Operation Merriment
What is it?
Operation Merriment is an in-person gathering where you will:
✅ Create: Learn how to make fun, meaningful guerrilla art projects (no experience needed!)
✅ Connect: Meet like-minded people who want to spread joy and do something different
✅ Give Back: Place our creations in public spaces and/or give them to people in need to spread kindness
✅ Build Confidence: Step outside your comfort zone and see how your creativity can inspire change
🎨 Whether it’s uplifting sidewalk chalk messages, hidden love notes, or interactive art installations, every session is about turning creativity into kindness.
How it works
🖌 Step 1: Gather & Create – We meet up, go over the theme for the month, and make our art together.
🚀 Step 2: Deploy the Joy – We head out to place our creations in public spaces for others to find or hand deliver to a specific location.
💬 Step 3: Reflect & Connect – Share our experiences, celebrate what we’ve done, and leave feeling lighter, happier, and more inspired.
Why Guerrilla Art?
We live in a world where people feel disconnected, weighed down, and uninspired. Guerrilla art is a way to break through that. We're interrupting the ordinary with moments of wonder.
🔹 It’s unexpected. Finding a hidden message or a burst of color on a dull day can change someone’s mood instantly.
🔹 It’s accessible. You don’t need to be an “artist” to participate. If you can hold a marker, tape something up, or write a note—you can do this.
🔹 It’s empowering. There’s something exhilarating about leaving your mark in the world without needing permission.
Most importantly? It reminds us that we’re capable of making a difference... right now, exactly as we are.
This Month's Theme
We’ll gather in the dining/activity room of FutureCare Cold Spring, a local senior center in Northeast Baltimore, for an indoor act of heart-forward service.
You’ll have access to all the Valentine’s supplies you could dream of (craft paper, washi tape, scissors, doilies, pens, stickers, and more)
to make cards for:
- FutureCare residents (especially those who may not have visitors this season)
- Your friends and family, if you’d like to send a little extra love
Details
📅 When: Saturday, February 7th
⏰ Time: 3:30-5 PM
📍 Where: FutureCare, Cold Spring:
4700 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21214
💵 Cost: $7 (includes all materials & resources)
What to expect
All craft supplies provided
1.5 hours of making as much love-mail as we can
We’ll also be joined by residents and staff who may want to craft alongside us at the table!
You can choose whether you want to sit separately and quietly make cards to give away, or connect with the people you’re making them for.
Either way, we’ll ensure every resident receives a handmade valentine.
Venue
Venue: FutureCare Cold Spring
Address: 4700 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21214
♿ Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible
🅿️ Parking:
Auxiliary lot next door
Street parking
Extra lots across the street
Directly across from McDonald’s
🚻 Bathrooms: Available
😷 Masks: Recommended (not required)
🍽️ Food/Drink: Please refrain from bringing any into the venue
📌 FYI: There are multiple FutureCare locations! Please double check you’ve got the Cold Spring location in your GPS before you head out.
Can’t Make It In Person? Join the Valentine Project!
Want to be part of Operation Merriment from afar?
This February, we’re collecting handmade or store-bought valentines to deliver to nursing home residents in Baltimore, so no one gets left out on Valentine’s Day. You can send one or a hundred. Get your friends, kids, classrooms, or coworkers involved!
Deadline: Cards must arrive by February 5
We’ll hand-deliver them on February 7 during our in-person event!
📝 Click here to learn more + get mailing instructions
Your kind words could make someone’s whole day. Let’s make magic by mail.
Is this for me?
👥 You want real, in-person connection – Not forced networking, just genuine community.
🎨 You’re craving creativity but don’t know where to start – No pressure, no perfection, just play.
💛 You want to make an impact – And see firsthand how small acts of joy ripple outward.
🌟 You need a confidence boost – Stepping outside your comfort zone in a safe, supportive space changes how you see yourself.
This is for the dreamers, the quiet rebels, the ones who believe kindness still matters.
Hi I'm Mary!
Punch Card!
When you come, you get the Operation Merriment VIP Card!
Every time you attend an Operation Merriment mission, you’ll get a punch on your card. Come to 5 events and you’ll unlock a surprise reward as a thank-you for being a dedicated joy spreader!
When you come, you get the Operation Merriment VIP Card!
Every time you attend an Operation Merriment mission, you’ll get a punch on your card. Come to 5 events and you’ll unlock a surprise reward as a thank-you for being a dedicated joy spreader!
FAQ
I’m not artistic. Can I still join?
I’m not artistic. Can I still join?
Absolutely! Operation Merriment is about spreading joy, not perfection. Whether you scribble, collage, write, or tape something up, you belong here. Plus, the DIY's are SUPER easy and only take a few minutes.
What if I feel shy or nervous?
What if I feel shy or nervous?
Totally normal! This is a no-pressure environment. You can participate at your own pace, and we’ll make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.
Will we get in trouble for leaving art in public?
Will we get in trouble for leaving art in public?
Nope! We focus on ethical guerrilla art, nothing damaging or illegal. Everything we do is about adding joy to the world, not disrupting it. And worst case, I assume responsibility!
How many tickets are available?
How many tickets are available?
14 per event (unless otherwise noted). All ages are welcome. All ages need a ticket.
Are tickets refundable?
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are non-refundable. But they are transferable. If you would like to give your ticket to a friend, just let me know.
What do I need to bring?
What do I need to bring?
Nothing but yourself! All materials are provided.
Where are we going to distribute?
Where are we going to distribute?
Right outside (or inside) the venue we meet up at to make the art! We'll walk outside, walk around, and spread the art in that neighborhood.
Operation merriment is part of the 11K Acts of Merriment Project! A mission to spark 11,111 acts of kindness before my birthday. 🫶
Want to participate? Submit your own acts (big or small!) here: 👉 uncustomary.org/11K