October 22, 2026

The Amarillo Museum of Art invites you to join us for the annual Ladd Lecture on Thursday, October 22, 2026. This free and popular event is made possible by the generosity of Peggy Ladd and her late husband Frank A. Ladd. The Ladd Lecture is an ongoing series of lectures by distinguished experts from across the United States with a focus toward a greater understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts.

Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center is a nonprofit organization that has been working to preserve the oldest known “books” in North America since 1998 through a comprehensive approach of documentation, research, stewardship, and education. These books are painted rock art murals, authored and composed to communicate the beliefs, stories, and ideas of foraging peoples who lived in the canyonlands of southwest Texas over the past 6,000 years. Shumla uses recording methods that combine scientific investigative processes, state-of-the-art technologies, and advanced data management tools and procedures to capture and preserve the details of these painted masterworks. Through these efforts, Shumla brings Lower Pecos paintings to life and preserves the information contained in the murals, each a book relating how ancient people understood themselves, their environment, and their place in the world. 

Amanda Castañeda is the Shumla Archaeology Director and leads the Shumla team as they carry out documentation and research initiatives to digitally preserve hundreds of rock art murals. Amanda specializes in rock art research and has worked at rock art sites in Texas, the American Southwest, Rocky Mountains, and northern Plains. She has worked and collaborated with Shumla since 2009 developing recording methods and preservation practices.

For additional information call 806.371.5050

Each sponsorship includes two tickets to the Pre-Lecture Cocktail Reception.

Tax deductible above $40 per person, if attending.

We appreciate your support of the Amarillo Museum of Art and the AMoA Alliance.

*All sponsors will be listed on the invitation