Why Painted Rocks Are Popping Up Around MGA’s Macon Campus

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 12:00 AM
Categories: Pressroom | Faculty/Staff | Students | School of Arts and Letters


Macon, GA

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Spotted any brightly painted rocks around ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s Macon Campus lately?

Those little bursts of color aren’t random. They’re part of a student project designed to spark creativity, connection, and conversation.

In her Perspectives on Art class, Middle Georgia State (MGA) academic advisor and instructor Terri Reckart blends art making with meaning. Students in her evening class are painting rocks with acrylic markers as a way of exploring identity and community through art.

Reckart, who has a background in art therapy, grounds her teaching in experiential learning.

“I lead a discussion, and then students make art that reflects what we’ve discussed,” she said. “That hands-on connection helps them internalize ideas in a personal way.”

The rock-painting project bridged class discussions on symbolic communication and community art. Reckart asked students to design rocks featuring their MGA major or program of study, something uplifting, and something cool, artsy, or beautiful.

“Painting symbols that represent who they are as students helps them develop a sense of belonging,” she said. “Their shared identity in class helps build community.”

As a bonus, Heatherly Day, an artist who serves as administrative assistant in MGA’s School of Arts & Letters, attended a class as a special guest to paint rocks along with students.

Students photographed their finished work and walked around the Macon Campus, placing their rocks near trees and shrubbery and other spots where people might find them.

Reckart is extending the rock-painting activity to students she advises, so expect to see plenty more painted rocks scattered across the Macon Campus in the days ahead.

“Who doesn’t love finding a colorful rock?” she said.

Happy rock hunting, Knights!