Words and Photos by Dascha Orlova
Ron Beideck has called the house on the corner of NE Alberta Court and NE 36th Avenue home since 1994. Though the neighborhood has evolved, one constant remains: Ron’s creative spirit. As a retired typography editor, Ron’s eye has found new expression in an unexpected medium—stuffed animals and toys. During the Covid-19 lockdown, Ron began collecting whimsical items and slowly transformed his yard into a colorful and playful space that incites curiosity from passersby. The windows are adorned with themed collages made from pages of magazines and recycled books that change with the seasons—or rather, the bleaching of the sun. The current theme? Animals. The toys in his yard aren’t just for show—Ron encourages visitors to explore the yard, find a toy they love and give it a new home. It’s his way of spreading joy and fostering a sense of community, one saved toy at a time.
