Jamie Ferguson’s art prints are currently being dispensed by vending machine at Bow Market in Somerville.

Local artist repurposes a vending machine to dispense prints

By Christa Lee

If you’ve ever lined up quarters in a machine to buy stickers, then you might get pleasant flashbacks using the Art Vending Machine, now in Bow Market as of April 12.

Jamie Ferguson, the artist and creator, has filled the machine with art prints based on her photography of the Boston area for the nominal fee of 5 quarters, or $1.25. Her art prints include photography of Fenway Park, the Citgo sign, and the “Make Way for Ducklings” sculpture by Nancy Schön.

“I started this project at the beginning of 2024 after about six months of running a mail club for art prints,” wrote Jamie in an email. She realized that it was offering “people access to art at an affordable price point” and set out to pursue it as a project.

She looked for and found a used vending machine on eBay, repaired it, and made it her own. It’s since been sent on a tour starting at the Cantab Lounge and Brookline Booksmith in 2024, then on to Porter Square Books: Boston Edition in 2025.

“The vending machine concept really aligned with my vision of making art fun and accessible for people, and the undertaking of turning a broken old machine into something beautiful felt like a really fun challenge,” said Jamie. The Art Vending Machine will be bringing its vintage and artistic joy to Bow Market through the spring.