FadeDec 6, 2022
Every time I go to the pharmacy, I stop by the art machine to get an art. It's a converted cigarette machine--there's a whole series but I've only ever seen this one--and for five dollars it'll give you art in a box the size of a cigarette pack. Mostly painted wood blocks of that size, but I've gotten pottery and plush and earrings and a tiny notebook too.
Show threadFadeDec 6, 2022
Today's art is a bit unusual: an actual sculpture, packed so securely it was just fine even after being shipped and vended and shoved in a pocket for the walk back to my cubicle.
Show threadFadeDec 6, 2022
Now it gets to hang out with various other bits of art I've bought from this machine over the years.
Show threadFadeDec 6, 2022
(Not pictured: about ten other painted wood blocks; various types of earrings made from beads, copper, recycled markers, and laminated stamps; a stand-up model of a rocket in wood; and one slightly baffling dangling inspirational saying plaque. I never did get the tiny mobile of tiny origami because that sold out before I made up my mind.)
Show threadFadeDec 6, 2022

Anyway one thing I love about this machine is the way it combines a lot of weird little bits of commercial incentive--themed blind boxes, vending machines, convenient location, low price--with some sort of support for a bunch of different independent artists. I feel pleased every time I buy an art from the art machine, whether or not what I get is quite to my taste.

I have a whole set of painted blocks with houseplants, since my cubicle can't support a live one.

Show threadFadeDec 6, 2022

And for folks in the UK, it looks like there's a smaller local version (not affiliated, just similar premise) that's doing bookings; something to keep an eye on for both the art-makers and the art-appreciators. (Groups with significant overlap, those.)

https://post.lurk.org/@h/109467953793029262

[ h o n o r ] (@[email protected])

@[email protected] @[email protected] hey! i actually run an art vending machine in the uk.. booking next summer right now. feel free to send us a proposal! https://specialdispensations.net <3

post.lurk.org
Show threadFadeDec 6, 2022
In retrospect I should've put a tag in there at some point, but 'art' seems too broad and I'm not sure what the appropriate specific one would be. (I am bad at tagging things. Here, AO3, Tumblr...) Oh well. At least I remembered image descriptions!
Show threadFade
Oh and since several people have asked about location(s), here's a link to the page on the Art-o-mat website that shows where all of theirs are. https://www.artomat.org/locations/
Locations | Art-o-mat®

Dec 6, 2022 at 10:48pmWeb
Show threadClifton RoystonDec 7, 2022

@fade

Wow! There are not one, but *two* in town here. I'm gonna hit 'em up.

And interesting, the one I was talking about at Mass MOCA is not on here, so it must be an independent art vending machine.

Show threadFadeDec 7, 2022
@CliftonR Someone earlier today noted they were putting together a different art vending machine somewhere in the UK--so I love that it's apparently an idea multiple people have taken up independently, it would seem.
Show threadClifton RoystonDec 7, 2022

@fade

The Cigarette packs => Art transform
is "be the change you want to see."

Show threadTracy T WilsonDec 8, 2022
@fade I will be at my local art-vending location next week! I want to buy an art!