Joy in Public. Kindness in Action. Art for Everyone.
Operation Merriment
Operation Merriment
Let’s fill the sidewalks (and hearts) with art, laughter, and connection.
What is Operation Merriment?
What is Operation Merriment?
Operation Merriment is an in-person experience where we gather, create, and bring unexpected moments of joy into the world through guerrilla art. It’s not just about making art—it’s about reclaiming our sense of play, making an impact, and remembering that small acts of creativity can change lives (including our own).
If you’ve been feeling stuck, invisible, or like the world could use a little more magic—this is for you.
Operation Merriment is a monthly 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: Secretly place your creations in public spaces to spark happiness in others
✅ 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.
This isn’t an art class. It’s a movement.
Why Guerrilla Art?
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—to interrupt 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.
How It Works
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.
💬 Step 3: Reflect & Connect – Share our experiences, celebrate what we’ve done, and leave feeling lighter, happier, and more inspired.
Why Join?
Why Join?
👥 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.
This Month's Theme
This Month's Theme
Bubble Parade Flash Mob
🌈 There’s something magical about bubbles. 🫧
They’re simple, nostalgic, and wildly effective, one breath at a time, they grow into something joyful, unexpected, and alive with meaning. 💖
At this month’s Operation Merriment, we’re transforming the streets into an interactive flash mob of joy. 🪩
Each bubble is a tiny burst of wonder., floating laughter, sparkling light, playful movement, childlike awe. Together, we’ll create a wave of connection, right in the heART of Baltimore, surprising festival-goers, park visitors, and neighbors with a spectacular scene of merriment. 🌟
What We'll Do
What We'll Do
We’ll gather outside St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, across from Patterson Park, during the Ukrainian Festival. For 30 minutes, we’ll stand together in colorful costumes and blow thousands of bubbles into the air, moving as one joyful unit.
Expect:
🩷 Countdown bubble blasts (3-2-1—GO!)
🧡 Group dances (Macarena, Cha Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle) 💃
💛 Call-and-response chants like “Bubbles up! Joy out!”
💚 Joy signage, props, and spontaneous surprises 🪧
🩵 Mini giveaways for kids and curious bystanders 🎁
💜 Music, movement, laughter, and a grand finale photo moment 📸
Bring your bubble wands, bubble guns, bubble machines—and your most fun outfit! Angel wings, butterfly capes, rainbow cowboy boots, glitter boots, costumes… nothing is too weird. This is the place. 🌈
“That was really cute, and exactly what my soul needed. Thank you.” – Chasz
🎭 Dress Code: Permission to Play
🎭 Dress Code: Permission to Play
There’s no dress code here, just a permission slip to be your weird, colorful, creative self. Whether you show up in fuzzy shoes, rainbow tights, butterfly wings, or your favorite comfy tee, you’ll fit right in.
💖 And while you’re here, enjoy the Ukrainian Festival! Grab delicious food, explore cultural performances, and let your joy ripple into the community.
Details
Details
📅 When: Sunday, September 28th
⏰ Time: 2:30–3:00 PM (Flash Mob. Don’t be late!)
📍 Where: Outside St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church (2401 Eastern Ave @ 500 S. Montford Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224)
💵 Cost: FREE (donations encouraged to support future merriment projects)
Become a VIP!
Become a VIP!
Introducing the Operation Merriment VIP Card – your official punch card for spreading joy on repeat.
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!
Introducing the Operation Merriment VIP Card – your official punch card for spreading joy on repeat.
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!
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30 years of proven expertise
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Top-notch gym services offered by award-winning fitness experts
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Professional trainers and convenient scheduling
Meet Your Facilitator!
Meet Your Facilitator!
Mary is a Merriment Maker, Entrepreneur, and Thought Leader of an online education company, Uncustomary, which teaches overwhelmed humans how to make happiness a habit and turn every day into a celebration.
FAQ
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 the venue we meet up at to make the art! We'll walk outside, walk around, and spread the art in that neighborhood.
This Month's Venue
This Month's Venue
Venue: Outside St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, across from Patterson Park
Accessibility: The event takes place outdoors on the sidewalk/street area, which is wheelchair accessible and friendly to all ages.
Parking: Free street permit parking on Eastern Ave during the festival. $10 paid parking with free shuttle available on Linwood Ave. Please allow time for festival traffic.
Bathrooms: Accessible restrooms available on the festival grounds.
Food/Drinks: Enjoy authentic Ukrainian food and the beer garden inside the festival, or explore nearby local shops and cafés before or after.
🌍 A Mission of Merriment
This flash mob 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
💸 Support the Merriment 💸
This Bubble Parade is free to attend. If you’d like to support my work in bringing joy projects like this to life, donations are warmly encouraged:
💠 PayPal: paypal.me/uncustomarylove
💠 Venmo: venmo.com/merrimentmaker
💠 Patreon: patreon.com/uncustomary
Every dollar fuels future Operation Merriment missions, supplies, and joy projects. Thank you for helping joy ripple further! 🌈