JakJak 🔜 EF2d ago
Tilton Raccoon

The hottest thing in local Seattle politics is the city's war on Saint Rat / Hot Rat Summer, a mosaic that someone put up (without permission) on the old pumphouse in Cal Anderson Park last year. Recently, city workers have been painting over the mosaic, and good citizens have been cleaning off the mosaic to restore it when they do so. It is a fierce battle, and one I hope the citizens win. We must fight for Hot Rat Summer.

EDIT: IMPORTANT UPDATE NEWS FLASH JUST IN! https://bsky.app/profile/councilmember-amr.bsky.social/post/3lu27fhkj3k2d

Jul 15 at 10:43pmWeb
Show threadfeliks2d ago
@xyla mentioned :3
Show threadcrow2d ago
@tilton we leave saint rat offerings - leave him alone!!!
Show threadmoon2d ago
@tilton @m
Show threadjason   𓀬2d ago
@tilton cannot imagine being so joyless as to not want Hot Rat Summer
Show threadc0debabe2d ago
@tilton do better Seattle damn
Show threadDelta Sierra2d ago
@tilton why the hell would the city want to cover that up? That's legitimate art.
Show threadAlex@rtnVFRmedia Suffolk UK2d ago
@notthatdelta @tilton even Councils in Britain aren't anywhere as bad as this and will leave non-offensive street art alone (they only tend to remove it if its just tags/gang related or racist/homophobit stuff)
Show threadPurple 2d ago

@tilton Actually despicable the city is just ugly painting over something like this.

I can't think of a single person negatively affected by this being there

Show threadChamomile 🐑2d ago
@tilton Makes me really angry how much effort goes into destroying public art just because it's not "approved" or whatever. Fight for Hot Rat Summer!
Show threadLaura2d ago
@tilton It's not even offensive. Why are they wasting what little resources we have on covering up something that brings people joy. Put that sad energy into filling potholes instead.
Show threaddjsolar9132d ago
@tilton it's beaurtiful! And people like it! I don't understand why they take it off...would be a simple thing that makes ppl happy.
Long live Hot Rat Summer 
Show threadEl Cougerino2d ago
@tilton they sure hate art. It's odd seeing it covered up. They even go as far to spray paint behind traffic/poles/etc to block stickers. I don't get it
Show threadgigabitch ethernet2d ago
@tilton someone gave the city a FREE MOSAIC and they just painted over it?? worst
Show threadNosirrahSec 🏴‍☠️ guillotine enthusiast2d ago
@tilton that's a magnificent mosaic!
Show threadThumper2d ago
@tilton How do they justify the cost of painting over that, more than once even! If it were vulgar or offensive maybe, but that is legitimately good art!
Show threadEm & future cats 🇺🇦🐈🏳️‍🌈2d ago
@tilton
Honestly, if someone took the time to make an entire mosaic it is something to enjoy not paint over!!! I know there’s a difference between murals, street art and just graffiti but this to me is its own category!😹Its very well done!
Show threadOwOday2d ago
@tilton if someone gifted me hot rat summer I would cry in delight
Show threadB'ad Samurai 🐐2d ago

@tilton Seattle art has always been about rebellion.

  • Fremont Troll
  • Gum wall
  • Cap Hill coke machine
  • Wall of Death
  • Tiny doors

The irony is to protect it, you make it a tourist destination the city capitalizes.

Show threadAdam Kennedy2d ago

@tilton
This just in!
-Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck
‪@councilmember-amr.bsky.social‬-

"Tomorrow afternoon Councilmember Hollingsworth and I will be restoring “Hot Rat Summer” in Cal Anderson Park. This mosaic was wrongfully painted over and we are going to fix it."

https://bsky.app/profile/councilmember-amr.bsky.social/post/3lu27fhkj3k2d

Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (@councilmember-amr.bsky.social)

Tomorrow afternoon Councilmember Hollingsworth and I will be restoring “Hot Rat Summer” in Cal Anderson Park. This mosaic was wrongfully painted over and we are going to fix it.

Bluesky Social
Show threadWearyBonnie2d ago
@tilton
I want a hot rat summer (well to be fair a mild rat summer, it's already too hot here) in my city 🥺
Show threadMaxi 11x 💉2d ago
@ytvwld ^^
Show threadEVHaste2d ago
@tilton hallelujah, praise be to saint rat
Show threadhextheplanet2d ago
@tilton we <3 you saint rat
Show threadWhoDisturbsMySlumber2d ago
@tilton cities can do this but not fill pot holes
Show threadGiles Goat2d ago
@tilton Makes me think at Redwall ...
Show threadGiles Goat2d ago
@tilton Also I think this Hot Rat mosaic is really a piece of art, certainly better than a white wall ! People really can't get art ..
Show threadKim Possible 2d ago
@tilton the prayer candles are just *chefs kiss*
Show threadsolar powered puppyboy2d ago

@tilton

EDIT: IMPORTANT UPDATE NEWS FLASH JUST IN!

I think it's worth mentioning that one of these two people just voted to impose a $1500 fine for making the art they are now going to restore as a publicity stunt.

"This isn’t about art, it’s about tagging" but as far as I can tell, the law applies equally (and good luck differentiating).

They think we're stupid.

https://council.seattle.gov/2025/07/15/council-acts-to-curb-graffiti-with-new-tools/

Council acts to curb graffiti with new tools - Seattle City Council Blog

Civil fine option aimed at deterring property crimes Today, by a 7-1 vote, the City Council approved a new amended ordinance to combat graffiti on a new level, on both public and private property throughout Seattle. The legislation, sponsored by Public Safety Chair Bob Kettle (District 7) and proposed by City Attorney Ann Davison, would...

Seattle City Council Blog