Freedom Rock painter
11/2/2022
The Freedom Rock at Adventureland was Sorensen’s final project and 100th rock. He’s pictured with wife Maria and children Liberty, Indie and Michael. Photos submitted
In Ray “Bubba” Sorensen’s hometown of Greenfield, a graffiti rock was painted over with various artwork. One Memorial Day, Bubba suggested painting the 60-ton rock as a thank you to veterans. He has continued painting it for the past 25 years.
He was known locally as a hero painter, as he’d painted murals depicting veterans from all service branches. Bubba and his wife, Maria, discussed him painting rocks in each of the 50 U.S. states.
“She said no,” he said. “But I suggested painting rocks in all 99 of Iowa’s counties instead.”
He began the trek about a decade ago and just completed all 99 rocks this year. His final “bonus” 100th rock was auctioned and donated to charities and is located at Adventureland.
As the “Freedom Rock Painter,” his goal was to paint eight to 10 rocks per year, in addition to his mural business. Prior to painting a county rock, he reached out to county seats. Whoever responded first in the county was booked.
“I did it in the order they booked it,” he explained. “Some cities responded immediately. Other city councils took a while to go through approvals.”
Requirements included that cities provide the rock, find a place to put the rock and pay him to paint the rock.
This summer, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen completed his quest to paint Freedom Rocks in all 99 counties in Iowa.
Each city’s rock is different; however, some of the elements are the same. An American flag is in each painting. Cities offer suggestions on veteran-specific stories. For example, the Cedar Falls rock includes veterans Robert Hibbs, Taylor Morris, an Afghanistan-injured veteran, along with the Sullivan brothers — five brothers from Waterloo who were killed in the line of duty.
“Each tells a story about the county’s war experiences and how veterans served their community. All service branches are represented, but not on each rock,” he said. “It’s like one piece of a 99-piece puzzle.”
Paintings vary based on the rock’s shape. He puts a structure over the rock while painting to avoid sun, water and wind. Temperatures need to be above 40 degrees.
“Once the temp drops, it’s hard to paint outdoor murals,” he said. “It’s hard to put a face on a jagged piece of rock. I try to save the flat spots on the rock to write specific stories.”
One reason he has honored veterans is hearing his mother talk about his uncle, Ted, who served in Vietnam and returned home to controversy about his service.
“I always thought people should protest governments, not veterans,” he said. “These folks need to be lifted up and honored for their service.”
Cities praise the amount of visitor traffic the rocks have generated.
“It’s positive. They’re surprised at how much traffic comes into town. When 50 motorcycles move into town, they bring tourism dollars. I knew it would be an anchor for the towns with the rock.”
After he completed his 99th county, the “weight was lifted” and his goals were accomplished.
“My first goal was to thank the veterans, second was to promote Iowa and, lastly, the third goal was to feed my family.”
Looking ahead, his mural painting business is in full swing. He is creating “Bubba’s Rocks,” smaller rocks he paints in his home studio. Next up is to paint rocks in all 50 states, although at a slower pace than the Iowa county rocks.
“It’s good to hear the feedback from veterans,” he said. “It’s like putting out a piece of my heart on the rocks.”
For a map of all the Freedom Rocks, visit www.thefreedomrock.com. ♦
