A new project with the hope of brightening people’s days will start at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, where Kim Argenta will host and teach a class to paint rocks, and place them all throughout Batavia.
Argenta, owner of Art Ah La Carte in Batavia, got the idea from her friend, Kelly Carlie, who runs a similar project in Le Roy, called “Le Roy Rocks.” She saw the post on Facebook and thought it was really cool. This is part of the nationwide project, “The Kindness Rocks Project.”
“I want to place them randomly throughout Batavia hoping that other communities will jump on board,” Argenta said.
Participants pay $5 to cover the paint and supplies, and bring a rock. Right now, there are three sessions, on July 13, July 27 and Aug. 17, from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. The sessions are held at Art Ah La Carte in Batavia at 39 Jackson St.
The $5 cost does not even cover all of the supplies, Argenta said. Each set of oil-based markers cost around $65 and she purchases paints, brushes, primer and sealer as well.
“This is nonprofit,” Argenta said. “I am making nothing from this. I just want to spread art and happiness.”
For those interested, they can call Argenta at Art Ah La Carte at 245-1655.
Argenta is proud of the fact that she is self-taught. She learned everything from teaching herself and doing. She started Art Ah La Carte in October almost nine years ago, when she wanted to offer Batavia something different.
“I wanted kids that weren’t into sports to have another option,” Argenta said. “I truly believe the arts are important for academics and the well-rounded individual.”
