Bluffton Rocks!

A tale of community, art and resilience by the May River.

Story + Photos by Sheila Paz

As you stroll down to Wright Family Park in Bluffton, your eyes may be drawn to something near the dock – a colorful wall adorned with painted rocks. What began as a scavenger hunt has now evolved into a community phenomenon known as “Bluffton Rocks!” – and there’s no pun intended in its name.

Painted Rocks in Wright Family Park in Bluffton — As you wander along the pathway of Wright Family Park in Bluffton, the journey brings you to a charming staircase near the dock. Descending these steps, you’re greeted by a growing collection of meticulously painted rocks.

The genesis of a stone age

In April 2022 a local legend, affectionately known as “The Rock Man” by Bluffton residents, sparked a creative and innovative pursuit. Steve Gregar, this artistic visionary, painted Waldo on a rock and concealed it somewhere in Bluffton. He posted a simple picture of Waldo on the “What’s Happening in Bluffton” Facebook page with a tantalizing caption, “He is somewhere in Bluffton. Can you find him?”

Steve’s objective? To lure children away from screens and back into the great outdoors, especially after the long pandemic-induced hiatus. The result? A frenzied hunt ensued, with both children and adults scouring Bluffton for Waldo, seeking hints and jubilantly sharing their triumphs when they discovered him perched on the erosion retaining wall at Wright Family Park.

Following the resounding success, Steve painted more rocks and took requests from his ever-growing fanbase, often encountered during his visits to the park. These rocks have been transformed into canvases that tell countless stories. One of Steve’s cherished anecdotes is about a young boy who chose the same day as his final chemotherapy treatment to paint Yoshi, a beloved Mario Kart character, to commemorate his triumph over adversity. These rocks have transformed into a rich collection of human experiences and emotions, becoming an invaluable part of the project. “The rocks are a melting pot, and if real life could be like this, it would be so wonderful,” Steve muses. Today the wall boasts rocks from diverse backgrounds, cultures and countries, alongside many of Steve’s own artistic creations.

Steve Gregar, Bluffton, SC — Hailing from New York, Steve Gregar moved to Bluffton in 1998 to be closer to family. Over the years he has raised two sons in Bluffton and witnessed the transformation of this small town into a thriving community.

For those about to rock

Contributing your own masterpiece to this ever-evolving collection is as easy as a trip to your local gardening store. Simply acquire a paver, brick or stone, add your artwork and place it on the rock wall. Any type of paint will suffice, but Steve recommends fabric paint for its durability against the elements. Please refrain from taking an unpainted rock, as they play a crucial role in protecting against erosion.

Share your artistic triumph by submitting a photo to the Bluffton Rocks! Facebook page, and don’t forget to include your favorite song for a special feature. If you happen to spot the Rock Man at Wright Family Park, feel free to join in and paint alongside him. He revels in recounting the stories behind the rocks, inspiring others to leave their indelible mark on this ever-evolving canvas of community spirit.