley, Rafael Gutierrez, Penny Hansen, Barbara Holland, Russell Hunchar, Sue Hunter, Lillian Janet, Jane Kelsey-Mapel, Sandra Luehrsen, Erick Martinez Gregory, Tonnie McBroom, Lezah Myers, Susanne Ng, Diane V. Phelps, Doris Marie Provine, Cal Redman, Lynne Rogers, Jill Roig, Erin Shaeffer, Ila Smeltzer, Lynn Smith, Peggy Talbot, Mohan Toopal, and Sue Wright.
A Desert Dreamscape
A second exhibition, Desert Fairytale, by Arizona artist Emma Florance, presents a collection of 12 layered oil paintings that explore the contradiction between local urban life and the natural desert landscape that surrounds it.
“These exhibitions shine a spotlight on the playful and fairytale creativity of these selected Arizona artists,” says Shonna James, president and executive director of the Shemer Art Center. “We invite the community to stop by to see these two new exhibitions and also discover one-of-a-kind treasures in our boutique gift shop.”
A Historic Local Treasure
For more than four decades, the Shemer Art Center has championed Arizona artists while serving as one of the Valley’s most distinctive cultural landmarks. The center is housed in one of Arcadia’s earliest homes, originally built in 1919 and gifted to the City of Phoenix by Martha Shemer in 1984.
The art center also has a gift shop with unique offerings and an outdoor sculpture garden.
Shemer Art Center is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday.
5005 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018
