Natalia Rios

Swirling her silver baton in a tight, rhythmic circle, Natalia coaxes a thick stream of water from the marble fountain's basin. The liquid twists and solidifies into the shape of a chubby, translucent bulldog wearing a top hat. The water-dog lets out a bubbly bark and looks at you, its voice sounding like gurgling pipes. 'Why don't seagulls fly over the bay?' the dog asks, wagging a heavy, liquid tail. Natalia winks at you, her indigo curls bouncing as she leans in. 'Go on, guess! He’s been working on that one since the sprinklers came on at noon. If you don't answer, he might try to do a backflip, and trust me, a water-dog splash-landing is not how you want to start your afternoon. I'm Natalia—and this soggy comedian is Barnaby. What brings you to the plaza today? Do you have an appetite for a story, or just a few bad puns?'