Finders Keepers, WeHa Artists Emporium’s treasure hunt for artfully-painted rocks, returns for the 12 days of Christmas.

Some of the decorated rocks that will be hidden as part of the ‘Twelve Days of Finders Keepers.’ Contributed photo

By Ronni Newton

WeHa Artists Emporium launched its first successful treasure hunt in December 2014 by hiding painted rocks throughout West Hartford and providing daily clues to a what turned into an ever-growing group of eager searchers.

Hunters get ready, because the “Twelve Days of Finders Keepers” will begin in West Hartford on Dec. 1, 2015.

Artist Stefanie Marco paints one of the rocks for the ‘Twelve Days of Finders Keepers.’ Contributed photo

“Last year’s hunt was such a success that we decided to make it a yearly tradition,” group founder Stefanie Marco said in a release announcing this year’s event.

Last year’s hunt extended throughout the month of December, and although organizers were lucky to only have to cancel one day because of the weather, this year they decided to shorten the event’s duration to follow the classic Christmas tune and have a 12-day event.

“We got very lucky with the weather last year,” says artist Julie Phillipps in the release. “We only had to cancel one day of the hunt. But who knows what this December will bring, so we’re cutting it down a bit.”

Although Finders Keepers will not last as long, the quality of the treasures will not be diminshed. “There will be so many amazing rocks this year,” Marco said.

Clues will be posted on the WeHa Artists Emporium Finders Keepers Facebook event page beginning Dec. 1. A different clue will be posted each day to give hunters hints on where to find the rocks and which rocks will be hidden that day.

Decorated rocks in progress by Stefanie Marco. Contributed photo

According to artist participant Hannah Dunnack Jackson, the clues won’t all appear at the same time each day, and the rocks will be hidden at different times as well. “Sometimes we hide rocks early so stay-at-home folks can get out and find them. Other times we’ll hide them in the evening so after-work rock hunters can have a chance,” she said.

If you aren’t lucky enough to find a rock, or if you want more rocks or other artistic treasures, there will be a Pop-Up Holiday show after the 12-day hunt is complete. The show will be held at 11 Lexington Rd., West Hartford, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and will feature a variety of small pieces – including paitings, photographs, mixed media, and collage – all created by WeHa Artists Emporium members.

“And rocks,” said Phillipps. “There will definitely be rocks.”

Artist Julie Phillipps shos off some of her creations for the ‘Twelve Days of Finders Keepers.’ Contributed photo

Local artists who have decorated rocks for this year’s hunt include returnees Marco, Phillipps, Dunnack Jackson, Phyllis Meredith, Laura Marks, Kimberly Heil, Thea Wilcox, and Angela Shenk. New rock artists joining the fun are Chris Ouellette, Bonnie Mackenzie, and Lisa Connors.

For more information about the WeHa Artists Emporium, visit their Facebook page.

The Finders Keepers Facebook event page, which will bring you directly to the clues beginning Dec. 1, and already has photos of some of the decorated rocks, can be found by clicking here.

Happy hunting!

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