Hi, at the Shemer Art Center we are excited to share information about an exciting new chapter in Arizona’s architectural history that is about to unfold! The Al Beadle Legacy to Be Created at the Shemer Art Center!

Earlier this year, the Shemer Art Center was selected to receive iconic materials from one of the most celebrated mid-century modern homes in the state—the legendary “White Gates” residence on Camelback Mountain, designed in the 1950s by the visionary architect Al Beadle, later approved for demolition. The opportunity to save these materials marks an incredible opportunity to preserve and honor the genius of Beadle, whose work has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Arizona.

The iconic items from the White Gates home—an emblem of architectural elegance and mid-century modernism—will include the three stunning ellipsoid panels that graced the home’s unique front façade, the metal arched shade structure that shaded the serene back patio, and the symbolic concrete planters that anchored the landscape design in both form and function. These materials will soon have a new life at the Shemer Art Center, offering an extraordinary homage to Al Beadle and his work.

Plans at Shemer call for the creation of a White Gates Pavilion, a living tribute to Beadle’s legacy. This exciting installation will offer fans and enthusiasts of Al Beadle a one-of-a-kind opportunity to show their support of his work in a dynamic public art space—a stone’s throw from where these pieces have quietly existed for over 70 years, nestled in the same Camelback Mountain neighborhood.

But the excitement won’t stop there. To further anchor the White Gates Pavilion within Al Beadle’s broader artistic legacy, the Shemer Art Center will team up with the City of Phoenix, as well as a passionate community of local, national, and international Al Beadle enthusiasts to create the Al Beadle Sculpture Garden. This breathtaking new garden will feature two of Beadle’s most celebrated sculptures, “Holy Man” and “Woman,” generously donated by Gerri Beadle-Murray and Bonnie Andersen. These masterpieces will stand as welcoming sentinels to visitors, setting the tone for the garden that will also showcase other incredible works by Arizona artists, to be selected by a distinguished panel of jurors.

This fundraising initiative offers a rare and powerful opportunity to support the rich history of Arizona’s mid-century modern movement while supporting the arts in a truly meaningful way. Now is the time to be part of something monumental!

More details on how you can be part of this exciting venture, ensuring the installation, preservation, opening, and future of the White Gates Pavilion and Al Beadle Sculpture Garden, coming soon!