In early 2024, a homebuyer purchased the White Gates residence, a midcentury residential property on Camelback Mountain designed by renowned Phoenix architect Al Beadle. The new owner intended to demolish the structure and build a house on the site. Before that could happen, however, the Phoenix Historic Preservation Committee stepped in to salvage what is perhaps the home’s most striking architectural elements—distinctive ellipsoid panels, a metal arched shade structure and concrete planters. Al Beadle’s daughter, Gerri Beadle-Murray, selected Shemer Art Center as the recipient of the rescued pieces. The center will now be part of The White Gates Pavilion, a 666-square-foot open-air pavilion anchoring the new Al Beadle Sculpture Garden, according to Shonna James, Shemer Art Center’s president and executive director. To complete the project, Shemer Art Center is extending donor opportunities to the public. One unique opportunity is also offered via Modern Phoenix, an organization that champions midcentury architecture in Arizona. “You can adopt an ellipse, one of 216 on three panels,” says James. “It’s similar to the star registry where you can own a circle of space.”  

Shonna James sat down with us to offer more insight into the project.  

How will the White Gates project enhance Shemer Art Center? 

Many people don’t know about us because they haven’t stopped by yet—and I always say it takes a reason to stop the first time. This will give a whole new audience a reason to come to Shemer Art Center. It will add to our story of legacy, connection, architectural art and art overall. We’re here to connect people and to share joy through art.  

Which Al Beadle sculptures will be included in the garden? 

We will have a sculpture called “Woman,” which was created by Al Beadle and donated to Shemer to be part of this new sculpture garden. It pairs with another Beadle sculpture titled “Holy Man,” and they’re designed to sit together. We envision that those two sculptures will be placed in an area that welcomes people into the new Al Beadle Sculpture Garden.  

Any fun facts about The White Gates Project? 

Al Beadle’s homes were designed so that if you looked at them from above, they had a design. They were artful. The structures were more than just a roof. Also: The White Gates residence is where Gerri Beadle came home from the hospital as a baby.  

The center is expected to open by the end of 2026. shemerartcenter.org