Rachael Harms Mahlandt on Sidewalk Joy

Dear Best Friends,

Last week I got to sit down with Rachael Harms Mahlandt - and I’m glad I did it then, because right afterward she was on the Kelly Clarkson show so she’ll be in hot demand going forward! I’m only kind of kidding - she’s actually had a lot of well-deserved recognition already, and I was honored she took some time to talk with me!

You can find the whole interview here (and a thousand apologies to Rachael who is the victim not only of my first interview, but also of my first attempt ever at editing a video like this), but you can also read on to learn about the amazing impact she’s had on Portland and beyond - and also how this kind of art can fulfill so many human needs for the individual creating it.

Rachael and the Sidewalk Joy Map

Rachael is a Portland creator who has curated a Sidewalk Joy Map - both for Portland, and now worldwide. The map points you towards miniature, interactive art galleries throughout neighborhoods, existing to create moments of happy distractions and opportunities to connect with one another.

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I’m going to be pretty blunt from the start and tell you something Rachael wouldn’t say: she’s a pretty big deal. She’s been a big deal to me personally, and clearly I’m not the only one feeling this way (Kelly Clarkson, are you kidding me?!!).