A spark of creativity from the young minds of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students at Neenah’s Alliance Charter School has come to life in the form of a whimsical new community art project: Tiny Doors. Guided by teacher and local art advocate Tami Erickson, this imaginative project brings miniature, hand-crafted clay doors to public spaces across the city.
So, what exactly are Tiny Doors? They are exactly what they sound like—small, colorful, and creatively themed clay doors, carefully glazed and kiln-fired by students. Each one is designed to resemble a magical mouse-sized or fairy-like entrance that’s been affixed to the exterior of a larger public building. With door themes ranging from pineapples and castles to mushrooms, butterflies, and underwater scenes, each Tiny Door offers a little spark of joy and discovery.
The Tiny Doors will be on display in 50+ public locations throughout Neenah from May 1 to May 31 as part of a self-guided art adventure. Visitors can pick up a tour map at the Future Neenah office or download one at neenah.org starting May 1. Curious explorers might spot doors near the Neenah Public Library, the downtown pedestrian alley, The Marketplace, and many other community hot spots.
“Tiny Doors is an awesome opportunity to showcase student talent and for the public to experience a tiny bit of wonder in an unexpected place,” said Erickson, who also serves as an Art Instructor for the Neenah-Menasha YMCA, a member of the Neenah Common Council, and chair of the Neenah Arts Council.
The project began when a fellow YMCA teacher shared the idea after seeing a similar display in Minnesota. Erickson first tested it out at the YMCA before bringing it to her students and then collaborating with Future Neenah—who, in a serendipitous twist, had also been holding onto the idea after seeing Tiny Doors in Oshkosh during the pandemic.
“This project is all about creating community connections and bonding over a creative, new idea showcasing our youth art,” said Sara Hanneman, Assistant Director of Future Neenah.
Tiny Doors is more than just art—it’s an interactive celebration of creativity, exploration, and community pride. Join the fun this May and see how something small can make a big impact!
Contact Future Neenah at 722-1920, visit their website at neenah.org or look on the Future Neenah Facebook page for more details.
Future Neenah, Inc. is a community driven non-profit organization
dedicated to promoting the economic and cultural vitality of Neenah Area.
