The Great Soccer Ball Hunt!
The Great Soccer Ball Hunt is a celebration of the world's big soccer game -- for summer 2026... and beyond! "Collect" all five buoy soccer balls, scattered in parks around Snohomish County. Use the map below and download the passport. And you're on your way!
Get there by transit! Our partners at Community Transit offer sustainable routes throughout Snohomish County.
Plan your trip here
Meet the artists!
Marisol Ortega
Marisol Ortega is a first-generation Mexican‑American illustrator and designer recognized for her joyful, textured, nature-infused style rooted in her cultural heritage and childhood memories of Michoacán, Mexico. Marisol works with a diverse portfolio of major brands, leading collaborations that marry bold visual storytelling with community-driven values. Alongside commercial projects, she pursues ongoing personal work and educational outreach to enrich creative inclusion and expression.
IG: @marisol.ortega
Web: marisolortega.com
Ari Glass
The works of artist Ari Glass explore a vision and formula for a harmonious global society under the Sun.
Born on September 7th, 1988, Ari grew up South Seattle, one of the most diverse and multicultural regions in the US and is a self-taught artist.
Through vivid color and gilded philosophies, Ari’s goal as an artist is to shine the solar power to the people — uplifting and uniting them with radiant self-realization.
Web: www.ari.art
Jean Bradbury
Born on a remote Scottish island and raised in rural eastern Canada, Jean now splits her time between Seattle and Bowen Island, Canada. She takes delight in the natural world of forests and shorelines where the diverse species of the Pacific Northwest provide endless inspiration. In celebrating the treasures of our precious wild environment, she calls for us all to love and protect it.
Web: jeanbradbury.com
Leah Everett
Leah Everett is a muralist and fine artist whose work is inspired by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She is a fifth-generation Washingtonian and lifelong resident of Snohomish County. With a background in environmental science, Leah creates vibrant, nature-focused artwork that brings public and community spaces to life.
FB: @raintreeandsea
Web: raintreeandsea.com
Lori is a full-time artist passionate about using art to build community and spark meaningful connection. She believes a splash of color can brighten someone’s day and that playful murals have the power to bring people together. Born and raised in Arlington, she creates murals, window paintings, and illustrations while raising her two young boys in the town she calls home.
FB: facebook.com/happylittlepainterco
FAQ
Why buoys?
These steel buoys are 58" in diameter and weigh in at about 800 lbs. each. They're a nod to Snohomish County's industrial maritime history. Also they are spherical shapes--"soccer balls" if you will--commissioned to appear throughout the county in conjunction with World Cup festivities in the Pacific Northwest.
Why these artists?
The Arts Commission put out a "call for art" for this project. We received almost two dozen proposals. The Arts Commission scored these applicants based on quality, locality, and themes. The top five artists were selected. They all reside in the Snohomish County or nearby.
How did you pick the location?
Each of the buoys are place on County property, with the exception of the Strawberry Fields buoy. Each of our council districts has a buoy because we believe in distributing public art in an equitable way (sometimes rural areas are overlooked or underserved). We think you will enjoy visiting the locations -- each is special and open to the public.
How were they made?
We ordered five 58" steel buoys from an industrial maritime distributor. The buoys were welded onto custom cylindrical bases. Then they were sanded and two coats of primer were applied. The artists painted them. Then we applied a coat of UV protectant sealant as well as an anti-graffiti sealant. The buoys were loaded onto a crane truck with a boom arm. They were placed in situ and bolted into concrete with industrial bolts.
