So you’ve made something magical—maybe it’s a painted mushroom, a tiny poem on a wood tag, or a pocket-sized painting—and now you’re wondering… where does it go? Welcome to the PDX Sidewalk Joy Map, a curated constellation of art swaps, treasure boxes, dioramas, and quirky installations scattered all over Portland. These spots are open to all and full of delight. Whether you want to leave a gift, swap a zine, or sneak in a little whimsy, we’ve got you covered with six standout destinations—and project ideas to match.
The Crow Treasures Cabinet
SE 80th Ave near SE Main St – Montavilla Neighborhood
Inspired by the way crows leave shiny gifts for humans they like, this cabinet is full of beads, buttons, polished stones, and sparkly found objects. If your art style leans toward the small and mysterious, this is your place.
Suggested Project:
Mini resin or painted trinkets that look like treasures a crow might collect—bonus points if you leave a note explaining what kind of human this gift is for.
Materials you can find at Art Supply Center:
- Bling embellishments
- Posca markers for decorating tiny wood shapes
- Small glass jars with corks
- Jewelry resin molds (available occasionally)
Affirmation Station
SE 84th near SE Lafayette – South Tabor
This bright little installation is packed with feel-good messages and tiny magnetic boxes full of hope. It’s built around the idea that words matter—especially kind ones.
Suggested Project:
Painted wooden shapes or tags with affirmations, jokes, or encouragement. You can handwrite or stencil the message, then leave it to brighten someone’s day.
Materials you can find at Art Supply Center:
- Small chipboard or wood shapes (hearts, stars, speech bubbles, etc.)
- Paint pens or fine-tip markers
- Acrylics + quick-dry sealant
- Adhesive magnets (optional!)
Be Kind VHS Depot
SE 45th & Center – Creston-Kenilworth
Yes, it’s a real VHS exchange. Yes, it’s amazing. But this quirky depot isn’t just for tapes—it’s a media free-for-all, and that includes handmade weirdness.
Suggested Project:
Create a zine-sized booklet or hand-painted “VHS-style” art card. Slide it into a case if you’ve got one, or leave a retro-themed mini painting for someone to discover among the tapes.
Materials you can find at Art Supply Center:
- Black cardstock or zine paper
- White gel pens or chalk markers
- Mini canvases or 5×7 canvas boards
- Cassette-style washi tape
The Puzzle Barn + Sketch Barn
NE 11th & Knott – King Neighborhood
This two-part installation includes a free puzzle exchange and a free sketch exchange. It’s the perfect drop-off point for those of us who sketch compulsively and want our drawings to live out in the world.
Suggested Project:
Leave an original sketch, doodle, mini illustration, or maybe even a themed puzzle. It’s a judgment-free zone for ink, pencil, paint, or collage.
Materials you can find at Art Supply Center:
- Blank puzzles
- Watercolor postcards
- Drawing pencils, micron pens, or ink liners
- Art paper pads or handmade paper
- Envelopes or display sleeves (optional)
Insectorium PDX
SE Pine & SE 119th – Mill Park
A full-on bug-themed swap box. Trade insects or insect-adjacent treasures—real, fake, hand-drawn, beaded, carved, or collaged. You know we’re into it.
Suggested Project:
Make a set of bug portrait tiles—tiny painted beetles, embroidered moths, even stamped insects. Use whatever medium speaks to your inner entomologist.
Materials you can find at Art Supply Center:
- Mini wood panels or discs
- Posca markers or acrylics
- Bug stamps (if available) or lino carving blocks
- Glitter paint for wings (optional but encouraged)
Love Letter Box
SE Mall St near 72nd – Mt. Scott-Arleta
One of our absolute favorites. This heartfelt box invites you to leave notes, art, poetry, trinkets—anything that makes someone feel seen, appreciated, or loved.
Suggested Project:
Create a folded art letter—part mini-zine, part illustrated note, part sticker pack. Tuck it into a handmade envelope or box and leave it with a message that says “For You.”
Materials you can find at Art Supply Center:
- Zine-making paper, washi tape, and stamps
- Sticker sheets (cut-your-own or ready-made)
- Origami or patterned paper
- Gel pens and metallic markers
There are over 100 Sidewalk Joy installations across Portland. Some trade puzzles, some share plants, some just want to make you laugh—and every single one could use a little creative love. Stop by Art Supply Center to stock up on tiny canvases, wood shapes, paint pens, glitter, paper, and all your joy-making supplies. Tag us @artsupplycenter if your art hits the streets—we’d love to see it out in the wild.
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