Launched in June 2022, the Tiny Art Vending Machine is a whimsical curatorial project by Windsor-based artist Kristina Bradt, transforming a classic gumball dispenser into a portal for affordable, surprise miniature art. Funded by a $3,000 grant from the City of Windsor’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Fund, it commissions local and regional artists to create bite-sized works that fit into vending capsules—evoking childhood nostalgia while democratizing access to original pieces. Bradt, a Sipekne’katik (Mi’kmaq) artist known for her “still life storytelling” that spotlights overlooked objects, aimed to support underrepresented creators and spark joy in the Windsor-Essex community. It’s not just vending—it’s a low-barrier entry to art collecting, with every spin funding future commissions.
How It Works: Twist for a Treasure
- The Machine: A retro-style capsule vendor (repurposed for art) stocked with sealed plastic eggs or tubes. Insert two loonies ($2 CAD? Wait, toonies—two $2 coins for $4 total), give it a crank, and out pops a surprise artwork plus an artist bio card.
- The Thrill: Blind-box mechanics mean no peeking—odds favor variety, but rares (like limited-edition prints) add gamble. Capsules protect pieces during delivery, and the machine’s portable for pop-ups.
- Accessibility Focus: At $4 a pop, it’s cheaper than a coffee, making art “as easy as grabbing a snack.” Bradt emails artists with the fun prompt: “Make tiny art for a vending machine?”—sparking playful, scale-constrained creativity.
The Art Inside: Mini Masterpieces
Initial lineup featured five southwestern Ontario artists, each producing 50–100 pieces in diverse media. Themes? Whimsical, personal, and tiny-scale wonders:
| Artist | Medium | Sample Piece | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various (e.g., local Windsor talents) | Digital prints | Abstract patterns or portraits | Digital dreams in pocket size. |
| Linocut specialists | Hand-carved prints | Mini landscapes or figures | Tactile, folksy folk art. |
| Screen printers | Posters | Tiny motivational quotes or scenes | Bold, graphic pops of color. |
| Sculptors | Clay objects | Whimsical figurines or charms | 3D surprises you can hold. |
| Literary creators | Stickers/Keychains | Word-art or poetic notes | Wearable wisdom or desk decor. |
Bradt rotates artists seasonally, ensuring fresh drops—nothing’s “big” here; everything’s designed to fit a 2–3 inch capsule.
Locations and Pop-Ups in Windsor-Essex
The machine’s nomadic, hitting community hotspots to maximize serendipity. Early 2022 stops included markets and festivals; it’s since become a staple for events:
| Spot | Details | When/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windsor Public Markets | Outdoor market vibes; easy access for families. | Summer 2022 launch; recurring weekends. |
| Art Windsor-Essex Workshops | Tied to Bradt’s classes (e.g., digital drawing for seniors). | 2024–2025 events; pairs with her print challenges. |
| Artcite Inc. (Artist-Run Centre) | Bradt’s programming hub; indoor exhibit tie-ins. | Ongoing; where she coordinates as Programming Coordinator. |
| Community Festivals | Pop-ups at local fairs or markets across Essex County. | Seasonal; check @kristinabradt on Instagram for alerts. |
It’s traveled “across the city,” from breweries (nod to her Collective Arts collabs) to public art walks.
Latest Status
Still spinning! Bradt’s project endures as a community anchor—now in its third year, with fresh commissions and ties to her 2024 “366 Prints Challenge” (one print daily for a leap year). CBC coverage in 2022 called it a “treasure trove,” and it’s inspired similar micro-art initiatives in Ontario