Take a Rat, Leave a Rat Capitol Hills neighborhood rat gallery may need a new home

The traffic circle at 11th and Denny has become a site of loss for Capitol Hill residents following the destruction of their cherished rat gallery. This gallery, inspired by the nearby Saint Rat Mosaic, featured small artistic creations and a "Take a Rat, Leave a Rat Exchange. " Community support for the gallery spiked during a "Hot Rat Summer" work party, which aimed to restore the mosaic after city maintenance work. Unfortunately, the gallery faced repeated challenges, including vandalism and disturbances from inebriated individuals. As of Monday, discussions in the CHS Facebook group have focused on how to recreate the gallery and find a safer, more permanent location for it.

The gallery's destruction reflects the ongoing struggle between public art initiatives and urban challenges. Local residents remain committed to preserving the spirit of inclusivity and creativity that the gallery represented. Efforts to relocate the project could help ensure its survival and continued contribution to the neighborhood's cultural landscape.