Run by PDX Dinorama
NOTE: Sometimes you have to click ‘open map’ twice for it to work.
Please note: on phones you may not see the description of the installation which includes more tips on finding the spot (the pin for most spots is placed at the nearest cross streets) as well as a bio + any social media.
I’m looking into making an app which should solve these issues. Stay tuned for that!
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
In 2023 I joined forces with another Portland artist, PDXFLAG, to create a map of all the Sidewalk Joy spots in our city. It really connected our community and I dreamed of fostering that community on a worldwide scale.
So I 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the top questions I get but there are even more answered on the FAQ page!
I definitely hope to some day! I did get a quote from a rad developer and it was ~$9k which I’ve been told is pretty industry standard for a basic app. I’m considering crowdfunding for that but will hopefully have more information soon.
Just fill out the form on the Get Added page! That gives me all the info I need to add ya!
Yes! The worldwide Sidewalk Joy map is a free resource and it does not cost anything to use it or be added to the map.
First off, we LOVE book swaps and Little Free Libraries! There are literally thousands in Portland, where this project started. One of the main reasons Little Free Libraries are not included on the map is because the Little Free Library organization already has a robust (over 200,000) map of the book swaps worldwide. The Sidewalk Joy movement is for all the alternative exchanges, libraries, and art installations out there.
A great way to be involved in the movement is to visit the already-existing spots! Share about them, make swaps at them, leave flyers about the movement with installations not yet on the map, etc. Many spots like having folks who regularly check on and help maintain these spaces. You can also help by building or sponsoring a spot if you have the time and resources, even if you can’t host one.
Definitely stay tuned. The SIdewalk Joy project is gaining momentum and I’m sometimes getting up to 30 submission per day so something very well may pop up near you soon! Also, if your area is really lacking in this, it may be a sign that you could be the one to bring it to your area! Check my blog for tips on getting started and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Sidewalk Joy Examples
Tiny Creature Swap
_Portland, OR, USA
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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!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!
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!
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.
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!
Email Address
I respect your privacy
Thank you!
Latest News
News and Upcoming Events
I’m hoping to do a few late Spring/early Summer workshops!
I’m working out the details for creating Mug Exchange kits with a local fabrication studio (just picked up the prototype on March 13th!) . Sign up here for updates!
There will be another giveaway soon! Stay tuned, especially on Instagram for that.
I’m now on Buy Me a Coffee if you want to support my endeavors!
I’m pitching a book about Sidewalk Joy and am seeking editors and publishers so if you know any leads, let me know!
In the News
NPR / OPB
Across many neighborhoods in Portland, you’ll find mini galleries, trinket and mug exchanges, art displays and seed swaps.
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.
KATU2
Artist behind Portland's whimsical spots spreads joy globally with unique installations
ABC World News Now
ABC's Danny New TV spoke with the Oregon woman on a mission to share her love of small neighborhood attractions with the world.
KATU'S AM Northwest
Exploring the Portland Sidewalk Joy Project with Tammy Hernandez
KPTV's Good Day Oregon
Find little alternative libraries, unique displays and more with PDX Sidewalk Joy
City Cast Portland Podcast
A Joyful Map of Portland, From Dinorama to Fairy Exchanges
Hello, Rose City
Portland's Sidewalk Joy project is growing, even going world wide goes here
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.
Hello, Rose City
Two artists, Rachael Harms Mahlandt and Grant Brady, created the map, which tracks yard art scenes around Portland
The Oregonian
‘Sidewalk Joy’ kiosks offer free toys, movies and art in Portland neighborhoods. Here’s where to find them.
Travel Portland
Explore Southeast Portland’s Little Free Landmarks
KOIN 6 News
Sidewalk Joy Map is a guide to many mini exchanges
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.
NextAvenue
How 'Sidewalk Joy' Kiosks Deliver Happiness and Community
Bike Portland
‘PDX Sidewalk Joy’ map is a guide to roadside curiosities
PDX Parent
Portland’s Mini Galleries Galore!
Sidewalk Joy Ideas and Tips
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
The Mug Exchange
I made the first Mug Exchange (take-a-mug, leave-a-mug) back in 2024 and now there are almost 40 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.