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PDX Sidewalk Fun map

Local map for Portland

Two enthusiasts of Tiny Things — PDX Dinorama and PDX FLAG — have collaborated on a periodically-updated map of FLAGs and similar things in Portland, Oregon and vicinity. Since my map doesn’t list display-only galleries, toy exchanges, and the like, they have a bunch of stuff not listed here, but which may be of interest to those who like Tiny Things and are in Portland. View the PDX Sidewalk Joy Map as a PDF file here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FaWWxF0rTxmP_6twtVC7yXGKe7PJTf7s/view Or explore the “live” Google Maps version here (open in new tab):

A first: Africa (Johannesburg)

Wow, okay! We’ve broken into a new continent! Here’s the first Free Little Art Gallery in Africa (that we know about). There are actually a set of three created by the same person, as part of a documentary film project. The galleries are all in the Johannesburg area, and are operated by “Imari” last name possibly van der Walt. They want to create more of them and are asking for venues to host them. Project website and Instagram feed.

Tempe, Arizona

Opening today, the first Free Little Art Gallery (that we know of) in Tempe, Arizona! It appears to have solar-powered lights…

Takoma Park, Maryland

Part of the Arts MAGNET program I wrote about earlier, this gallery operated by the Operation ARTS Foundation appears to be the first in its town. I adore the decorations on the sides, and the gallery has either metal on the back or magnetic paint, which I approve of since I mostly make magnets.

Victory Heights, Seattle Washington

Thanks to @littlelibraryguy for the tip on this one. The VICTORY HEIGHTS Free Little Art Gallery in Seattle is a new-ish transplant of the former Wallingford gallery. If you’re in the area, please stop by, peruse the free art, and bring home a treasure, or leave something for someone else to love! The curator asks that if you want to mail art, query first via DM. I do wish people would let me know when they move their galleries so I can update the map — and announce the new location here.

Veterans Park, Edmonston MD

Known for its family-friendly outdoor Go Kart track, this town now has another claim to fame with the addition of a Free Little Art Gallery on the bank of the Anacostia River. One of four sponsored by the Operation ARTS Foundation as part of their Art Magnet initiative, this capacious and eye-catching gallery has a magnet-compatible back wall, which I like since magnets are kind of my thing. More pictures here.

Tallahassee, Florida

OK so this is cool. The Tally FLAG is an old post box that’s been repurposed into a Free Little Art Gallery by replacing the metal doors with plexiglass (is what I think it is). It’s got lots of space, and it’s built for outdoors with sturdy metal construction. And of course magnets will stick to it, so I sent them some — the address is in the map entry. Welcome to the FLAG community, curator Holly Kratt!

FLAG at Gateway Art Center

Gateway Arts Center, Brentwood, MD

Part of an “Art Magnet” initiative that I hope sticks, the Operation ARTS Foundation has a project to create Free Little Art Galleries at various points around town, concentrating on high traffic areas. One of these is at the Gateway Arts Center in Brentwood. More pictures here. The administrator writes: “Art M.A.G.N.E.T.” is a public art project created by Operation ARTS Foundation to encourage creative community interaction through art! This is a public art project created to showcase Maryland’s creatives through miniature art galleries placed among local established landmarks and parks throughout Maryland. During the… Read More »Gateway Arts Center, Brentwood, MD

Port Austin, Michigan

This new, brightly painted gallery along a coastal road is ready for your art. If you live in the area, stop by — if not, check with curator Deborah Maxwell before sending art by mail. I sent a few magnets… Based on the Instagram account name — @freelittleartgallery_thumbmi/ — there is something to do with thumbs here? It is a mystery. But we can live with mysteries. Not all questions have answers.