From Reading to Harrisburg, Rain Poetry magic spreads statewide

The Rain Poetry project in Reading came to a joyful close this month with the third and final reveal celebration that brought poets, their families and neighbors together to celebrate the creativity of young people.

PA Humanities and Reading Public Library helped to kick off the fourth annual 6th Ward Block Party at Lauer’s Park Elementary School by revealing the installation of poetry along the sidewalk, including “invisible” poems that only show up when you add water. Children delighted in using watering cans to shower the hidden poems and watch the words appear like magic before their eyes. 

Check out some of the local press coverage of the event here and here!

Rain Poetry has been bringing communities together across Pennsylvania since PA Humanities first launched the project in 2021. Partnering with after school programs, schools and local artists, the program invites children to explore self-expression through poetry, then installs their work in public spaces using a special water-activated spray. The poetry hides in plain sight until a rainfall, reminding passersby of the creativity and voices within their community.

The Lauer’s Park reveal also served as the release of the Rain Poetry Reading book designed by artist Illkya Acosta. Acosta drew inspiration not only from the poems but also from the strong Latino community in Reading and the city itself to create the beautiful book that each young poet will now get to keep as a lasting reminder that their words matter and deserve to be seen, long after the public installation fades. 

Everyone can browse the book on our website!

While the project may be complete in Reading, it continues on in Harrisburg!

We invite you to join us for a very special reveal celebration at the State Capitol Complex on Tuesday, Sept. 30 (rain date of Oct. 7) at 10 a.m. We are so excited to share poems from all four Rain Poetry cities – Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Johnstown and Reading – at this special installation on the sidewalk outside the State Library. 

Please join us in Harrisburg for the special reveal of Rain Poetry from across the state!

Date and time: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 10 to 11 a.m.; Rain date of Tuesday, Oct. 7

Where: State Library of Pennsylvania

607 South Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17120

For the first time, the public will have a window into how young people from across the state both see and imagine their communities, their worlds and their futures using the art of haiku and the power of the humanities. By showcasing their words just steps from the seat of governance in the Commonwealth, we’ll also highlight the importance of giving young people the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

We will also be launching our brand new Rain Poetry toolkit at the same time. PA Humanities created this toolkit with the hopes of spreading Rain Poetry across Pennsylvania, whether through a church, an afterschool program or a classroom, or as part of a wider community project. You’ll learn everything you need to know to do your own Rain Poetry project, from building partnerships to developing workshops to creating your installation to planning reveal celebrations and more. We include lots of tips and tricks we’ve learned during the last two years, and can’t wait to see how the magic of Rain Poetry expands across the state! 

The Rain Poetry project in Reading is made possible with the generous support of the Wyomissing Foundation, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, under the administration of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.