Portland's Best Sidewalk Joy

Rachael Harms Mahlandt started noticing the ways Portlanders offered each other joy along the sidewalk — the free libraries, poetry boxes, and even more creative sidewalk displays. She wanted to encourage more people to do the same — and offer a way for all of us to find these creations instead of just stumbling upon them.

She talked with the City Cast Portland podcast about her creation — the Sidewalk Joy Map — and recommended some spots to visit:

🦆 Sidewalk Ducks

Near Northeast 14th Place and Emerson Street | Vernon neighborhood

This one got started back in 2011 when a family had extra rubber duckies after a birthday party. They put them out for the neighbors to take, but instead the neighbors added some of their own. “The exchange was born — no signs, no social media, no nothing — just people swapping ducks at this random stop,” Harms Mahlandt says.

🧿 Croc Stop

Southeast Pine Street (near Stark) | Montavilla neighborhood

Local artist Abby Houston created a spot to exchange the charms that can be worn on Crocs shoes. “That one is quite popular and very beloved,” Harms Mahlandt says.

🖼️ Morrison Street Mini Gallery

Near Southeast 33rd Avenue & Morrison Street | Sunnyside neighborhood

This gallery is a locked version of a little library. Each month, a local artist puts on an exhibit of a tiny version of their actual artwork. “There've been installations of tiny little photography in there; there've been installations of little ceramic works,” Harms Mahlandt says. ” It's always very beautiful and it changes out monthly."

🦖 Dinorama, Small Scenes, and a Mug Exchange

Southeast 78th & Morrison Streets | Montavilla neighborhood

These are Rachael Harms Mahlandt’s own creations. It started with a scene involving dinosaurs. Now you can exchange dinosaur-related things. And there’s also a small artistic scene (new each month, like the mini gallery) as well as a mug exchange. “ Who doesn't want a new mug?” asks Harms Mahlandt. (And who doesn’t have one to get rid of?)

🎈 Find More Joy

• Look at PDX Sidewalk Joy for more sidewalk exhibits in our city that you might want to visit.
• Check out the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map for locations in Portland and beyond, including the FoPo Fibrary for knitting and crocheting.