FAQs

  • Taos Rocks is a community art project encouraging local artists—both professional and amateur—to paint rocks with positive, uplifting designs, write #TaosRocks on the back, and hide them around Taos County for others to find. The goal is to make art more accessible, inspire exploration, and spread joy.

  • Taos resident Pamela Vanderway, created Taos Rocks as a way to bring art into everyday life and encourage people to discover Taos on foot.

  • Yes! Whether you’re an experienced artist or just having fun with paint, everyone is welcome to create and hide rocks. And, of course, anyone can search for and enjoy the rocks they find.

  • No, signing your rock is optional. If you're an artist who wants people to know your work, feel free to add your signature or social media handle, share a photo of your rock on social media with the hashtag #taosrocks, and give a hint as to where it can be found.

  • Anything with a positive or uplifting vibe! It could be a beautiful landscape, a fun pattern, a kind message, or anything that brings a smile.

  • Anywhere public in Taos County where people can safely find it—parks, walking trails, benches, and other outdoor spaces. Please avoid private property, Taos Pueblo or places where the rock could be a hazard.

  • Before hiding your rock, take a photo and post it on Instagram or Facebook with #TaosRocks and a clue about where it might be found. If you find a rock, snap a photo, share where you discovered it, and tag #TaosRocks to keep the fun going!

  • Absolutely! If a rock speaks to you, feel free to keep it. Or, if you’d like, you can re-hide it for someone else to enjoy.

  • Paint and hide rocks, share your finds, and spread the word! If you're a local business, you might even feature found rocks in your shop or encourage customers to join the fun.

  • How to Paint Rocks for Taos Rocks

    Ready to add your artistic touch to Taos? Painting rocks for the Taos Rocks project is easy and fun—and a perfect way to get creative while bringing a little joy to the community. Here’s everything you need to know to get started!

    What You’ll Need

    • Rocks – Find smooth, flat rocks that are easy to paint on. You can gather them from your garden, the river, or even buy blank rocks at craft stores.

    • Acrylic Paint – Acrylics are the best option for painting rocks. They’re vibrant, quick-drying, and durable enough to withstand the elements.

    • Paint Brushes – Get a variety of sizes, from small detail brushes to larger ones for background colors.

    • Palette – For mixing your paint colors. A simple plastic plate works just fine!

    • Water and Paper Towels – To rinse brushes and clean up.

    • Pencil – For sketching out your design before painting (optional).

    • Sealer – After your rock is dry, protect your art with a clear sealer. We recommend clear acrylic spray sealer or Mod Podge. Both will help keep your design safe from weather and keep it looking fresh.

    How to Paint Your Rock

    1. Prep Your Rock – If your rock has rough or uneven surfaces, give it a light wash and let it dry. You can also sand it gently to create a smooth surface.

    2. Sketch Your Design – Lightly sketch your design with a pencil first (optional).

    3. Paint Your Rock – Use acrylic paints to bring your design to life! Let your creativity flow—paint landscapes, patterns, encouraging words, or anything that brings positive vibes.

    4. Let It Dry – Allow your painted rock to dry completely before applying a sealant.

    5. Seal Your Art – To protect your masterpiece from the weather, spray it with a clear acrylic sealer or apply a layer of Mod Podge. Let it dry thoroughly.

    #TaosRocks Painting Party!

    Why paint alone when you can make it a fun social event? Invite friends, family, or fellow artists to a #TaosRocks painting party! Grab your paints, some rocks, and a few snacks, and spend the day creating together. It’s a great way to connect with others, spread joy, and get ready to hide your art around Taos!

    Don’t forget to take a picture of your finished rocks and share them on social media with #TaosRocks. You can even include a clue about where to find them—let the treasure hunt begin!

    Pro Tip

    Make your rocks official by adding #TaosRocks on the bottom! It’ll help others know they’ve found a part of the community art adventure.

  • Write to us at TrueTaosMagazine@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help you!