In June, the Chronicle interviewed Samar Mouawad Harik, a Lexington resident who had been painting spirit rocks at local schools. 

At the time, she had painted 86 rocks. Now, Samar has painted 159 rocks and celebrated her one-year anniversary of doing it on Oct. 3. 

In October 2024, someone in Samar’s neighborhood asked if anyone knew of someone who could paint the spirit rock at a school. Though intimidated at first, Samar took the opportunity to share her passion for painting.

She has brought spirit to large rocks at schools in Lexington and Richland counties, including Pleasant Hill Elementary and Middle School, Deerfield Elementary, Rocky Creek Elementary, White Knoll Elementary, Springdale Elementary, Redbank Elementary, St. Joseph Catholic School, Saluda River Academy for the Arts and River Springs Elementary School.

Samar now uses spray paint for some of her designs, saying it saves time and dries faster. Painting one rock can take between two and three hours.

Most of her designs are birthday messages, while others are special requests from friends and family of students at these schools.

Samar has expanded her services and now offers hand-painted banners, window painting for businesses during the holidays and has painted a large rock on Highway 378 twice. 

Additionally, she has put her artistic talents to work as a freelance designer, creating everything from logos and book covers to custom tattoo designs. She even illustrates her husband Ramy’s published books.

Parents and guardians can reach Samar through Facebook by searching School Spirit Rock Painting (Samar Mouawad).