Rockford’s ‘Rain Art’ is Back Again, and It’s All Over Town

If you're a lover (or even a "kinda like-r) of art in all its many forms, Rockford is a great town to live in. Between the museums, the galleries, and the many art-related events our city has, you might think that we wouldn't have any space for even more art--but, you'd be wrong. Look down.

I'm looking at a note from our friends at the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (RACVB) that leads with this declaration:

Rockford Rain Art is BACK! This fun and interactive public art installation as part of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau's Forest City Beautiful initiative is back again this fall with additional locations and partners! The art is on display at 22 locations throughout the downtown River District, Midtown District, SwedishAmerican Hospital campus and the Miracle Mile.

You may be wondering what makes Rockford Rain Art unique. Rockford Rain Art aims to bring a bit of joy to what might be a gloomy, rainy day. The art is visible only when the pavement is wet.

"We are excited to have this fun-filled and interactive art project back again for the second year," said Josh Albrecht, RACVB Director of Marketing & Public Affairs. "We are happy to announce that thanks to the help of Rockford Community Partners, the art has been expanded to 22 locations this year to give more people the opportunity to interact with the temporary art designs."

The art is installed on the sidewalks and is only visible when it rains (or if someone brings along a bottle of water, water balloon, bucket of water, etc.) The paint is environmentally friendly and will last between 2 and 4 months.

Now that you know about Rockford Rain Art, here's where you go to check it out:

Downtown Rockford-

Riverfront Museum Park - 711 North Main Street
Coronado Performing Arts Center - 314 North Main Street
Rockford Public Library - 215 North Wyman Street
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau - 102 North Main Street
BMO Harris Bank Center - 300 Elm Street
Esplanade - West riverbank off West State Street
State Street Bridge - North sidewalk
Rockford City Market entrance - 124 North Water Street
UW Health Sports Factory - 305 South Madison Street
Eddie Greene Park - Corner of State and First Streets
Rockford City Hall - 425 East State Street

Midtown District-

Morning Glory Restaurant - 211 7th Street
Katie's Cup - 502 7th Street
Rockford School District Office - 501 7th Street
SwedishAmerican Hospital (main entrance) - 1401 East State Street
SwedishAmerican Hospital (Camelot Tower) - 1415 East State Street
SwedishAmerican Hospital (Ryan Jury Development Learning Center) - 122 Williams Park
SwedishAmerican Hospital (Charles Street entrance)

Miracle Mile-

Fairview Shopping Center - 3600 East State Street
Johnny Pamcakes - 3700 East State Street
Alpine Inn - 4404 East State Street
Mary's Market - 4431 East State Street