Rocking the community: Dickinson's painted rocks project grows

Jul. 10—DICKINSON — In the search for joy, the residents of Dickinson are embracing a unique and colorful endeavor: a hunt for painted rocks. These rocks, adorned with vibrant smiley faces, half-eaten M&M's, and uplifting messages, are being meticulously painted and concealed by both children and adults throughout the community.

The aim is simple—spread kindness and bring joy to others.

The concept was introduced to Dickinson six years ago by Jessica Sherman, who created a Facebook page called "Dickinson ND Rocks." Since then, the group has grown to include over 2.7K members. Reflecting on the origins of the project, Sherman said the idea was owed to her mother.

"I'm actually from Georgia. And my mom came up to visit with my brother one year and she had rocks in her suitcase and she's like 'Look at these rocks!' and I'm like 'What do you mean look at these rocks?' She goes 'Look it's so cool. They paint them and you find them.' I thought that is really cool like I want to do that. And so yeah, she showed me the rocks and I got a vision to bring it to life," Sherman said.

However, Sherman never expected the overwhelming interest and engagement the activity and Facebook page would generate.

"I didn't think it would have much interest but you know gearing towards kids and giving them something to do I was like, I think I should try this and I honestly can't tell you how it got to where it is now," Sherman said.

While many of these painted rocks have remained local, traveling from Medora to Belfield, some have embarked on grand adventures, discovered in various parts of the country from Arizona to Washington D.C. Travelers passing through Dickinson often bring these hidden treasures back to their homes, extending the reach of this local tradition to places like Florida and Arizona.

"It's no longer just exclusive to Dickinson whenever somebody finds one of our rocks in another state or wherever they work get on the page and they post about it and I think it's really exciting," Sherman said.

To further promote community engagement, the people of Dickinson have taken the initiative to expand the activity. One such creation is Rocky the Snake, an alley located near The Grooming Gallery downtown. Here, people can contribute rocks to form the body of a snake—a collaborative effort that embodies the spirit of togetherness.

Sam Goik and her daughter Ellie Goik are avid rock collectors in the community, eagerly searching for these painted treasures as they explore their surroundings.

"I just think it like makes her day whenever she finds rocks and whenever she hides them knowing like another kid's gonna find them and have the same excitement," Sam said.

However, the excitement is not exclusive to children. Both Sam and Sherman agree that finding these hidden gems is equally thrilling for adults. "For me personally, just finding a rock and thinking about the intention that person had creating the rock and then finding it and how it could mean something different for you or, you know, just little things like that," Sam explained.

Beyond the joy of the hunt, this activity has proven to be a refreshing outdoor pastime that fosters friendship and kindness.

"I feel like it brings people together and it gives kids something to do other than sitting in front of a screen or watching TV. It's getting them outside and playing at parks and finding a rock. We went to the park and we hid some and then she met a friend and she went and showed her where we hid her rock because she was so excited." Sam said.

The success of the rock-hunting activity owes much to community members like Marie Hetzel, who dedicates many of her evenings to wielding a paintbrush. Hetzel estimates that she has already painted and hidden over 200 rocks this summer alone, although her total count likely reaches several hundred more due to her years of involvement with the group.

"It's very relaxing to me. It's what I do after the kids go to bed. I'll put my audiobook on and the next thing I know it's midnight," Hetzel said.

For aspiring rock painters, Hetzel recommends using acrylic paints and applying a spray-on sealant to make the designs waterproof and long-lasting. Each rock is accompanied by a note indicating its origin in Dickinson and is shared on the Dickinson ND Rocks Facebook page.

Sherman expressed her immense happiness witnessing the joy that these rocks bring to people's lives. "I can't say enough how happy that makes me to see faces light up on Facebook when they find a rock or a painter is excited when their rock is found. I can say that over and over again. It really is amazing," she remarked.

Ultimately, this journey has been extraordinarily rewarding for Sherman, particularly in fostering a sense of community.

"I just love it. It's community engagement. It's very rewarding to know that I had a part in doing something for the community, even something as small as painting rocks. It's very rewarding to know that. It's bringing people together," Sherman concluded.

For the people of Dickinson, the simple act of painting and hiding rocks has blossomed into a profound source of joy, unity, and kindness. With these colorful rocks traveling far and wide, they carry the spirit of Dickinson wherever they go.