In a heartwarming display of creativity, a father from Michigan, along with his six children, embarked on a year-long project that resulted in the creation of 1,000 uniquely painted rocks, turning their city into a vibrant playground for the classic game of “I Spy.” This artistic endeavor, dubbed “Rock Around,” not only showcases their artistic talents but also strengthens their family bond, making it a delightful experience for everyone involved.
Meet Jack Thompson
Jack Thompson is a passionate artist and devoted dad. Together with his children, Jack has been engaged in various artistic projects for years, but this latest one took their creativity to unprecedented heights. “We went all out! Previously, we would paint around 40 items per outing, but for this project, we dedicated an entire year to decorating over 1,000 rocks,” he shared with enthusiasm. “Each rock has its own unique character.”
After gathering the rocks, Jack painted them with one of seven base colors before letting his kids express their imaginations by adding their own designs. It turned out to be a fantastic bonding activity. Some rocks sport whimsical faces, while others are a bit spooky, but all are incredibly fun. Each painted rock has a matching counterpart. “I displayed half of the rocks—500 of them—outside the local Children’s Museum, creating a colorful display of patterns and shapes,” Jack explained. “The other 500 rocks were hidden throughout Grand Rapids in various locations.”
The Game of “I Spy”
Once the project was finished, families in Grand Rapids eagerly set out to play the expansive game of “I Spy,” searching for these hidden treasures. Participants were encouraged to share their discoveries on social media using the hashtag #RockAroundGR. Jack mentioned one of the most rewarding aspects of the initiative was “seeing families light up with excitement as they discovered this fun game in their neighborhoods.”
The Importance of Artistic Expression
This creative project serves as a wonderful reminder of the importance of artistic expression for children. “Art holds a special place in our family’s heart. We notice creativity everywhere—whether we’re reading picture books, visiting museums, or playing creative games together,” Jack explained. “It’s a joy to witness how their personalities shine through in their creations.”
Favorite Moments
Choosing a favorite moment from the project was challenging for Jack. “Personally, I loved watching everything come together—solving logistical puzzles, seeing my kids enjoy painting, and capturing the whole process for a mini-documentary,” he recalled. For his children, he believes the highlight was “bringing their characters to life and enjoying the countless painting parties we had throughout the year.”
Learn More
Curious to learn more about Jack and his family’s creative journey? Check out the “Rock Around” video for a closer look at this delightful project!
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In summary, this inspiring tale of a father and his six kids transforming their city into a vibrant landscape of painted rocks showcases the joy of creativity and family bonding, turning a simple game into a community-wide adventure.