Sonoran Speaker Series Presents: Southwest Rock Imagery

 

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The Sonoran Speaker Series invites the community to discover the rich heritage of indigenous rock imagery across the American Southwest. The free public lecture on November 11, 2025. Dr. Aaron Wright of Archaeology Southwest will present "Southwest Rock Imagery" at 6:00 PM at the Valley of the Sun J in Scottsdale.

The presentation will examine the diverse petroglyph and pictograph traditions created by indigenous peoples across the Southwest. Rather than focusing solely on interpreting the meaning of petroglyphs, Dr. Wright will explore their functional significance within the societies and communities that created them.

"While it's natural to ask what the petroglyphs mean, it's more important to ask why people created them," explains Dr. Wright. The lecture will showcase the remarkable diversity of rock imagery found throughout the Sonoran Desert, highlighting both common threads that unite these traditions and the unique regional qualities that distinguish different cultural groups.

The Sonoran Speaker Series is an ongoing free lecture series designed to connect community members with the natural and cultural heritage of their Sonoran Desert home. The series provides accessible educational opportunities for residents and visitors to deepen their understanding of this unique desert ecosystem and its human history.

Event Details:

• What: Southwest Rock Imagery presentation by Dr. Aaron Wright
• When: November 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM
• Where: Valley of the Sun J, Scottsdale
• Cost: Free and open to the public. Due to limited seating, registration is required.

To Register for this event or for more information about the Sonoran Speaker Series and upcoming events, visit dflt.org/speakerseries.
 
Since 1945, Valley of the Sun J is the place where children are enriched, friendships built, bodies strengthened, minds challenged, and Jewish culture celebrated. The Valley of the Sun J is where all are welcome. Where the community comes together to workout, to play, to grow, to engage. The Valley of the Sun J is where we are All. Together. Better. To learn more visit valleyofthesunj.org.

Desert Foothills Land Trust connects people to nature by working with communities and partners to conserve and steward sensitive lands and species for the survival of our Sonoran Desert. Operating in communities across the north Valley, this nonprofit has conserved nearly 1,100 acres across 29 preserves, many open for public exploration. Re-accredited in 2022 by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, the organization continues its vital work protecting the region's unique desert landscapes, balancing conservation with community needs in rapidly developing areas.
 
Media Contact:
Rachel Stringham, Director of Community Engagement, Desert Foothills Land Trust
480-488-6131 x201, rstringham@dflt.org