Nonprofits look to raise awareness with painted rocks
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 11 months AGO
Cora Arnold places an “Art of Healing” rock in the flower box outside McGough & Co. jewelry on Central Avenue last week. Painted rocks are hidden throughout town in a joint effort between the Stumptown Art Studio and Flathead Cancer Aid Services to raise awareness about their nonprofit organizations. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot)
Painted rocks are hidden throughout town in a joint effort between the Stumptown Art Studio and Flathead Cancer Aid Services to raise awareness about their nonprofit organizations. Folks are encouraged to find the rocks and post a photo of the rock on the project’s Facebook page called “Art of Healing WF.” (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot)
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | August 12, 2020 1:00 AM
Butterflies in a rainbow of colors with paintbrushes for bodies have been creatively painted on about 100 rocks scattered around Whitefish.
The rocks are a collaborative effort between the Stumptown Art Studio and the Flathead Cancer Aid Services, both nonprofit organizations participating in the Whitefish Community Foundation’s Great Fish Challenge, in a project they’re calling “Art of Healing.”
Cora Arnold, with Flathead cancer Aid Services, said the nonprofits are working together on the rock project to bring awareness to both groups.
“We’re planting about 100 rocks around town to bring awareness to our organizations,” explains Arnold.
Flathead Cancer Aid Services provides financial assistance for everyday costs associated with cancer treatment such as gas, transportation and housing.
Stumptown Art Studio is a community art center that provides art opportunities for children and adults at the studio and in off-site instruction.
Volunteers from both nonprofits painted the rocks. The butterfly is meant to be a symbol of the metamorphosis that cancer patients go through, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. The paintbrush as the body ties in the art of Stumptown Art Studio.
“We feel art can heal many wounds, whether it be cancer, anxiety, depression or any other physical, mental, or emotional challenges,” Arnold notes.
Rocks are hidden around town in public spaces including outside downtown businesses. Folks are encouraged to find the rocks and post a photo of the rock on the project’s Facebook page called “Art of Healing WF” or drop the photo off at the Stumptown Art Studio at 145 Central Ave.
Jessica Inez, with Stumptown, says the collaboration is a great way to bring awareness to the mission of the art studio, which is to provide art education and work on public art projects.
“This is a great way for the community to get involved with both nonprofits and tie it all into the Great Fish Challenge,” Inez said. “Rock hunting like this can be so much fun. A grandparent and their grandchild can have a treasure hunt to find the rocks and then post the photo together.”
Photos can be posted to the “Art of Healing WF” Facebook page or can be dropped off at the Stumptown Art Studio to spin the wheel for a prize. For more information, visit www.flatheadcanceraid.org or www.stumptownartstudio.org/
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