Hamptonite leaves painted rocks for encouragement amid pandemic

Walkers and bicyclists along the trail at the Hampton Cemetery lately may have noticed small splashes of color with messages of hope.

Not long after isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic began, painted rocks with pictures and quotes began popping up along the trail. For the first few weeks, the rocks’ source was a mystery but Hampton resident Dawn Foy recently revealed herself as the anonymous artist.

But Foy never wanted recognition, all she wanted was a way to lift spirits amid the uncertainty of today’s world because solace can be found in the simplest of places.

“Some of them were just pictures but a lot of them had little messages like ‘Stay safe,’ ‘Peace, Love and Social Distance,’ and some of them were biblical for inspirational sayings,’” she said. “Basically just little things to get through the quarantine.”

Foy estimates she has placed between 80 to 100 rocks along the cemetery trail. She chose that location because of the tranquility and the connection it has to loved ones. She said that while most of the rocks are gone, she encourages anyone who finds one to take it with them.

“I’ve never cared if people picked up the rocks and I’ve always told people that if it brings them joy and they want to bring them home, they can,” she said. “I’m always all for anything that can bring someone joy.”

Foy said she started the project with just a literal handful of rocks – about seven or eight. As the amount of rocks grew, so did the responses and pretty soon, Foy was receiving messages from friends, family members and complete strangers regarding the rocks.

“It’s been very, very cool and very, very overwhelming at times,” she said. “I never did it for attention or to receive credit for them, but I just never could’ve imagined the positive response from the community.”

She added that she encouraged anyone who is able to pass that joy along in another form of peace and kindness.

“I just hope others can find ways to spread kindness because it’s so important to support each other in these times,” she said.