Tiny Art, Big Trend: Art Vending Machine Makes Its Southern Maryland Debut

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A trend turning heads — and knobs — across the country has officially arrived in Southern Maryland.

Artist and crafter Anita Evans debuted her miniature art vending machine Monday, July 27, at Boone’s Bagels in Leonardtown. Instead of dispensing candy or toys, the machine offers customers a surprise assortment of miniature artwork, stickers, temporary tattoos and other small treasures.

“It’s basically a mini vending machine that dispenses mini art and stickers, temporary tattoos and trinkets,” Evans said in an interview with The BayNet.

Each turn of the knob comes with an element of surprise.

“Each piece is different, so every time you’ll get something new,” Evans said.

The machine will rotate among businesses, special events and other locations throughout St. Mary’s County, with much of the artwork tailored to each stop. It will also be available to rent for weddings and other special occasions, with artwork designed around the couple, celebration or event theme. Customers could receive a tiny piece inspired by the business or occasion, along with work created by Evans and other artists from around the county.

A National Collectible Craze

Miniature art vending machines have been generating attention across the country, combining the affordability of vending machine prizes with the excitement of collecting original or locally inspired artwork.

In Austin, Texas, a similar project has become a major success. KUT News reported that Austin Mini Art sold more than 45,000 miniature prints after launching in January 2025. Its machines feature pocket-sized artwork inspired by local landmarks, businesses and everyday life.

The concept has also attracted attention in Minnesota. CBS News Minnesota reported that a $1 miniature art vending machine inside a Minneapolis bookstore featured work from more than 80 artists and dispensed nearly 3,000 pieces within several months.

Another collectible miniature print project expanded to dozens of locations nationwide after launching in 2025, with People reporting that more than 150,000 Richard Scarry-inspired prints had been dispensed from small vending machines.

The appeal comes partly from not knowing exactly what will fall into the tray. Like trading cards or blind-box toys, the machines turn each purchase into a small reveal while making artwork accessible to people who might not typically visit a gallery or art market.

Southern Maryland Gets Its Turn

Evans described the experience as similar to collecting Pokémon cards, only with miniature artwork created closer to home. She plans to add Pokémon cards to the machine’s offerings as well.

The machine’s rotating locations will allow Evans to create collections connected to different Southern Maryland businesses and introduce customers to other local artists along the way.

Its first placement at Boone’s Bagels offered Leonardtown customers the opportunity to twist the knob, watch a small capsule drop and discover a one-of-a-kind surprise inside.

The BayNet tried the machine during its debut and received a personalized art piece created by Evans.

For customers, it is a quick and playful way to take home a little piece of local creativity. For artists, it offers a new way to place their work directly into the hands of community members.

And because the contents will continue changing, one turn of the knob may quickly lead to another.

Watch as Southern Maryland’s new miniature art vending machine dispenses a surprise piece of locally created artwork at Boone’s Bagels in Leonardtown.

Where To Find The Machine Next

The art vending machine will continue rotating among locations and special events throughout St. Mary’s County.

Its next scheduled stop will be at The Social in Leonardtown on Saturday, Sept. 5. Evans will then reload the machine before bringing it to the Piney Point Lighthouse event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. The machine will be available at the lighthouse for that day and is expected to return for another event in October.

The machine will also be available to rent for wedding receptions and other special occasions. Evans can customize the contents so the miniature artwork reflects the bride and groom, event theme or person being celebrated.

For rental information or future locations, contact Evans at anedabreak2@hotmail.com, find Anita Evans on Facebook or follow @artV_en on Instagram.

The BayNet will provide updates as additional locations and dates are announced.The art vending machine will continue rotating among locations and special events throughout St. Mary’s County.