Sarasota is a wonderful city. It is filled with people who approach life and creativity in ways that constantly surprise me. Every interview is a unique experience—something you can’t plan or predict.
Our city residents, especially those living downtown, have likely encountered the whimsical Tiny Doors (IG: @TinyDoorsSrq) scattered across Sarasota, sparking joy and curiosity for anyone lucky to discover them. These small, beautifully crafted doors tucked into trees, buildings, and other hidden corners remind us to pause and embrace a sense of wonder. Behind this creative wonder is Joan Love, an artist who has infused Sarasota with charm, curiosity, and a touch of childlike joy.
Joan Love, originally from Ohio, has called Sarasota home for the past ten years and spent 30 years in education, inspiring young minds in the classroom. When she retired, she decided to embrace her creative side. Her inspiration for the doors came from an unexpected source: a segment on CBS Sunday Morning about an artist in Atlanta who showcased and created tiny doors. Joan loved the idea but hesitated, unsure if she dared make it herself.
One night, she decided to try. Her first door appeared quietly at St. Armands Circle late at night when no one was around. She wasn’t sure how people would react—would they enjoy it or criticize her for altering public spaces? The following day, Joan walked by to observe. What she saw changed everything. Children knocked on the door, showed it to their parents, and marveled at the tiny details. Their delight gave her the confidence to keep going. Soon, her tiny doors began popping up all over Sarasota, each with its own story.
Joan’s love for children and her teaching background significantly shaped her vision. Those years in education gave her a deep understanding of curiosity, wonder, and the joy of discovery—qualities her tiny doors bring to life for kids and adults alike.
The materials Joan uses for her doors are as diverse as their locations. During a trip to Italy, Joan discovered intricate pottery doors and brought several back to Sarasota. She also orders plastic doors from a craft shop in England, which she customizes and paints by hand. Each door is a labor of love, designed to blend seamlessly into its surroundings while sparking joy for anyone who finds it.
Her doors aren’t just art; they’re now part of Sarasota’s fabric. Each piece has its personality, from a door nestled in a tree outside Starbucks near St. Armands to one carefully placed on an electrical box near Bird Key. City workers have even gone out of their way to protect the doors during maintenance, roping off areas and asking Joan to repair them if needed. Is there anything more heartwarming than a city that embraces creativity like this?
Joan’s project grew organically. At first, she installed the doors quietly and alone, but she began collaborating with local businesses over time. Restaurants like Classico and shops like Toy Lab welcomed the tiny doors, adding flair to the project. She even created a scavenger hunt featuring 20 doors scattered across downtown, offering cookies to reward those who found them all.
Joan is also the author of The ABCs of Sarasota, a playful exploration of letters and art that captures her vibrant spirit and love for the city. The book features pictures highlighting Sarasota's beauty, fun, and excitement, making it a perfect keepsake for residents and visitors alike. It’s available locally at Toy Lab (www.toylabsarasota.com) and online. I am not a kid, but I love the book. It is the best gift Joan could give me, along with the experience of finding the doors.
And the story of tiny doors? They aren’t all Joan’s. Other artists have quietly joined the movement, placing their creations around town. Their identities remain a mystery, adding an element of magic to the experience. Who are these other artists? Where will the next door appear? It’s all part of the charm.
As adults, we often lose touch with the simple joys of life, masking our inner child beneath the responsibilities of work and appearances. Joan’s tiny doors remind us to slow down, look closer, and reconnect with that childlike sense of wonder. They’re not just decorations—invitations to imagine, play, and feel the world more deeply. Whether you’re a child knocking on a tiny door or an adult marveling at its craftsmanship, these little creations bring cuteness and creativity to Sarasota.
Photos: iruphotos.com
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