Art you can’t predict
9/30/2026
Libby Crimmings
Put a few coins or dollars into a vending machine, and you usually know what is coming out: a cold soda, a salty snack or a sweet treat for a quick pick-me-up. Vending machines are all about instant gratification.
But one new vending machine concept in the Des Moines metro offers something a little different. Instead of a snack, drop four quarters into the slot, and out comes an original, miniature piece of art.
The art vending machines are a joint effort between Operation Downtown, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Mainframe Studios. Operation Downtown approached Mainframe with the idea after organizers noticed similar machines in other large cities and were intrigued by the unique offering. Operation Downtown then recruited Mainframe Studios artists to provide the artwork.
Artists create original pieces small enough to fit inside the machines, generally no larger than 4 inches by 4 inches. Currently, the work of 22 artists is represented in five machines across the metro.
The fun is in dropping in the quarters and not knowing what you will get. Each machine showcases the work of five to six artists at varying locations.
Libby Crimmings, Mainframe’s community engagement coordinator, says the vending machines have become a surprising attraction for art lovers.
“Buzz Off” by Jay Vigon
“It’s the nostalgia aspect when somebody puts in a quarter. We purposely made it as a surprise. There’s a lot of excitement. It’s very popular,” she said. “It’s a childlike wonder when they pull out the piece.”
Some people visit all of the vending machine locations in an effort to collect every miniature art piece.
“It’s like a scavenger hunt. Some treat it like Pokémon cards and they want to collect them all,” she said. “You can’t even buy a pack of gum for a dollar, but you can buy a piece of art.”
The machines are not just for art collectors. The artists themselves enjoy the challenge of creating a miniature piece.
“It’s an especially fun challenge for some artists who are used to making humongous paintings,” Crimmings said. “Now it’s a new format. Artists have gotten stuck in a creative rut and this helps provide a new challenge.”
Each piece is a limited edition. Once it is dispensed, that particular piece will not be available again. A few artists have even placed a one-of-a-kind surprise in the machines, similar to a “golden ticket.”
The artwork includes stickers, line-cut designs made on rice paper, handmade and signed prints, and even a miniature piñata that folds up and pops out.
“Mushroom” by Jeff Rider
Artists are paid through Operation Downtown, and the artwork often includes links to the artists, helping promote their work.
Once the machines are emptied, a new batch of artists and artwork will be loaded. Organizers hope to feature new artists every four months.
Mainframe Studios is the largest nonprofit studio for artists in the United States. The facility is at 100% occupancy, with 181 studios and 220 creatives, as some artists share studio space. Nine nonprofits also are located at Mainframe, and a waitlist exists for studio space.
First Fridays is an open house held the first Friday of each month, giving the public an opportunity to meet artists and purchase art while experiencing art activities, live entertainment and food options. In recent months, 2,400 people have attended First Fridays.
“The mini art is a great way to promote artists. Des Moines is impressive. You can be a working artist here. The art and culture scene is thriving,” she said.
For a list of vending machine locations and participating artists, visit www.mainframestudios.org/mini-art-vending-machines. ♦
Jackie Wilson has written hundreds of articles for CITYVIEW and the Iowa Living magazines. She covers ordinary people living extraordinary lives.
