To many, vending machines conjure visions of junk food, tepid soda and the ultimate heartbreak: a snack stranded between coil and glass. When Good Things Vending founder Steph Krim looks at at a vending machine, she sees the future: automated storefronts for artists.

A self-proclaimed “joyous community-driven and collaborative automation experience,” Chicago art collective Good Things Vending transforms rusty old vending machines into pint-sized oddities shops stationed throughout the city. Each machine is painted by a local artist with a mural that reflects its surroundings: the Garfield Park Conservatory’s machine is bedecked with daisies and periwinkle petunias, Revolution Brewing’s is adorned with abstract faces and hands raising pints of beer. To maintain novelty and support as man

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