There comes a point in every child’s life where they go through a phase with rocks. Whether that be chewing on rocks as a toddler or skipping rocks in grade school, the fascination with rocks is inevitable.
What better way to relive those childhood memories (or make new ones) than to attend Snyder Rocks rock painting at the 1818 Arthouse tonight.
“It’s a fun, modern take on geocaching, and it’s for people of all ages,” Scurry County Museum Director Daniel Schlegel Jr. said. “It’s an easy thing for people to do with the family.”
Painted rocks have made an impression on the Snyder community. Not only have people been painting rocks, but they have been hiding them around town, too.
“The way it works is you paint or decorate a rock and modge podge a label on the back that reads, ‘Keep or Hide, you decide, please post a pic of the rocks you find to Snyder Rocks’ Facebook page,’” Tessa Cotter, who started the Snyder Rocks group, said. “They can keep their rock or hide it. The object is to get individuals — especially kiddos — involved in painting rocks and hiding them around town.”
While individuals are out hiding the rocks, they can post a clue to the Facebook page with a picture of the background where the rock is hidden.
“I think coming together as a community to paint rocks, hide them and then see the smiles it puts on the child or adult’s face that finds it is a good reason to participate,” Cotter said.
Cotter got the idea to start a rock group from her sister.
“My sister is involved in two groups, one in Gatesville and one in McGregor,” Cotter said. “She invited me to join their Facebook pages, and as I watched them paint, hide and find rocks, I became very interested and thought I would try to start a rock group here. I had over 100 members the first week, and I’ve had many show interest.”
In addition to painting and hiding rocks around town, members are also asking for help painting rocks to hide in other places.
“They are asking for help painting a bunch of rocks to take with them on vacation, whether it be in another town, state or country,” Cotter said. “I thought this was a very neat idea and something we may start doing here if enough people are interested.”
Although painting and hiding rocks seems like a simple activity, Cotter said there is more to it.
“It’s all about kindness, smiles and making someone’s day a little brighter,” Cotter said.
The group and public will paint rocks from 4-8 at the 1818 Arthouse during today’s Sip and Shop in downtown. Attendees may bring their own rocks or use those available at the event.