These Rain-activated Artworks Are Sprinkled Throughout Seattle
Next time it's raining, be sure to keep an eye out for these 'rainworks'
By Kendall Upton March 4, 2020
This article originally appeared in the February 2020 issue of Seattle magazine.
This article appears in print in the February 2020 issue. Click here to subscribe.
As it starts to rain, sunny lyrics appear on a Frelard sidewalk, while a herd of cats and dogs emerges on a patch of pavement in South Lake Union. These moisture-activated street illustrations, called “rainworks,” were created by local artist Peregrine Church using a special hydrophobic spray he helped develop; sprayed pavement remains dry while the wet pavement around it darkens. Many more such works exist, made by creative types who use Church’s Invisible Spray ($19 for 2 ounces, available at rain.works) to make their own sidewalk art. An online map tracks more than 200 pieces worldwide: Next time it rains, try to find all the rainworks in Seattle.
Follow Us
A New Year of Influence
Seattle magazine’s Most Influential list kicks off 2026 with leaders across the city.
New year, new issue! As we kick off 2026, Seattle magazine is proud to present this year’s cohort of the Most Influential list, which showcases local leaders in politics, philanthropy, arts, hospitality, and business. Determined, creative, empathetic, humble, and bold are just a few of the words you’ll see describing them—each one has achieved great…
The Queen of the Seattle World’s Fair
With a fur coat and gold Cadillac, Gracie Hansen struck a figure. Her business savvy and whip-smart humor made her a star.
In 1960, a group of well-attired men from the Seattle World’s Fair planning committee gathered in a downtown office. With the fair only two years away, people were starting to pitch their business ideas and on this day, some lady wanted to meet with them to do the same. At the scheduled time, the door…
Cookies From Home
Seattle author Kat Lieu introduces a first-of-its-kind cookbook centered on Asian cookies.
Kat Lieu has built a career out of baking, storytelling, and standing up for what she believes in. A former doctor of physical therapy turned bestselling cookbook author, she’s based in Seattle, is the founder of the online community Subtle Asian Baking and is the author of Modern Asian Baking at Home, a book that…
Photo Essay: The Relief of the Moment
Words and photography by Nick Ward.
Photography tricks my ADHD brain into doing something borderline miraculous: It allows me to focus on exactly one thing at a time. When I press the shutter and hear that lovely little ka-chunk, the inner chatter winks out. I feel oddly connected to the moment by being outside it, observing through the frame instead of…