Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Project
Run by PDX Dinorama
What is Sidewalk Joy?
Sidewalk Joy spots are free, curated installations that bring a bit of whimsy and inspiration to the community.
Think Free Little Art Galleries, Puzzle Exchanges, Toy Swaps, Mug Exchanges, Seed Swaps, Free Little Greenhouses, Wishing Trees, and more!
Worldwide Map
Myself and another Portland artist, PDXFLAG, created a map for all the Sidewalk Joy spots in our city. It really connected our community and I aim to foster that community on a worldwide scale.
Now I’ve created a Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map! We have installations all over the United States as well as New Zealand, Puerto Rico, the UK, Canada and more!
How to Get Involved
There are so many ways to get involved with Sidewalk Joy! You could create and/or host a spot. Maybe want to spearhead the movement in your city? Or you could spread the word about the project, visit already-existing spots, there are so many options.
If you have an installation you’d like included, please add your installation to the map! If you know of a spot that should be on our map, tell me about it here.
Sidewalk Joy Examples
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Tiny Creature Swap
Portland, OR, USA
This simple yet iconic Toy Swap was created by a then-seven-year old in 2020 to bring some joy to the neighborhood. Now it’s a Portland staple! -
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Little Free Cinema
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
This tiny 1:55 scale model of Vancouver's First Pantages Theatre shows short films by local artists, and clips from films that they love!
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Artsy on Abel
Grandville, MI, USA
Stop by to take and/or leave small pieces of handmade art! Established in 2022, this tiny gallery has received art from around the world! -
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Tiny Trinket Exchange
Kaikorai, Dunedin, New Zealand
This Tiny Trinket Exchange was created to bring some whimsy and excitement to the community and as an outlet for the curator to share their crafts with people who appreciate them.
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Little Blue Greenhouse
Hanover Park, IL, USA
Green thumbs and aspiring green thumbs will love this darling community greenhouse. Swap plants, cuttings, seeds, bulbs, and more!
About Me
Hi, I’m Rachael!
I’m an artist living in Portland, Oregon and I’ve turned many parts of my yard and fence into an interactive community display.
Starting with a dinosaur-themed diorama (a ‘Dinorama’), I later added the Dino Exchange, Small Scenes, the Bee Stop, Mug Exchange, and more.
My passion is adding bright spots of whimsy to my city spreading the word about other places like this in Portland and beyond!
Latest News
Upcoming Events
May 31st - Mug Exchange Workshop
May 31st - Pin Swap Workshop
July 6th - Sidewalk Joy Pedalpalooza Ride
In the News
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The Kelly Clarkson Show
One Portland woman is trying something different — a neighborhood mug exchange! Rachael dials-in and dishes on all of the crazy mugs she's seen so far, and the beautiful connections that have been formed through the installation.
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KATU'S AM Northwest
Exploring the Portland Sidewalk Joy Project with Tammy Hernandez
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KPTV's Good Day Oregon
Find little alternative libraries, unique displays and more with PDX Sidewalk Joy
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City Cast Portland Podcast
A Joyful Map of Portland, From Dinorama to Fairy Exchanges
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Hello, Rose City
Portland's Sidewalk Joy project is growing, even going world wide goes here
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Willamette Week
Rachael Harms Mahlandt Uses Her Sidewalk Art Installation to Advocate for Bees. The Montavilla resident is also the co-creator of PDX Sidewalk Joy.
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![Rachael Harms Mahlandt (PDX Dinorama) and Grant Brady (PDX FLAG) smiling during Hello, Rose City segment]()
Hello, Rose City
Two artists, Rachael Harms Mahlandt and Grant Brady, created the map, which tracks yard art scenes around Portland
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The Oregonian
‘Sidewalk Joy’ kiosks offer free toys, movies and art in Portland neighborhoods. Here’s where to find them.
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Travel Portland
Explore Southeast Portland’s Little Free Landmarks
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![Rachael Harms Mahlandt (PDX Dinorama) and Grant Brady (PDX FLAG) laughing during Koin 6 news segment]()
KOIN 6 News
Sidewalk Joy Map is a guide to many mini exchanges
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Successful Mama Podcast
A mom of two from Portland, OR, is on a mission to bring joy and whimsy back into adulthood. Through her creative outlets she has found ways to connect with her community and share the joy that fills her life.
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NextAvenue
How 'Sidewalk Joy' Kiosks Deliver Happiness and Community
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Bike Portland
‘PDX Sidewalk Joy’ map is a guide to roadside curiosities
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PDX Parent
Portland’s Mini Galleries Galore!
Worldwide Sidewalk Joy
Check out Sidewalk Joy around the world!
Sidewalk Joy Ideas and Tips
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How to Make a Mug Exchange
Want to make your very own Mug Exchange for folks in your community to swap mugs? Here’s a tutorial to walk you through the materials, cuts, and angles you’ll need to make one like mine! Do let me know if you build one!
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How to Make Sidewalk Joy Spot
So you want to make a Sidewalk Joy installation? That’s awesome! Here are some of my recommendations on how to make it happen. Don’t forget to join the worldwide Sidewalk Joy map when your spot is up and running!
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Worried about Sidewalk Joy Vandalism?
A question I get asked quite often is what about vandalism? People are understandably worried about putting love and energy into a Sidewalk Joy spot that may get damaged or often emptied. Read on for my thoughts on this!
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Weatherproofing Your Sidewalk Joy Spot
If you're creating a Puzzle Library, Free Little Art Gallery, Seed Swap, or other Sidewalk Joy spot where you need to keep the interior elements dry, you'll want to think about weatherproofing. Here are some some tips and tricks I've learned over the years to keep your Sidewalk Joy spot safe from heat, rain, snow, and ice!
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Alternatives to Setting a Post for Sidewalk Joy
Interested in displaying a Sidewalk Joy spot that needs a post but can’t or don’t want to set a post in concrete?
Maybe you’re renting and your landlord doesn’t want you installing something permanent. Or you might be moving and want to be able to bring your display with you. Whatever the reason, here are some alternatives!
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How to get the Sidewalk Joy Movement Going in Your Area
Looking for Puzzle Exchanges near you? Or Free Little Art Galleries in your city? Maybe you've seen Tiny Greenhouses or Seed Swaps and wish there was one close by. If you're excited about Sidewalk Joy and want to see the movement take off in your area, I'd love to share some tips about how we went from 24 spots in 2023 to nearly 100 spots two years later!
Home of the Mug Exchange
I made a Mug Exchange (take-a-mug, leave-a-mug) back in 2024 and now there are almost 20 of these Little Free Mug Libraries in the world!
Interested in the project?
Find a Mug Exchange near you using the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map!
Want one of your own? Follow along on my Instagram where I do giveaways, or check out my free Mug Exchange tutorial to make one yourself!
Fill out this form if you’re interested to purchase one.