By Liane Carwardine
Have you found a Minion at the gas pumps, a flower at the ATM, or a Pokemon on a park bench?
Painted rocks are nothing new to humans; the oldest known example dating back 73,000 years from South Africa. They’re an expression of humanity, history, and in more recent years, spreading smiles for those who find them.
Taking off heavily during the Covid lockdowns, people around the world decorated rocks and left them in public spaces for others to discover. Some artists take it a step further and leave small toys and trinkets to complement their pieces, like dollar bills hidden with rocks painted to look like gold bars.
The local Facebook group, “Spring Hill Rocks,” has been sharing their artwork for years and encourages others to try this affordable and family-friendly medium. Members share not only their impressive painting skills but also how they create intricate designs, some of which take hours, if not days to accomplish. And with little more than a desire to share a little joy with their community, the rocks are left in public to be taken home by a stranger.
A favorite hiding spot for many rock enthusiasts is Nature Coast Botanical Gardens, located at 1489 Parker Ave., Spring Hill, FL 34606. A walk along the shady trail reveals beautiful native and exotic plants, dozens of birds, the occasional cat, and hidden rocky treasures (for the keen eye).
And now, this Friday, the Spring Hill Rocks group is inviting the public to a free rock painting event held at Caffe Connection. They encourage anyone interested to attend, and all supplies will be provided. Members will be on hand sharing their experience and a helping hand (and paintbrush). The event is family-friendly and light refreshments will be served to guests along with a full Caffe Connection available for purchase.
So bring the kids, grandparents, aunts and uncles for a ‘gem’ of a time. Maybe a Jack-o-lantern to brighten your garden, or a head start on some holiday decor, or even an abstract Jackson Pollack, whatever your imagination can come up with, just ‘dig in’ and give it a try! The ‘boulder’ the better!
Caffe Connection is located at 4196 Mariner Blvd, and this event will take place this Friday, Oct. 18th from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. More information can be found on at the Spring Hill Rocks Facebook Page.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2202637016788857ago.”
