A new project might have people walking new paths through downtown Niles.

Hidden in the city’s alleyways are several doors painted in unique ways by local artists.

Most of the doors are small — also called “fairy” doors — while a few are larger, full-sized doors.

Two of the large ones can be found next to one another in an alley on the 100 block of Main Street, while the smaller doors are dispersed in the alleys behind businesses on Main Street, in trees and inside businesses.

Lisa Croteau, of Niles Main Street DDA, said the project is designed to get people to explore the city’s alleys and shops.

“A lot of people are having a blast looking for our fairy doors,” she said. “It is a lot of fun so we encourage people to come and check it out.”

Niles Main Street announced the project in April, asking local artists to participate by painting doors that would be placed in the city’s alleyways.

Croteau said there are currently 19 fairy doors and three large ones on display with more to come in the near future.

Anyone wanting to paint a door should contact Croteau by phone at (269) 687-4332 or by email at nilesmainstreet@sbcglobal.net.

“We still would be very happy if someone wants to paint a door,” she said.

Niles Main Street plans to auction off the doors at an event in August. The date has yet to be set. Proceeds from sales will be split 50/50 between Niles Main Street and the artists.

Croteau said the idea for the alley art project came during the city’s participation in the Michigan Municipal League’s PlacePlans project.