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Get a piece of the rock and paint it for charity

Hernando Rocks! offers foam boulders for buyers to design to raise money for the mentally ill.

By LOGAN NEILL
Published August 3, 2005

BROOKSVILLE - If Patricia Springstead could have her wish, every business in Hernando County would want to own a piece of the rock. Well, not exactly THE rock, but a replica of one, painted with dazzling colors and artsy designs.

So far, about 30 local merchants have signed up to take part in what Springstead has playfully dubbed Hernando Rocks!, an initiative she is spearheading to raise money for a local charity that is near and dear to her heart.

Sometime in early August, participants will be receiving their 3-foot foam replica boulders. The owners will then transform them into one-of-a-kind objects of art that will be displayed throughout the community.

Why rocks?

It all goes back to a late-night conversation that Springstead had with some artist friends awhile back. Springstead wondered what they could do collectively to raise money for Art for the Heart, a not-for-profit organization she helped launch to provide a creative outlet for disabled and mentally ill Hernando residents.

Their thoughts turned to Florida cities that recently sponsored whimsical public art displays such as Ocala's "Horse Fever" project or Venice's "Pigs in Paradise" exhibit, and whether something similar could get started in Hernando County.

"Someone said the word rock, and it hit me," recalls Springstead, a Brooksville native. "If there's anything says Hernando County, it's rocks. It's part of our heritage."

Armed with the support of friends, family and clients she serves at her business, Springstead Arts and Gifts mall on Liberty Street in Brooksville, Springstead put together a plan.

She persuaded members of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council and county tourism officials to back a communitywide celebration coinciding with Brooksville's annual Founders Week in October. She also found a sponsor in Rinker Materials, which operates the Florida Crushed Stone quarry north of Brooksville, which agreed to underwrite the cost of the 62 faux rocks being offered.

"It's going unbelievably well," Springstead said.

About half the rocks are already spoken for, and Springstead believes interest will grow once the painted rocks start appearing around the county.

Springstead is quick to point out that though the idea of artistic rock might sound a bit quirky, such projects tend to go far in creating a positive public image for communities that sponsor them.

"It makes for great publicity," Springstead said. "It shows that we're a community that loves artistic expression and that we support it. As with other communities that did this kind of thing, it really attracts attention. People will want to go out and see the rocks."

Depending on the number of employees they have, businesses are being asked to contribute between $350 and $700 for the foam bolders. Proceeds from the sales will go toward Art for the Heart and other local charities.

Rock purchasers may either choose to decorate the rocks themselves or they may contact one of about a dozen participating local artists for help.

In September, the public will be asked to vote for their favorite rock designs. The winning entry will be put on display at Brooksville City Hall during Founders Week.

In addition to the contest, the Hernando Rocks! organizers plan to sponsor student rock-decorating competitions and essay contests in the county's four high schools.

"I think people are going to really love this," said Springstead. "Not only will it be fun, but it will have a true positive impact on people's lives. You can't go wrong with something like that."

Logan Neill can be reached at 352 848-1435 or lneill@sptimes.com

[Last modified August 3, 2005, 00:36:17]