Yay! You found a painting! If you feel so moved, tell us about your experience (where you found it, what number painting you found, what will you do with it, post photos, ask questions, etc.). Each painting is 3×4 inches, a standard size that is easy and affordable to frame if that’s something you’d like to do. You’ll also get to find out about future art fairs and shows, though it’s easy to opt out if you’re not interested. Thanks for checking in and enjoy your painting!
Marco
August 23, 2018 at 2:17 amI found #294. The painting was pinned on a tree at the Alster-Lake in Hamburg, Germany. What a nice idea, thank you.
Daniel Lassman
May 16, 2017 at 10:23 amI go to grad school in Madison, WI and found the beautiful painting #261 back in April – on the UW campus, nailed to a tree.
It’s a gorgeous little painting of a bee crawling up a honeycomb, with vertical, intricate embroidery patterns running up and down the left side.
This is an especially meaningful painting to me. I’m going into restoration ecology and will be doing a lot of native pollinator habitat restoration as part of my career. The importance and beauty of pollinators really stood out to me when I first saw this painting. I also found it during a pretty busy, crazy time of the semester – it was exactly what I needed to see and helped keep me going!
Your painting now sits in my apt and I occasionally look at it when I need a boost of anonymous inspiration. Thanks for doing this wonderful project, it definitely has mad a difference in my life!
Alison
April 9, 2017 at 9:05 pmMy daughter and I found #257 at Gold Medal Park in Minneapolis yesterday. Isla, who is two, continues to be excited about her new “treasure.” We are in the process of buying a new home and I’ve promised to hang it in her room once we are settled in. Pulling the painting down from the tree made our day. Thank you!
Myka
February 22, 2017 at 6:16 pmI saw the small ziplock baggy pinned on a tree by my work a couple weeks ago but thought nothing of it!
Now, 2 weeks later, I finally had to walk over and see what this baggy was… it’s adorable! Painting #255 in Aina Haina shopping center, Oahu, Hawaii.
I will defiantly hang this project in my room. Brightened up my day
Izzy
June 28, 2016 at 6:34 pmMy 8 year old daughter Isabella found one today while walking through the Japanese gardens at Mingus Park in Coosbay, Oregon. The painting is number 245! What a fun surprise it was for her
Anne
April 24, 2016 at 10:55 amMy boyfriend and I walked to lunch in Highland Park (St. Paul, MN) yesterday and found #232 on a tree when we stepped out from Cleveland Wok.
It’s my favorite colors: Green and blue. Thank you!
Its like a little gift from Madison, my alma mater and home for 9 years.
Heather
March 26, 2016 at 10:07 pmI found #231 on a tree in wicker park today!
Thank you for the gift of art on such a wonderful day!
My son and I spent a day exploring, walking, tasting and doing some art ourselves!
I love the heart and seems to be giving it to others, a
way that I choose to live my life and speaks to my profession
a social worker/counselor.
I plan on framing it and keeping it at work.
Thank you!
ct
February 29, 2016 at 8:28 amWe found #229 in Horner Park when we were there with the dogs. You must have just put them up because there were lots in the bunch of trees on the side of the hill. The next day there was just one left. What a nice idea, thanks.
Jessica Kirby
November 28, 2015 at 4:54 pmI found painting #126, in the Rose Garden, in West San Jose, California. I found it hidden within the top of an arboretum. It was absolutely lovely! My friend and I found it together, it was ridiculously fun. I am inspired.
Suzanne B.
March 28, 2016 at 4:34 pmWait… what? Woo hoo! Way to go San Jose! Not sure how it got here, or how I missed that it was here, however, I am SO happy to know that there was one tucked away in our CA back yard. Thank you Chai! Jessica, I am thrilled for you!
~ Campbell, CA
christine
August 30, 2015 at 4:23 pmI found #129 hanging from a tree at Heistand Park in Madison while walking my dog, It was warm out and I wanted to go home, but I let my dog meander around a bit. Had I not done that I never would have found my joyful little painting! Thank you for lifting my spirits!
Wes
August 17, 2015 at 9:33 pmFound #178 near the Lake Wingra boat rental yesterday after kayaking. The painting says “Breathe Deep” at the bottom and after I read this aloud my friend’s mom made an exaggerated inhalation sound. Idk what I’m gonna do with it yet.
Eoghan
August 17, 2015 at 6:08 pmI found #173 on a tree near the Children’s Museum! I don’t even live in Madison; I was on a trip! Pretty cool, huh? I plan on framing it.
cj
August 17, 2015 at 5:13 pmI found painting #160 this afternoon at Warner Park. My father died recently and the siblings have been arguing a lot lately. I was walking in the park with my umbrella to get some fresh air. It had been heavily raining for a few hours. I happened to look up at a tree and noticed, nailed to its trunk, a tiny painting inside a plastic baggie. It was a very interesting find in that not only was it a piece of a larger painting, it was stitched together from smaller paintings. It is colorful and reminds me of happy summer day.The note encouraged me to take the painting home!
