Accessible Richmond art vending machines dispense creativity

Saanvi Vootla, Contributing Writer

At the Gold Lion Community Cafe in Manchester, plant-based foods and hand-brewed chai are aplenty. But a hidden treasure is waiting to be found inside — a vending machine that offers more than just snacks.

Aaryanna Nijjar-Simmonds, who prefers to be referred to by her artist name Disco Bunny, created her art vending machines to fulfill a mission: to combat discrimination and adversity by making Richmond’s local art more accessible.

The machines feature a diverse array of artwork from 25 local artists in various mediums, including clay works, micro-pottery, resin and more. 

The idea of an art vending machine is not new, but it is a modern approach to the design, according to Bunny.

“There is quite a large barrier to entry within these art markets as well, and I knew I couldn’t be the only one facing this,” Bunny said. “So, why not a vending machine?”

To overcome those barriers, Bunny set out on a journey of implementing the vending machines across Richmond, she said. The machine at Gold Lion opened in August, following the first machine at SCRAP RVA in Northside. She is currently searching for a third location.

“It is real art made by real people,” Bunny said. “The best part, artists keep 100% of their profits.” 

Bunny documented her journey with her “Vend and Snap” series on Instagram, in which she uses interactive videos to showcase the work it took to implement the machines. Support from the community has made the series fulfilling. The rise of the vending machines in the area has become a way for the public to engage with the city’s art scene outside of areas like the Arts District and VCU.

“A lot of us put in a lot of labor and love into our pieces, and it was great working with Aary [Bunny], albeit virtually, on this project,” said Jyoti Lyttle, an employee at Gold Lion and artist whose work is featured in the cafe’s machine. 

Extensive crowds have lined up to use the machines at both locations. Reilly McNamara, a customer and local art fan, has been following Bunny’s project as the machines spring up across the city. 

“It’s really cool being able to showcase local artists in a way that’s accessible to folks,” McNamara said. 

Richmonders can learn more about the project on Disco Bunny’s Instagram (@heydiscobunny) or her website (discobunny.world). Artists can apply to have their work sold in the machines in October.