24 JANUARY 2026 By Michael P. Murphy January 2026 is an exciting time at the Shemer Art Center. The nonprofit’s ambitious expansion fundraiser has collected an impressive $1.3 million, President Shonna James was named a 2025 Piper Fellow, and there are plans in the works for a permanent exhibit of a local architect and builder whose work has made a big impression on our community. Alfred Neuman Beadle (1927-1998) considered himself to be an architectural designer, but he was also a builder of homes and businesses. Widely thought of today as a pioneer of mid-century desert modernism, longtime metro Phoenix residents will probably know his work. Remember the gone-but-not-forgotten Safari Hotel in Scottsdale, Ferguson’s Cafeterias in mid-town Phoenix, and the Mountain Bell building at 3rd Street and Earll? All were designed and constructed by Beadle, as were the Executive Towers Condos on 2nd Ave. and Clarendon, the Three Fountains Apartments, and many other still-standing structures. His modernistic style was also popular in Phoenix-area homes, known as Beadle Boxes. Many were constructed in Arcadia – including the White Gates home near Camelback Mountain. The White Gates home became controversial after being sold in early 2024, when the new owner immediately applied for a demolition permit. Many locals, preservationists, and architecture fans were upset that such a distinctive and historically significant structure – valued for its unique design and architectural heritage – might be torn down, especially since it isn’t officially designated as a historic landmark, leaving few legal protections against demolition. The situation highlighted frustrations with Phoenix’s historic preservation processes and fears that the home could be replaced with a generic new build, prompting rallies and campaigns to save, or at least salvage, elements of the house. That’s when Shemer stepped in. Beadle’s daughter, Gerri, and architects who had collaborated with Beadle, contributed to a series of architecture lectures. They discussed using the art center to display critical artistic materials from the White Gates home if it is destroyed. What’s more, Shemer is around half a mile from where the house has stood since 1954. “For the historic commission to approve the demolition, there had to be salvage,” James said. “Gerri reviewed all options and selected Shemer. It was important to her that they be in a public art space for future generations. Everyone involved wanted them to remain near the iconic Camelback Mountain.” The home is now gone. The salvaged architectural elements include the three ellipsoid panels that defined the front of the house, the meshed metal arch canopy that shaded the back patio, and the concrete planters that anchored the landscaping in form and function. “We will use items from the home to create a pavilion, and that building will be on our grounds to be used for events and weddings,” James said. “It will be an open-air pavilion, like a gazebo, with screens replicating the home. A targeted completion date is spring 2026.” The Al Beadle Sculpture Garden will anchor the pavilion. Aside from being a builder and designer, Beadle was also a talented sculptor. Shemer procured two of his works, which will serve as anchors at the entryway to the new garden. The center currently has an open call for artists for a new exhibition, Arizona Sunsets, opening in April, which will be juried by Gerri and colleagues. The event will celebrate the colors of the desert sky. The White Gates Pavilion and Al Beadle Sculpture Garden will preserve an important piece of local history while elevating the profile of this remarkable architect. shemerartcenter.org Shemer honors Al Beadle’s architectural impact An iconic part of the White Gates home will now reside at the neighborhood art center. (bottom right) Gerri Beadle & architect Ned Sawyer. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHONNA JAMES

25 JANUARY 2026 By Mallory Gleich Taoist Tai Chi is ringing in the new year with good vibes, as the Arizona chapter opens its third Valley studio and continues its mission to make this ancient internal art accessible to people of all abilities. The expansion reflects not only the community’s growing interest in mindful movement, but also the powerful health benefits practitioners continue to experience. The group will host an open house for the new Tempe location on January 3, from 1-2:30 p.m. at Escalante Multi-Generational Center. The public can explore Taoist Tai Chi, try movements and discover its transformative effects. Rooted in a spiritual tradition of self- cultivation, kindness, and compassion, the Taoist Tai Chi arts have been taught around the world for over 50 years by dedicated volunteer instructors. The practice combines gentle strength-building with mindful awareness, helping participants enhance their balance, flexibility, and resilience while cultivating a sense of inner calm. Instructors often explain that the goal isn’t performance, but connection – learning to listen to one’s own body, soften into movement, and shift from effort to ease. Over time, many students find that the practice helps them release tension, stress, and old habits of holding on, replacing them with a sense of openness and grounded confidence. That shift is something Tempe resident Cherie Nelson knows well. For her, Taoist Tai Chi began with a simple photograph. “I started Taoist Tai Chi because I saw a picture of people doing it and they looked really happy,” she said. At the time, she was dealing with constant pain and congestive heart failure. But after eight months of practice, her pain disappeared. “Four years ago, my echocardiogram showed a very strong heart with very little damage from congestive heart failure,” she explained. “Even my cardiologist asked, ‘what is this Tai Chi thing?’” Beyond the physical changes, Nelson says the practice lifted her spirit as well. “I have found true joy and happiness,” she said. “My lack of self-worth went away, and I discovered that I do deserve to be happy, healthy, and strong in all arenas of my life.” Fellow practitioner Steve Greenberg describes his experience in similarly heartfelt terms. “My daily Taoist Tai Chi practice brings a much-needed pause to my life; a tranquil space in which I re-center and re- balance,” he said. A smile often appears during practice, he added, because Taoist Tai Chi gives him “a joyful vitality.” For Greenberg, the magic lies in approaching each session with an open mind. “The more I trust and consistently practice, the more open I become to receiving the benefits,” he said. “When I consistently practice, I seem to have all the time I need for whatever is important to me.” According to Greenburg, the Arizona chapter has nearly doubled its participants since its feature in Arcadia News in 2023. The group’s commitment to compassion extends beyond the studio, too. Through regular partnerships with Arizona charities – including a recent collaboration with Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church – members have helped expand a neighborhood food drive from serving 55 families to more than 90. Taoist Tai Chi sessions are held in Arcadia at St. Stephens Episcopal Church (56th St. and Oak) on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Fridays from 3:30 to 5 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 9 to 10:15 a.m. taoisttaichi.org A new place to stretch, strengthen and smile Taoist Tai Chi’s newest location will hold a grand opening celebration in January. PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEVE GREENBERG