Philly art collection: Vending machine count triples in one year

Fabiola Lara, a Philadelphia-based artist, has tripled her network of art vending machines in the past year. In 2025, she began installing kiosks that dispense miniature Riso prints. At the time, she operated five units across the city. That number has grown to 15 as of late 2026.

Lara curates the inventory for each kiosk to reflect its specific location. The machine at the Independence Hall Visitor Center contains prints of the Liberty Bell. The unit at Reading Terminal Market features images of the market’s signage and a corner sign. She described the layout as a scavenger hunt, encouraging residents and visitors to seek out specific locations to collect unique items.

To support this collection effort, Lara introduced a physical passport. The booklet includes a QR code that links to a map of all vending machine locations. It contains 19 pages where users can store their mini prints and log the item name, location, and date of collection. Each machine features a unique stamp designed by Lara, which participants can use to mark their passport.

The machines themselves are vintage units that Lara restores personally. One example is a 1970s machine at Reading Terminal Market that she repaired from a rusted state. The Riso prints inside are produced using a Risograph, a stencil duplicator similar to screen printing. Lara sources the machines and handles the renovation process herself to maintain a specific aesthetic.

The installations are concentrated in Center City, Fairmount, and South Philadelphia. Lara stated that her goal is to place the machines in creative or landmark sites. She noted that the activity appeals to multiple generations, with families using the passport to explore neighborhoods together. Shopkeepers and participants have reported that the process serves as a social activity for those using the passbook.

Lara emphasized that the project remains local. The prints are produced in Philadelphia, and the machines are placed in areas she believes showcase the city in a distinct way. She is currently working on expanding into Fishtown and North Philadelphia. Future collections may include Eagles-themed prints, though the process of preparing and placing new machines remains a long-term effort.

The expansion is driven by feedback from users who travel specifically to fill their passports. Lara said she is honored that people use the project to view the city through her art and the various locations she has selected. The passport and machine details are available for purchase online.