Inspiring Creativity and Exploration
By Christina Brady
After visiting out-of-town family and discovering their local rocks’ group, I decided to bring the idea back to Woodstock and Cherokee County. The idea is to hide painted rocks around your community to bring others joy.
I soon discovered this simple idea was so much more than just painting, hiding and finding rocks. It is about being creative and painting whatever you like, what you think others will like or inspirational words that will brighten a stranger’s day and put a smile on his or her face. Also, it’s about getting outside, looking up from our phones and enjoying the beautiful area we live in. I encourage you to take time from your busy life and join in on this community building project.
I am so passionate about this idea and the Woodstock Rocks group. I want to inspire people to think about others and get outside. I can’t believe we now have more than 2,000 members from all over Cherokee County in our Facebook group. From time to time I run into someone from the group who recognizes me, and they tell me how they love what the group is doing. The members of Woodstock Rocks inspire me each day with the photos they share and the huge smiles on their faces when they find a painted rock.
In the beginning, we didn’t have many people painting and hiding. I asked my small group of friends to help, and they quickly got busy painting. We hid rocks everywhere we went, and I shared the group on several local Facebook pages. Now it is much easier to come across a Woodstock Rocks rock when you’re out, but I still want to get more people involved because I know there are many locals who are not aware of the group.
We have partnered with the Downtown Woodstock Visitors Center and some local businesses for giveaways. I love working with and promoting our local businesses.
Joining in is easy. Find us on Facebook by searching for Woodstock Rocks – Cherokee County. Start by reading the pinned post for detailed information about how everything works. Then you just need supplies: rocks (found outside or store bought), acrylic paints and/or paint pens, and sealer (clear spray paint to protect your artwork from the elements). Start painting, and don’t forget to add “Woodstock Rocks” on the back of your finished rocks so people know where to find us!
When you find a painted rock, share a picture on social media and use the hashtag #wdstkrocks. We are also on Instagram as Woodstock.rocks.
Tips for hiding and searching for rocks:
• Hide rocks anywhere in Cherokee County: trails, parks, playgrounds, in front of local businesses. Use your imagination and good judgment.
• Don’t hide rocks inside a business unless you have permission from the owner or manager.
• Don’t climb on statues or memorials to hide or look for rocks.
• Be mindful when hiding on sidewalks, stairs or walkways.
• Don’t leave hiking trails to hide rocks in grass or plants.
• Don’t leave rocks in grass where mowers may run over them.
• Do not hide or search for rocks in cemeteries.
• Always be safe and courteous!
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