It really lifted my spirits, and within a few minutes, the rain completely stopped. I will remember to keep my eyes upward and look for love because of this special gift
Brittany
August 17, 2015 at 11:56 amI found number 185 on a tree outside the Overture Center while shopping on State Street with my best friend. So honored to be a little part of this cool project, makes me love Madison just a little bit more
rachelle
August 17, 2015 at 10:51 amMy kids and I found #162 on a tree at Bordner Park. Its a place we go almost daily so this made the trip special and fun. Thank you!
Jessica
August 16, 2015 at 9:53 pmI have painting #131 by C. Wolfman at Olbrich Park while on an afternoon run! This is what truly makes Madison, WI one of a kind. I put it in a frame and will be displaying it at my office. Thank you!!
Kathy
August 16, 2015 at 12:35 pmI found painting #170 outside of the Machinery Row buildng by the lake in Madison Wisconsin. I love the heart on it and will frame it and put it on my desk at school. I’m a teacher and the heart will remind me of my love for what I do.
Rosa
August 15, 2015 at 11:48 pmMy boyfriend and I found #175 on the UW campus. We decided to explore Madison as finale to our door county vacation. Being unfamiliar with the community, I cannot give an accurate description of where I found it, besides the fact that it was pinned to a tree. It was a nice momento to finish up our much-needed Wisconsin get-away.
Caroline
August 15, 2015 at 8:52 pmI found painting number 183 it’s awesome!
Kerri
August 15, 2015 at 8:35 pmI found #168 attached to a tree in Brittingham park. I was having one those really great days where I was having fun out a d about and enjoying the beautiful weather when I stumbled upon this really nice little painting. It was the icing on the cake of a beautiful day.. Thank you. I will be framing it and hangi it in my office.
Jen Keeling
March 20, 2015 at 9:59 amChai posted a pic of her latest found painting in downtown Chicago last night. I immediately recognized the block it was on and made a detour on my commute to work today. To my delight, it was still there! Now I have a tiny, wonderful Chai Wolfman original! Thanks for sharing your art with the world lovely lady!
Neal
March 2, 2015 at 6:33 pmFound #111 in gas works park!
I think this is an awesome idea, and great project.
Thank you.
Lindyn
January 25, 2015 at 1:58 pmI found painting #67 pinned to a tree in Stacy Park. Brightened up my day!
Kasia
October 26, 2014 at 4:59 pmI found my painting in a plastic bad attached to a tree near the Glenview train station. I was out for a walk with my husband on this beautiful fall day. It was a pleasant surprise. Thanks!
Bob
October 20, 2014 at 8:32 pmI found #88 pinned to a tree at Walnut Grove Park in Madison. I had never been to this beautiful park before and was taking our dogs Dusty & Sparky to the new off leash dog park there when I spotted it. Made my day! And the dogs really had a blast chasing tennis balls. I’m intrigued by how the little painting is stitched together from small pieces. Thanks!
Bhuchu
September 28, 2014 at 8:57 pmI went to find a apartment with my gf and came back , kind late but she asked me to eat Pizza pete’s by edge water and I kind looked at up at the tree and saw small plastic zib bag. I thought someone lost something and another person put out there, I read carefully the letters and it belongs to me. It is a two peace loving birds and a heart stitching at the top corner which represent my family at the moment. Me and my gf here but our son is not close by which the heart is not close by the birds. We have little financial problems and we decided to leave our son in my country for few years but sametime he couldn’t stay there anymore due to visa issues. We are happy he is coming but at the moment he is not with us and our heart is half broken and empty. But this art we found gave us a hope that our future will be a peaceful and may be financially stable. Art no. 85 made us feel special and thank u for ur kind hearted and I am sure it will take couple hrs to paint and stitching .peace in the world and Tibet !!!
Jackie
September 18, 2014 at 2:27 pmI found lovely little painting #73 pinned to a tree in southeast Evanston. It certainly brightened my day and I look forward to framing it and hanging this beauty in my home!
Terry
September 15, 2014 at 10:50 amI found #62 a fewcdays ago near thevJRC in Evanston. It did provide a sweet spark of pleasure.
Sophia Vanderhyde
September 9, 2014 at 4:12 pmI found project #66 next to a tree in landon park in Jacksonville.I LOVE IT! I will frame it and keep it on my counter.
Jessica
September 7, 2014 at 12:22 pmI found painting #69; last night nailed to a tree while walking in NE Minneapolis with my friends. BREATHE was a cute color reminder for me to enjoy the little things. My life has been crazy lately and this “free art” is inspiring for sure! Super cute and raised my spirits, couldn’t have found it at a better time!
Lark Gibson
September 4, 2014 at 9:12 pmIt was such a sweet surprise to come across your little painting on a tree on Willy St. :-). I hope to spread your positive message far and wide on Facebook to continue to inspire and bring joy to others!
Callie
August 29, 2014 at 8:50 amI found painting #24 nailed to a tree on the shore of Grand River while on my morning run. I travel a lot for work, so this painting is the perfect size to take with me in my suitcase. Thank you, Chai Wolfman!
