Paint Taos Rocks!
Let’s
Paint!
Help Us Provide Supplies
Donated art supplies help us make free painting opportunities available to more people.
Visit our Wishlist to contribute rocks, acrylic paint markers, varnish and other project supplies.
Even a $10 merchandise donation goes a long way and can help several people participate.Share What You Create
Need Painting Supplies?
We want cost to be as little of a barrier as possible.
If you would like to paint a Taos Rock but cannot afford supplies, email us at TaosRocksArt@gmail.com. As long as funding remains available, we may be able to invite you to a community paint party or help you organize one for your family, school, neighborhood or community group.
Taos Rocks is a community art project that invites people of all ages and experience levels to paint rocks, hide them in the Taos Historic District and help create small moments of surprise, connection and joy.
You do not need to be a professional artist to join the fun! Families, children, community groups, visitors and first-time painters are all welcome to participate.
What You’ll Need
You can keep your supplies simple:
A clean rock that you own
Acrylic paint or acrylic paint markers
Paintbrushes, if needed
Clear acrylic varnish or another outdoor-safe sealant
For a smooth painting surface, we recommend clean, ethically sourced river rocks. Please use rocks taken from property you own, rocks you have permission to collect or rocks purchased from a craft, garden or landscaping supplier.
Please do not remove rocks from parks, trails, waterways, public lands or private property without permission.
Painting Your Rock
Your design can be simple or detailed. You might paint an animal, flower, pattern, landscape, encouraging word or something inspired by Taos.
Please keep all artwork welcoming and appropriate for a public, family-friendly project.
Be sure to add @TaosRocksArt and #TaosRocks to the back of your rock so the person who finds it can discover the project and share a photo.
You are also welcome to include your name or initials and the year the rock was painted, as Taos Rocks is designed to become a long-standing tradition here in Taos! Who knows? Your rock may become a collectors item!
Once your design is complete and the back of the rock is marked, allow the paint to dry completely, then seal the finished rock with clear acrylic varnish to help protect the artwork from weather and handling.
Where to Hide Your Rock
Taos Rocks should be hidden only in safe, publicly accessible places within the Taos Historic District.
Choose a location where the rock:
Can be found without climbing, digging or entering a restricted area
Will not create a tripping hazard
Will not interfere with traffic, sidewalks, doors or accessibility
Will not damage plants, landscaping, buildings, monuments or historic features
Is not placed inside a business without permission
Is not hidden on private property without the owner’s permission
Place your rock where it can be noticed and enjoyed, but never where finding it could put someone at risk.
Use Only Rocks You Own
Please paint and hide only rocks that belong to you or that you have permission to use.
Do not take rocks from public lands, historic sites, parks, trails, waterways, landscaping or someone else’s property.
Share What You Create
Before hiding your rock, take a photo and share it on Instagram. Tag@TaosRocksArt so we can celebrate your work and help others discover the project.
Then place your rock somewhere safe in the Taos Historic District and let the adventure begin.