Argyle Fine Art, through the Pretty to Gritty beautification grant, has commissioned artist Nick Brunt to create “Inspirational Rain” artwork using rainwater and an unconventional, hydrophobic medium called Rainworks. Unsuspecting pedestrians can see artistically rendered hidden messages of inspiration and humour, only visible when the sidewalk is wet with rainwater, the next time it rains throughout the city. The artwork lasts only for a short time.

“This project is a reminder that discovering art throughout the city is a beautiful experience that should be felt by everyone,” said Adriana Afford, owner of Argyle Fine Art. “We carefully selected areas throughout the city that have high foot-traffic and high-contrast sidewalks when it rains for maximum effect.”

The idea came about when Tim Hayman and Ashley Murray reached out to Argyle Fine Art for ways to honour the memory of Regent Rosinki, who passed away tragically last August, with something that captures the creative spirit of their lost friend. With their help and the young man’s family, Argyle Fine Art was able to bring this project life.

“This is a great example of an artistic way to engage visitors to the Downtown,” said Paul MacKinnon, DHBC Executive Director. “The Gritty to Pretty grant is meant to beautify the area and to support those who have creative ideas and help make them a reality. ‘Inspiration Rain’ fits the bill.”

Artist Nick Brunt created a series of four works to be applied with Rainworks around Downtown Halifax. Two have already completed. Rainworks is a safe, temporary spray-like solution that repels water and makes stenciled lettering or artwork only visible when it rains.

This will be a first for Halifax, adding to the growing map of other Rainworks projects around the world. People can share pictures of “Inspirational Rain” when they discover it around town, using #rainarthalifax #rainworks.