Becky
August 28, 2014 at 8:38 pmHi Chai,
I found #63 this morning. Om On The Range holds a very dear place in my heart. It’s where I go to find balance, bliss, love, and now..surprises! Thank you for making my day colorfully brighter. I hope to flow with you soon sometime! Namaste.
Monica
August 15, 2014 at 12:55 pmHi Chai,
I just found your painting on a tree as I was walking back from lunch. Very unique with all the sewing stiches over the art. Did you find any money, said my co worker HA HA!!
Thanks again,
Monica
mabby (mimi & Abby)
August 8, 2014 at 3:55 pmme and my friend where walking her dog to the store and we where looking for something to do and we walked past this tree close to my house and one of the panting was there we are in Madison and we found #44 the word is grow
we hope to find more but are chances are small
Abby and Mimi aka mabby
mabby (mimi & Abby)
August 8, 2014 at 3:50 pmwe found it right by my house it was taped to a tree and the word is “grow” #44
Julie
August 8, 2014 at 10:33 amI just sent a private message about the tiny little treasure I found in Milwaukee outside of Bloom Gallery & Cream City Furniture. I truly love it! What a *wonderful* project/idea … giving happiness to unsuspecting people & reminding us that small acts of kindness really DO matter. Thank you for sharing … I smile every time I look at the small painting. XOXO
Julie
August 8, 2014 at 10:35 amPS: I found painting #40 …
Liz
July 31, 2014 at 11:52 amI had just got out of a bad meeting and wanted to go for a walk to clear my head and grab an iced coffee….my walk in Evanston on Sherman lead me to this beautiful piece of art nailed to a tree! I found project #47. This lovely painting w/detailed stitching is sitting on my desk. The piece not only made my day but gives me a smile every time I look at it. I am so happy I found it! Thanks!
Kristina Chetkovich
July 22, 2014 at 7:03 amSaw the photo clue for a hidden painting in Edgebrook. So excited when I recognized the location. The kids and I jumped in the car, in our pajamas, and went up to Local Goods Chicago on Devon. There was painting #28. Beautiful surprise and fun way to start the day. Thanks so very much! You have inspired us and we are brainstorming ways we can spread a little joy. xo
Nancy
July 14, 2014 at 4:53 pmI found art piece #32 nailed to a tree outside the Oakton Center in Skokie. What a nice surprise! I didn’t know what to think- but it made me smile and I put it up in my office:)
Thanks!
sharon
July 14, 2014 at 1:28 pmGreetings. What a lovely surprise to find a painting attached to a tree. Thank you for visiting Macatawa and choosing that particular tree so that I could find your art. I am very happy to have it and have already framed it. It made my day even nicer. who are you and what made you do something so fun???? Have a most joyful day and thank you. Sharon
Monterrey
July 13, 2014 at 6:43 pmThank you Chai. I found #31 pinned to one of the many trees along the bike trail in Sauganash. “Love Song” now has a new home & a little story to go with it. I will share with family & friends.
Erin
July 9, 2014 at 6:30 pmI found awesome painting #16 hung on a tree on Wilson Avenue just west of Rockwell. I was taking a long walk with my son and daughter and our little dog. We had just picked raspberries at the gardens of Waters Elementary. We were enjoying the beautiful day when a bag hung on a tree caught my eye. Often people post notes in our neighborhood about lost items, so I took a look. To my surprise, we found the delightful painting. It was so exciting, surprising, and fun. We felt very lucky to find such a treasure. I have a small wooden easel on my desk. I often put little pictures that my daughter draws for me it. I will put my new painting in this place of honor. We love it!!!
Recovering
July 9, 2014 at 4:43 pmWish I could use my name, but I’m in a profession where depression and anxiety are largely misunderstood. Lately my recovery from those vexations has gone well. But many days I’m lonely. I work at a Starbucks and have to call friends when I feel out of sorts.
I was at a part of the day where my mind might wander towards my troubles. I looked up at a tree in Lincoln Square to find the painting “LOVESONG.” As a writer, it’s not often I fumble to express what something means to me. Wow.
I’d like to think finding that painting was an example of synchronicity, a reminder from God to keep pushing on.
At the very least, it was an act of kindness and generosity that “found” its way to me. And I’m grateful for that. Very, very grateful…
Kathy
July 9, 2014 at 1:19 pmI to found a beautiful painting #17 in Ravenswood Manor on the corner of Leland and Manor while walking my dog. I plan to frame it. Thank you!
Donna Heeter
July 5, 2014 at 8:27 amFound a beautiful painting #11 in my neighborhood while walking my dogs.
The house the painting was in front of has changed owners in the past year. It was a reminder to me of how peaceful & welcoming the area around the house has become. We enjoy the frequent chalk messages & sidewalk art. Thank you!
Christina Isperduli
July 2, 2014 at 3:36 pmI had a great time following the clues on Facebook to find my first found painting. I love art and to have found two original pieces from a great Chicago artist was cool. Looking forward to future art hunts to add to my collection. Thanks for doing something so wonderful in Chicago.