The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Although Pokémon Go was all the rage a few years ago, a more low-key, unplugged treasure-hunt trend is steadily growing in popularity in Montana communities: finding painted rocks. In an effort to join the trend, the Harlem Public Library hosted a Rock Painting Party on Thursday, September 16. People gathered at the library from noon until 6:00 p.m. to support the Harlem Rocks! movement. Library staff estimated that 45 people came and painted rocks.

The movement began in Harlem after a patron visited the library with her grandchildren who had found a rock in Lewistown with a message. That story inspired the staff at the Harlem Public Library to start a similar project in the community.

According to Library Director Colleen Brommer, in addition to Lewistown, other communities such as Havre, Great Falls, and Fort Benton also have rock inspired groups for the purpose of bringing joy to others. The premise is simple. A person simply has to gather a few supplies (flat/smooth rocks, acrylic paint, paint brushes, sealer), decorate a rock-getting as creative as one's talent allows-and seal it. Once it's dry, "hide" the rock. Repeat. Popular hiding spots include doorsteps, flowerpots, sidewalks, and park benches.

If anyone finds a rock or someone passes a rock to another person, the idea is to keep the rock moving-either by re-hiding the same rock or painting a new one for hiding. Many people may choose to keep their first rock and then re-hide others they find.

To get the movement started, Assistant Librarian Carly Vauthier created a Facebook page in early July along with a few guidelines: "Welcome to Harlem Rocks! Spread some love, kindness, and joy by painting rocks and hiding them around town for others to find. Use this page to post new rocks you're hiding, and also post selfies with the ones you find. Get creative! Use whatever medium you'd like. (Seal with Mod Podge for best results)."

Vauthier also posted the following group rules:

1. Avoid hiding within stores and inside buildings. Let's be respectful of small businesses and private property.

2. Don't hide directly in the grass where a lawn mower could hit the hidden rock or anywhere else that may be hazardous.

3. Please keep rocks positive and family friendly, free from negativity, rants, foul language, business advertisements, and political opinions.

4. Use common sense and creativity and have fun spreading kindness!

Brommer stated that some students from the local elementary school contributed during the summertime, but she would like to create more involvement: "It's not just for children but for all ages, including adults. My hope is that we can generate some enthusiasm for something positive. We need to shift our focus to something uplifting."

A person inclined to research might discover that there is a global movement centered around the idea of painting rocks with uplifting words that are simple yet impactful-words such as You matter or Be patient; everything will work out. Megan Murphy, who believes that kindness rocks, is the creator of the national movement The Kindness Rocks Project™, which encourages people to leave rocks painted with inspiring messages along the path of life.

According to the origin story, in 2015 Murphy wrote, "You've got this" on a rock and left it on a beach on Cape Cod. After a friend found it, she started leaving more rocks with inspirational messages behind. The idea took off from there. Anyone interested in learning more about the movement or how to join can visit the website: thekindnessrocksproject.com. Looking up #TheKindnessRocksProject will also produce information about the impact Murphy has made through her actions.

However, Murphy isn't the only one responsible for the movement. Residents in communities from Missouri to Washington have groups like Knox Rocks and Port Angeles Rocks who have been painting on rocks much longer than Murphy. Some of these groups create two-sided rocks with inspirational art or messaging on one side and directions for playing the game on the backside: "Post a picture on the Harlem Rocks FB page then rehide."

In an effort to expand the movement in our area, Harlem Public Library hosted the Rock Painting Party. By supplying the rocks, paint, and all other supplies, they hope to support the spread of positive messaging throughout the community. In their vision, toddlers, teens, parents and even grandparents can enjoy painting, hiding, and hunting together.

Approximately 45 people participated in Thursday's event. With rocks stretched across multiple tables to dry, the staff at Harlem Public Library agreed that the event was a success. Some of the rocks were marbleized and some bore bright colors while others featured polka dots, stripes, or words of inspiration. Among that group, rocks carried thoughtful and motivational messages such as Inspire, Shine, Be Awesome, and Be Thankful.

With the help of community-driven Facebook groups, the Our Community Rocks! movement intends to spread kindness around the globe, one rock at a time. Then, we won't be throwing stones but creating a culture of kindness and spreading beauty with rock art.