Karen Schaefer took her turn at painting the Rock in Ann Arbor’s George Washington Park, announcing her conclusion about the boulder that was put on the spot in the 1930s. Schaefer wrote her master’s degree thesis on the Rock, (Objects that communicate).

 all kinds of people with all kinds of agendas paint the rock in this decades-old tradition in ann arbor. the chat below was found on my community website and i especially loved how s.a. was at the ready with his how-to directions and a bit of historical support. 

G.A. Does anyone know how much paint is required to paint a message on “The Rock” at Hill and Washtenaw?

P. L. Funny, my husband and I were just talking about this when we drove by it the other day.

S. A.  Old gallon of house paint for the base, one old mop or broom, go to Denny’s down the road, come back and it’s dry for the message.

T. S. Can’t believe that no one has commented that is is illegal and vandalism…

S. A. Even Al Gallup, the living son of the Gallup who placed it there in honor of Washington, is okay with it.

‘passion is one great force that unleashes creativity,

because if you’re passionate about something,

then you’re more willing to take risks.’

—yo-yo ma