Art vending machines in Milwaukee sell bite-size artwork made by local creators

MILWAUKEE — For a few dollars converted into a magic token, a new collection of vending machines in Milwaukee dispense a bite-size snack. But not the kind for eating — The Wizard’s Print Snacks sell miniature, handmade artwork by local creators.

Finding them takes a bit of an artistic adventure. The three machines can be found in various creativity hubs — an artist-run workshop space, a tattoo studio, and Milwaukee’s newest gallery.

Mya Giuliani is the wizard behind the print snacks, and the owner of River Press. The idea for bringing art vending machines to Milwaukee stemmed from a visit to Good Things Vending in Chicago.

“I’ve always wanted one of my own, so I kind of stumbled into building an algorithm on Facebook marketplace that sent me a lot of old school analogue vending machines,” Giuliani told WTMJ.

After some repairs and a new coat of paint in whimsical purples and yellow, the mechanical machines were ready to stock everything from jewelry and keychains, to coasters and make-your-own print kits.

The machines maintain a clunky, retro feel with crank and spin dials that take quarters or tokens. Each crank is $5 or $8, with the actual payments accepted in cash or credit card at the business where the machine lives. Giuliani says the artists get to keep all of their own proceeds.

“It gives [artists] kind of parameters to work under, and that can make art really interesting,” they said. “Also for a lot of folks this is their first time selling art professionally, so they’re getting kind of a trial into that world without a big commitment.”

The largest vending machine is located at Tooth & Nail Studio and Gallery in Bay View, an artists’ workshop space that hosts classes and is open to the public on Saturdays. A medium size machine is located at tattoo studio Patchwork Collective in Riverwest, just down the road from River Press. The studio is appointment only, but owner Sydney Lange says they’re happy to open the door to anyone who wants to use the machine.

“It feels very Milwaukee, especially having local artists,” Lange told WTMJ. “Our customers really love it.”

Every artist selling in the vending machines or the new River Press gallery is based in the Milwaukee area. Giuliani is still accepting applications for more vending machine art.

Living up to its namesake, the River Press gallery offers the largest print selection in Milwaukee. Accessories and clothing, sun catchers, pins, drawings, stickers and much more from about 50 artists are also for sale with prices ranging from $5 to $300.

“The term many would use is lowbrow. . . but really what I’m looking for is just something that’s accessible,” Giuliani said.

River Press will also host rotating gallery installations in its “micro gallery,” starting with Life Should Make More Sense Than This by Sarah Jane Sutterfield through Nov. 1. An opening reception for the exhibit will be held Friday, Aug. 29 from 5 – 9 p.m.