A new vending machine at Commonwealth Brewing Co in Fairfax City gives community members a way to support local artists and parks at the same time.
The Mini Art Vending Machine supplies pocketed-sized works of art that customers can purchase for just four quarters — funds that will benefit the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Department under a partnership with Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED).
After getting unveiled last Saturday (Oct. 11) at the city’s annual Fall Festival, the vending machine officially launched yesterday (Thursday) and will remain stationed at Commonwealth Brewing (10426 Main Street) for about a month before moving to a new location.
“What I love about this project is that it brings together two things we care deeply about — supporting local artists and strengthening our small business community,” FCED Assistant Director for Programs and Retail Strategy Tara Borwey said in a press release. “By placing the vending machine in local shops and gathering places, we’re helping to drive foot traffic, spark curiosity, and encourage people to explore all that Fairfax City has to offer.”
FCED didn’t identify the next business that will host the vending machine, but the installation will appear first at the 39th Annual Holiday Craft Show scheduled for Nov. 15 and 16 at Fairfax High School.
According to the release, the initiative’s goal is to give local artists “an accessible, interactive platform,” allowing them to bring their work to a wider audience.
The inaugural featured artist is illustrator and comic artist Ash Smith, an Alexandria resident who graduated from George Mason University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in art and visual technology.
For the Mini Art Vending Machine, they created a series of nine prints titled “Ghost Occupations” that reflects their interest in stories that mix the mundane with magical or spooky elements.
“For the vending machine project, I was excited about the collectible aspect — I wanted to create art that people would want to collect as
a complete set,” Smith said. “I also wanted to represent occupations found in businesses and venues throughout Old Town Fairfax. So ‘Ghost Occupations’ felt like the perfect fit for this project.”
Other artists interested in getting involved with the vending machine initiative can apply through Fairfax City’s public art program.
Right now, the city is looking specifically for works that match the theme “Making Spirits Bright!” for the winter holidays, but submissions that don’t fit the theme are always accepted on a rolling basis. The deadline for the current theme is Nov. 6 at 4 p.m.
“This playful project is a creative way to promote area artists while bringing art directly into our community,” Fairfax City acting cultural arts manager Christine Vincent said of the Mini Art Vending Machine. “For just one dollar, you receive a small art print — which could make a big impact. Art is for everyone, and the joy and beauty art offers us is even greater when shared.”
The Fairfax City Public Arts Program also has an open call out for artists to design wraps for the traffic signal boxes found throughout the city.
