Spreading kindness and joy through art is the purpose of Sherri Farmer's painted rock project, a hobby she now shares with nearly 1,000 people in her community.
"When I was little, I loved painting rocks," she said. "Back then, all you could get were dime store water colors and it was so fun. I don't know, why but I really liked it."
Farmer's passion for painting carried into adulthood and she continued painting rocks to display in her garden. She said she designed them to designate which plants were growing where. After sharing her creativity with a friend from Lebanon, Mo., Farmer learned rock painting was a nationwide trend.
"She told me I should look up Lebanon Rocks on Facebook," she said. "I didn't know anyone else was doing it, I thought it was just me painting rocks."
After a few months, Farmer looked up the group and learned not only folks in Lebanon were painting rocks, but people all over the country were engaged in groups who paint and hide the miniature canvasses throughout their cities and towns for strangers to discover.
Farmer said she began placing her own rocks in April, and eventually created the Facebook group Poplar Bluff Rocks during the summer. The group now consists of nearly 1,000 members who engage in the activity throughout Poplar Bluff and its surrounding communities, posting photos of their finds.
"I like to focus on positivity, motivational phrases, things like that," Farmer said. "You don't think about it, but a rock with just the word 'smile' makes people happy. If it can change somebody's heart, or somebody's day, it's all worth it."
Farmer, who is a registered nurse, said she has a passion for bringing families together and her rock project has helped accomplish this in a natural way.
"It is so satisfying to see the kids that are out. I'm a certified health coach, so I was trying to figure out a way in the community to get families out, active, out in the sun, being with their families, being with other kids. So this has been satisfying for that too," she said.
Farmer said it's easy to get involved with rock painting, adding any acrylic paint will work, any rocks will work but a quality sealer is important because it will allow them to withstand the weather. Once complete, she encourages folks to place them, or hide them in plain view, for others to find.
Since the project began, rocks have been place at McLane, Hendrickson and Ferguson Grove parks, around Downtown Poplar Bluff, at the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library and in various other well-trafficked locations.
Farmer emphasizes not placing rocks inside businesses, in landscaping or where mowers will hit them, but other than that, said there are few other rules aside from remaining positive.
"You can put a lady bug on there, or dots, or write out uplifting phrases," Farmer said. "Some groups discourage religious sayings, but we don't do that. If it matters to you, it could matter to someone else."
Farmer said she asks participants to write Poplar Bluff Rocks on the bottom so those who find them can post to the Facebook page.
"We've had one rock found at Pike's Peak. That's probably the farthest one has traveled," Farmer said, adding another Poplar Bluff Rock was found at the Laurel Falls Trail near Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Farmer said the Poplar Bluff Rocks Facebook group is listed on USA Rocks, a page listing every location in the country with organized rock painters.
"The interest in the community, as far as families, has been the most surprising aspect to me. It's mostly mothers who have found an activity they can do with their children," said Farmer, who enjoys placing rocks with her granddaughters, 6-year-old Olivia and 4-year-old Allison Wells.
"They live in my subdivision and they'll call me and say 'bring the yellow Jeep and lets paint rocks," she said. "They love it."
Farmer said community support has been outstanding. She's visited various organizations and businesses to hold rock painting parties, including Ozark Federal Credit Union, Reblessed, Cambridge Adult Day Care, and even a themed event with the Women's Veterans Organization featuring only red, white and blue paint.
Farmer said her goal is for anyone who wants to participate in spreading joy, be able to. She said the rocks don't have to be incredible works of art, but creativity is definitely welcome. She said afford ability is her goal and suggests either hunting for rocks outside or making a trip to the hardware store to purchase a few if time is limited.
To join the group or to view various pieces of rock art floating around town, visit Facebook.com and search for Poplar Bluff Rocks.