Sangha of Auspicious Companions

Portland’s Whimsical Sidewalk Joy

Across the city of Portland, Oregon, a unique trend known as “Sidewalk Joy” is transforming neighborhoods into outdoor galleries filled with mini-libraries, trinket swaps, and art displays. Inspired by a sense of community, artist Rachael Harms Mahlandt turned her yard into a whimsical playground of installations — from toy dinosaur exchanges to pollinator seed libraries — as a way to spark joy and connection. With an ever-growing Sidewalk Joy Map across the city, anyone can embark on an adventure through over 130 quirky spots, including hand-crank music boxes and a wishing tree adorned with heartfelt notes since 2013. “It’s really easy for us to picture physical destruction, and it’s hard for us to picture intangible rewards,” Harms Mahlandt points out. The map of sidewalk creativity has since gone global, encouraging others to create playful expressions of sharing the human spirit in their own communities.

Be The Change

Create a mini community display in your neighborhood to spark joy and community connections.