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.
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